This guide is invaluable for your journey as a foreign student applying for MEXT scholarships. This is a competitive award and only the best applicants will likely receive funding. Beyond academic qualifications, several criteria must be met to be considered eligible.
Understanding these requirements and preparing the required documents can simplify the application process. You can read through this article to learn about MEXT scholarships, their benefits, and a detailed application guide.
About MEXT Scholarships
MEXT scholarship also referred to as Monbusho scholarship is financed by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. It supports international students who are admitted to study in any accredited Japanese university program.
Since its inception, over 65000 students across 160 countries have received this program. There are MEXT scholarships available for different levels including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Types of MEXT Scholarships
MEXT offers seven awards to foreign students who plan to further their studies in Japan. They include:
Specialized training scholarship
This scholarship is for students who have completed 12 years of schooling and are enrolling for specialized training. In other words, they must possess certifications equivalent to a Japanese high school diploma. Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old. Japanese, Mathematics, and English examinations are compulsory at the embassy.
Research students scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at college graduates and prospective graduates who wish to undertake research studies. Applicants who have completed 16 years of schooling and are under 35 years of age will be considered. Japanese and English exams will be required by the embassy.
Value: ¥143,000
Japanese studies scholarship
This is a special award open to students who want to pursue Japanese studies as part of their degree program. Eligible applicants must be foreign students who attend schools that major in Japanese culture or Japanese culture outside Japan.
Additionally, they must be between 18 and 30 years of age. Candidates will be expected to pass the Japanese screening at the embassy in their home country.
Undergraduate scholarship
MEXT undergraduate scholarship is open to students who have completed courses equivalent to a Japanese high school program. Only applicants under 25 years of age and enrolled in an undergraduate program will be considered.
Value: ¥117,000
Also Read: 2025 International scholarships for scholarship searchers
Young Leaders Scholarship
This is open to university or college graduates who are professionals in their fields. Applicants should have practical work experience or have been young public administrators. They should be below 40 years old at the time of application.
College of Technology scholarship
This award is exclusive to students pursuing education in a college of technology can apply for this award. To be considered, they must possess at least a high school diploma and must be under 25 years of age. Applicants will be judged based on their performance in Japanese, physics, mathematics, and chemistry examinations.
Teachers training scholarship
For this scholarship, applicants must be teachers with a minimum of five years of active experience. They must be graduates of a teacher training college and also under 35 years of age.
Only primary and secondary school teachers are eligible for this program. Applications from teachers of college and university students will be rejected.
Benefits
MEXT scholarships provide several benefits including;
- Coverage for entrance fees, preparatory allowance, and tuition
- Travel allowance
- Monthly stipends
- Accommodation fees
How to apply for MEXT scholarships
Applications can either be sent directly to the MEXT with a recommendation from a Japanese university or through the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology with a recommendation from the Japanese embassy in your home country.
To apply, complete the MEXT application form and attach the following documents;
- Notarized certificate from your highest degree
- Academic transcripts
- Photographs
- Curriculum vitae and academic thesis for research students
- Two letters of recommendation
- Passport scan
- Statement of purpose
- Medical certificate
Once your application is complete, you should submit it to the Japanese embassy and check your email for an interview invitation.