Applications for the MEXT Research Students Scholarship 2026 are currently being accepted by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). This esteemed, fully financed fellowship is intended to assist foreign students who want to study at renowned Japanese universities for graduate degrees (master’s or doctoral) or conduct research.
The Japanese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country is where applications for the scholarship must be sent, and each embassy may have different requirements and deadlines.
Both persons undertaking independent research at a Japanese institution and students already enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate program at a Japanese university are eligible applicants. Furthermore, non-regular students who are enrolled in preparatory Japanese language courses prior to starting official degree programs may be eligible for the award.
The fellowship offers overseas students a special chance to participate in academic research and cultural exchange in Japan by covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Please don’t hesitate to ask for more information about the program or assistance with the application process!
Host Country: Japan
University: Japanese Universities
Opportunity Type: Research, PhD, Masters
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- must be a national of a nation with diplomatic ties to Japan.
- must have been born on April 2, 1991, or later.
- By the time of enrollment, you must hold or anticipate holding:
- For a master’s program, a bachelor’s degree
- For a doctoral program, a master’s degree
- Both mental and physical fitness are required.
- must be prepared to pick up Japanese and adjust to Japanese culture.
- must be able to go to Japan by April or October 2026, per MEXT’s regulations.
- Prior to entering Japan, a “student” visa must be obtained.
Benefits:
Allowance per Month:
- For non-regular students, ¥143,000
- For master’s students, ¥144,000
- For doctorate students, ¥145,000
- An extra ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 for pupils assigned to specific areas
- Fees and Tuition: Complete exclusion from tuition, matriculation, and admission fees
- Travel Costs: Economy-class round-trip airfare to Japan from the home country
Deadline: 16 May 2026
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