by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan · Various Japanese National, Public, and Private Universities
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🔴 Annual cycle active🎓 Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral (PhD), Research, College of Technology, Specialized Training College🌍 Japan📌 Government-funded / Merit-based
117,000 JPY to 148,000 JPY per month depending on the level and region
Duration
1.5 to 2 years for Research; 4-5 years for Undergraduate; full duration of degree program
Deadline
Varies by country: April-June (Embassy Track) or October-January (University Track)
Level
Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral (PhD), Research, College of Technology, Specialized Training College
Acceptance
Varies; estimated 5% to 12% depending on country and track
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
Aimed at international students with strong academic backgrounds and a desire to contribute to japan-home country relations, MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship) is a fully funded scholarship for study in Japan. The award covers Covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and preparatory language training and is open to undergraduate, masters, doctoral (phd), research, college of technology, specialized training college students studying humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, arts. The scholarship runs for 1.5 to 2 years for research; 4-5 years for undergraduate; full duration of degree program and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be international students with high grades, meeting age criteria (usually under 25 for UG, under 35 for PG). The application deadline is Varies by country: April-June (Embassy Track) or October-January (University Track), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies; estimated 5% to 12% depending on country and track. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low (Competitive based on national quotas per embassy)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
117,000 JPY to 148,000 JPY per month depending on the level and region
⏳
Duration
1.5 to 2 years for Research; 4-5 years for Undergraduate; full duration of degree program
📅
Deadline
Varies by country: April-June (Embassy Track) or October-January (University Track)
🔬
Fields
Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Arts
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 8,500 to 10,000 active scholars across all categories globally
🌏
Study Country
Japan
🏛️
Provider
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan
📊
Acceptance
Varies; estimated 5% to 12% depending on country and track
The MEXT Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Japanese government. It aims to support international students who wish to study at Japanese universities, fostering international bridges between Japan and other nations through academic exchange.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be international students with high grades, meeting age criteria (usually under 25 for UG, under 35 for PG)
🏛️ Host University
Various Japanese National, Public, and Private Universities
🤝 Sponsor
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), Japan
🔬 Fields of Study
Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Arts
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and preparatory language training
🎯 Target Students
International students with strong academic backgrounds and a desire to contribute to Japan-home country relations
Approximately 2,200 to 2,500 new awardees per year
Winners
Varies; estimated 5% to 12% depending on country and track
Acceptance Rate
Low (Competitive based on national quotas per embassy)
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
72%
Competition
75%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Full waiver of entrance examination, matriculation, and tuition fees
Living Stipend
117,000 JPY (Undergraduate), 143,000 JPY (Masters), 145,000 JPY (Doctoral) per month plus regional supplements
Total Award
117,000 JPY to 148,000 JPY per month depending on the level and region
✈️ Travel: Round-trip economy class international airfare from the home country to Japan🏠 Accommodation: No direct payment, but university dormitories are often available at a low cost paid from the stipend💊 Health Insurance: Enrollment in National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory; costs are covered by the student's stipend🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Full waiver of entrance examination, matriculation, and tuition fees
🏠 Living Stipend
117,000 JPY (Undergraduate), 143,000 JPY (Masters), 145,000 JPY (Doctoral) per month plus regional supplements
🏡 Accommodation
No direct payment, but university dormitories are often available at a low cost paid from the stipend
✈️ Travel Allowance
Round-trip economy class international airfare from the home country to Japan
💊 Health Insurance
Enrollment in National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory; costs are covered by the student's stipend
🎁 Other Benefits
6-month intensive Japanese language course for those requiring it
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to academic performance, maintaining a minimum GPA, and successful progress in research
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizen of a country with Japanese diplomatic relations; age limits apply; high academic achievement
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral (PhD), Research, College of Technology, Specialized Training College
📊 Minimum GPA
2.30 out of 3.00 on the MEXT scale (roughly equivalent to a 3.2+ on a 4.0 scale)
🗣️ English Requirement
TOEFL/IELTS scores required for English-taught programs or B2 level proficiency
🍢 Age Limit
Under 25 for Undergraduate; Under 35 for Research/Graduate students
💼 Work Experience
Not required for most categories; required for Teacher Training and Young Leaders Program
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory but considered a positive attribute during the interview process
💰 Financial Need
No (Selection is strictly based on academic merit and research potential)
🎯 Target Students
International students with strong academic backgrounds and a desire to contribute to Japan-home country relations
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed Field of Study and Research Plan)
Rec Letters
Yes (Minimum of one or two from Dean or Academic Advisor)
Interview
Yes (Primary screening involves a panel interview and written exams)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Minimum of one or two from Dean or Academic Advisor) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
TOEFL/IELTS scores required for English-taught programs or B2 level proficiency
Interview: Yes (Primary screening involves a panel interview and written exams)
Min GPA: 2.30 out of 3.00 on the MEXT scale (roughly equivalent to a 3.2+ on a 4.0 scale)
📋 Application Process
Ensure your research proposal is highly specific, viable in a Japanese context, and aligns with a prospective supervisor's expertise
💡 Insider Tip: Start studying Japanese language before arrival as it is highly valued during the selection process
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Usually April for the following year's intake (Embassy Track)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by country: April-June (Embassy Track) or October-January (University Track)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Primary screening involves a panel interview and written exams)
🎓 Study Starts
April or September/October of each academic year
Usually April for the following year's intake (Embassy Track)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by country: April-June (Embassy Track) or October-January (University Track)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Primary screening involves a panel interview and written exams)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
April or September/October of each academic year
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, performance on written subject exams, interview performance, and research feasibility
Applicants must be international students with high grades, meeting age criteria (usually under 25 for UG, under 35 for PG)
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and preparatory language training. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by country: April-June (Embassy Track) or October-January (University Track). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low (Competitive based on national quotas per embassy). Acceptance rate: Varies; estimated 5% to 12% depending on country and track. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, TOEFL/IELTS scores required for English-taught programs or B2 level proficiency, Yes (Minimum of one or two from Dean or Academic Advisor) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.