MEXT Scholarship

Southeast Asia has been gaining popularity among Indians, and Japan is no exception. With world-renowned universities, low tuition fees and many job opportunities, Japan should be on your study abroad list. The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship is a renowned financial aid initiative by the government of Japan for gifted individuals from across the globe. Through the MEXT Scholarship, Japan, famous for its cutting-edge technologies, rich cultural legacy, and esteemed educational institutions, provides a golden opportunity for overseas students to pursue their academic goals in the country.

In this blog, we will explore the MEXT Scholarship, its advantages, eligibility requirements, and the application process to assist you in starting an exciting scholastic adventure in Japan.

Provided By	Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Country	Japan
Deadline	For Graduates: 15th May 2023, For Undergraduates: 29th May 2023

Japanese government scholarship students who stay outside Japan are recruited and selected in two ways:

Embassy recommendation

In this type of scholarship, scholarship recipients are recruited and initially screened by a Japanese embassy (or consulate general, depending on the country). As the application process differs according to the country in which the Japanese embassy is located, please inquire at the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country for details.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must be fluent in English

Applicants must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.

An applicant with Japanese nationality at the time of application is not eligible.

Research students	You must be under 35 years of age and a college graduate (including prospective graduates). Or you must have completed 16 years of schooling.
Undergraduate students	You must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age and have completed 12 years of school education or courses in a school comparable to a high school (including prospective graduates).
College of Technology students	You must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age and have completed school education comparable to a high school (a minimum of 11 years beginning in primary school) education (includes prospective graduates).
Specialised Training College students	You must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age and have completed 12 years of schooling or have completed a school education comparable to a Japanese high school (including prospective graduates).
Teacher Training students	You must be under 35 years of age and a graduate of a college or teacher training college. You must have at least five years of active experience as a teacher in your country’s primary, secondary or teacher-training college. (Please note that college and university teachers currently in active service are not considered for this scholarship).
Japanese Studies students	You must be from 18 to 30 years old. You must be enrolled as undergraduate students in faculties or schools which major in Japanese language or Japanese culture in a university outside Japan when they come to Japan and must be enrolled in the home institution when they return to their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits

1. Allowance – 117,000 yen (Approx. Rs.70,000) per month. A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month will be added to the monthly scholarship amount for the grantees studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.

2. Education Fees – Fees for the entrance examination, matriculation, and university tuition will be paid by MEXT.

3. Travelling Expenses – Also, roundtrip airfare will be provided to the selected Scholars.

For more information regarding the scholarships, applicants can visit:
For Graduates
For Undergraduates

How to apply?

If you want to know in detail how to fill MEXT application form then you can visit this page

MEXT Scholarship: How to fill Application Form

Examinations Required for Embassy Recommendation

Research students	Japanese and English
Teacher training students	Japanese and English
Undergraduate students	Japanese, English, mathematics, science (*Only science faculty examinees are required to choose two out of the following three subjects: chemistry, physics, or biology)
Japanese studies students	Japanese
College of technology students	Japanese, English, mathematics, and physics or chemistry
Specialized training college students	Japanese, English, and mathematics

Research student, Undergraduate student, College of Technology student, and Specialized training college student

Recruitment for those arriving in Japan next April is made between April and May. The initial screening (documentary examination, written test and interview) is made at the embassy between June and July. The embassy then recommends the selected candidates to the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by late August.

Teacher training and Japanese studies student

Recruitment for those arriving in Japan in September-October is between December of the previous year and the following February. Screening is conducted between February and March. Selected candidates are recommended to the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the beginning of April.

University recommendation

Unlike the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, this program involves direct nomination from Japanese universities, providing a more focused and institution-specific approach. Below, you’ll find all the key details, combining insights from the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, and Ritsumeikan University, making this guide as comprehensive as possible.

University Recommended track, Japanese universities nominate students who meet their academic standards and have strong potential in research or their chosen fields. Each university has its own process and eligibility criteria, but the common goal is to recruit promising students from around the world and support their educational journey in Japan.

The MEXT University Recommended Scholarship offers support for various levels of study:

1. Undergraduate Students
   Undergraduate students seeking a bachelor's degree in Japan can apply for this scholarship if they receive a university recommendation. The specific fields of study vary by university, and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic backgrounds.

2. College of Technology Students
   This scholarship also supports students enrolled in technology-focused programs at Japanese colleges. These are typically three- to four-year programs emphasizing practical and technical skills.

3. Japanese Studies Students
   Students who are already enrolled in undergraduate programs abroad and wish to study Japanese language, culture, and related subjects in Japan can apply under the Japanese Studies category. This program typically lasts one year.

4. Master’s and Doctoral Course Students
   This is one of the most sought-after options under the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship. Students can apply for master’s or doctoral programs in various fields, depending on the university offering the scholarship. Strong academic performance, research potential, and leadership qualities are essential for selection.

Scholarship Benefits

The University Recommended MEXT Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support for students. The benefits include:

• Monthly Stipend
  Scholars receive a monthly stipend that varies based on their level of study. For master’s and doctoral students, the stipend is typically around 144,000 JPY per month, while undergraduate students receive around 117,000 JPY. Some students in specific regions may also receive an additional 2,000–3,000 JPY per month.

