.png)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is accepting applications for the MEXT Research Students Scholarship 2026. This fully funded scholarship supports international students who wish to conduct research or pursue graduate degrees (Master’s or Doctoral) at top Japanese universities.
Key Details:
* Funding Type: Fully Funded
* Location: Japan
* Degree Levels: Research, PhD, Masters
* Available Subjects: All subjects
* Eligible Nationalities: International students (excluding Japanese)
* Application Deadline: May 16, 2026
↚
What is a MEXT Research Student?
A MEXT Research Student can be:
1. A student enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate program.
2. Someone conducting independent research at a Japanese university.
3. A non-regular student receiving preparatory Japanese language education before entering a formal degree course.
↚
Scholarship Duration
* Non-regular students: Until March 2028 (including 6-month Japanese language training).
* Regular master’s students: 2 years (with extension option).
* Regular doctoral students: 3–4 years depending on the program.
* Extensions: Available for non-regular students who advance to a degree program or from master’s to doctoral.
↚
Available Subjects
Applicants must choose a research field related to their undergraduate major and available at Japanese graduate institutions, including:
* Humanities
* Social sciences
* Natural sciences
* Engineering
* Medical sciences (Note: Clinical practice is not permitted without a Japanese license)
↚
Benefits of the Scholarship
* Monthly Allowance:
* ¥143,000 for non-regular students
* ¥144,000 for master’s students
* ¥145,000 for doctoral students
* Additional ¥2,000–¥3,000 if placed in designated regions
* Tuition and Fees: Full exemption from entrance, matriculation, and tuition fees.
* Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy-class airfare from home country to Japan.
↚
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
1. Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
2. Be born on or after April 2, 1991.
3. Hold or expect to hold by the time of enrollment:
* A bachelor’s degree for a master's program.
* A master’s degree for a doctoral program.
4. Be physically and mentally fit.
5. Be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to life in Japan.
6. Arrive in Japan either in April or October 2026 as per MEXT’s guidelines.
7. Obtain a “Student” visa before arrival.
Note: Candidates already enrolled in Japan or holding dual nationality with Japan must meet specific additional criteria.
↚
Application Procedure
The application involves several stages:
1. First Screening (by Japanese Embassy):
* Submission of documents
* Language exams (English & Japanese)
* Interview
2. Provisional Acceptance:
* Applicants who pass the First Screening contact Japanese universities for Letters of Provisional Acceptance.
3. Second Screening and Final Selection (by MEXT):
* Final selection and university placement.
↚
Required Documents
1. Application form (2026 format)
2. Research plan
3. Academic transcripts
4. Graduation or expected graduation certificate
5. Recommendation letters
6. Health certificate
7. Abstract of thesis (if available)
8. Language proficiency certificates (if available)
9. Photographs (for art/music majors)
10. Documents must be in English or Japanese, or translated officially.
↚
Apply Here:
* Applicants must bring at least USD $2,000 to Japan to cover initial expenses.
* Grantees are expected to participate in cultural exchange and promote ties between Japan and their home countries.
* MEXT reserves the right to modify or cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., war, pandemics, natural disasters).
For more information and to apply, visit the MEXT Research Students Scholarship page [https://www.sb.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00462.html].