Japanese Government MEXT Research Students Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded Graduate Study in Japan)
Description
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is now 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. Applications are submitted through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country.
What is a MEXT Research Student?
A MEXT Research Student is:
- A student enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate program
- Or someone conducting independent research at a Japanese university
- May include a non-regular student receiving preparatory Japanese language education before entering a formal degree course
Degree Level
Japanese Government MEXT Research Students Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded Graduate Study in Japan) is available to undertake Research, PhD, Masters level programs at Japan Universities.
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
- Extension: 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. Fields such as:
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences
- Engineering
- Medical sciences (Note: Clinical practice is not permitted without a Japanese license)
Subjects requiring practical training in industrial settings (e.g., kabuki or factory techniques) are not covered.
Benefits
- 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
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities except Japanese.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Be born on or after April 2, 1991
- 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
- Be physically and mentally fit
- Be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to life in Japan
- Arrive in Japan either in April or October 2026 as per MEXT’s guidelines
- 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:
- First Screening (by Japanese Embassy):
- Submission of documents
- Language exams (English & Japanese)
- Interview
- Provisional Acceptance:
- Applicants who pass the First Screening contact Japanese universities for Letters of Provisional Acceptance
- Second Screening and Final Selection (by MEXT):
- Final selection and university placement
Required Documents
- Application form (2026 format)
- Research plan
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation or expected graduation certificate
- Recommendation letters
- Health certificate
- Abstract of thesis (if available)
- Language proficiency certificates (if available)
- Photographs (for art/music majors)
- Documents must be in English or Japanese, or translated officially.
Deadline:
- 16th May, 2026
Final Notes
- 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)