• Tuition Coverage
  The scholarship covers full tuition fees, meaning students do not need to worry about academic costs.

• Travel Expenses
  Scholars are provided with a round-trip flight ticket from their home country to Japan at the beginning and end of their studies.

• Accommodation and Other Support
  Many universities offer subsidized or free accommodation for MEXT scholars, helping them settle in Japan more comfortably.

Selection Process and Requirements

The process of securing the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship involves several key steps:

1. University Selection
   Applicants must first identify universities in Japan that participate in the MEXT University Recommendation program. Different universities have different fields of study and eligibility criteria. It’s essential to carefully research which universities align with your academic goals.

2. Application to the University
   Students must apply directly to the university they wish to attend. Universities have their own application forms, deadlines, and procedures. They often require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, research proposals (for graduate students), and proof of language proficiency.

3. Language Requirements
   Although some programs are offered in English, many require a certain level of Japanese language proficiency. It’s advisable to check with each university whether your desired program is taught in English or Japanese.

4. Recommendation Process
   Once the university accepts the applicant, they recommend the candidate to MEXT for final approval. Universities typically evaluate candidates based on academic achievements, research potential, and their fit for the program.

5. Final Approval by MEXT
   MEXT conducts a final review after receiving the university’s recommendation. This process ensures that candidates meet all government and scholarship requirements. Once approved, the applicant is officially a MEXT scholar and will receive the scholarship benefits.

Application Timeline

The application period for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship generally starts in fall, with the deadline varying by university. The results are typically announced in the spring, and the selected scholars begin their studies in Japan the following academic year (starting in April or October).

• Fall: Universities begin accepting applications.
• Spring: Universities submit their recommendations to MEXT.
• April or October: Successful scholars commence their studies in Japan.

Important Considerations

• Multiple Applications: Students can apply for the MEXT Scholarship at more than one university. However, they can only accept one scholarship if multiple offers are made.
• Renewal and Continuation: For long-term programs, such as master’s or doctoral courses, the scholarship is often renewable annually based on academic performance. MEXT scholars are expected to maintain a high academic standing and show progress in their research or studies to continue receiving support.

University-Specific Information

1. Ritsumeikan University
   Ritsumeikan University offers MEXT scholarships for graduate students. They emphasize fields such as international relations, policy studies, and science and engineering. Students are encouraged to apply through the university’s website, and research-focused students are prioritized .

2. University of Tokyo
   The University of Tokyo offers MEXT scholarships primarily for graduate programs. Their fields of study include the natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences. The application process is highly competitive, with priority given to students who have demonstrated research potential .

3. Osaka University
   Osaka University provides MEXT scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on international relations, engineering, and sciences. Their application process is detailed on their admissions page, and they encourage prospective students to prepare well in advance .

For further information, you can visit the following university-specific pages:

• Ritsumeikan University Link
• University of Tokyo Link
• Osaka University Link

Note: The application fee is not charged. So please be aware that organisations or individuals who charge application fees or deposits have no relation with the Japanese Government.

Types and Their Status

*if are you using phone then slide the table horizontally

	Research students	Teacher training students	Undergraduate students	Japanese studies students	College of technology students	Specialized training college students	Young leaders program (YLP) students (*3)
Embassy recommendation	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
University recommendation (*1)	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (Recommendation by College of technology)	No	No
Level of studies	Graduate school level		Undergraduate level				Graduate school level
Duration	[Embassy Recommendation] Irregular course: within 2 years Regular course: standard school year (when necessary, 6 months preliminary education will be added) [University Recommendation] Duration depends on each school's quota (6 months up to standard school years)	Within 1 year and 6 months including Japanese language education	[Embassy Recommendation] 5 years including Japanese language training (7 years for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science) [University Recommendation] 6 months up to standard school years (Normally, there is no preliminary education)	One academic year	4 years including Japanese language training (4 years and 6 months for merchant marine studies)	3 years including Japanese language training	1 year
Preliminary training of Japanese etc.	6 months (Only those who need this training)		1 year(Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Osaka University)	None	1 year (JASSO Tokyo Japanese Language Education Center)	1 year (Bunka Institute of Language, JASSO Osaka Japanese Language Education Center)	None
Field of study	Major in field of specialty at a graduate school etc.	Teacher training at a University	Undergraduate education	Special training in Japanese language or Japanese culture	Transfer to the third year of College of technology	Specialized courses	Master course at a graduate school
Scholarship	¥143,000～145,000 per month		¥117,000 per month				￥242,000 per month
Tuition	Exempted
Travel allowance	Round-trip travel expenses (airfare) provided (*2)

As the application process and specific schedule differ according to the country of your nationality, please inquire the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country for details. DO NOT send any application documents directly to MEXT in Japan.

List of Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates General

Applicants MUST read through the Application Guidelines below and follow the instructions. Application Forms along with Certificate of Health, and Recommendation Letter should be submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country. These documents can be printed out and filled in by hand-written, typed out, or filled in with software applications and printed out.

Click the below link to download and Guide for all the necessary documents

Documents for Application

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