The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 offers international students a fully funded opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree at a Japanese national university. The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is for international students, which include a one-year preparatory course in the Japanese language and other subjects, followed by a four-year undergraduate program.
MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 covers tuition, monthly stipends, and round-trip airfare, aiming to foster mutual understanding between Japan and other nations. The application deadline varies by country; for instance, in Pakistan, it’s May 31, 2025 .
Universities/Institutions
- Funded By: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- Host Country: Japan
- Programs Offered: Undergraduate degree programs.
- Program Duration:
- Programs typically last 5 years, including a 1-year preparatory course followed by 4 years of undergraduate study.
Fields of Study
1. Social Sciences and Humanities
- Course A: Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language, Others (excluding Econ & Business)
- Course B: Economics, Business Administration, Others (e.g., Accounting, Financial Economics)
Note: Art-related fields like music are not eligible. Majors under “Others” may have limited university options.
2. Natural Sciences
- Course A:
- Science: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Electrical/Electronic Studies: Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Information Engineering
- Mechanical Studies: Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture
- Civil/Architecture: Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Studies: Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Textile Engineering
- Other: Metallurgical, Mining, Maritime Engineering, Biotechnology
- Course B:
- Agricultural: Agriculture, Animal Science, Food Science, Fisheries, etc.
- Hygienic: Pharmacy, Nursing, Hygienics
- Science: Biology
- Course C:
- Medicine, Dentistry
Note: Applicants selecting Natural Sciences – C can only choose second and third majors from B or C.
MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly Allowance: ¥117,000 + extra ¥2,000–¥3,000 for certain regions.
- Education Fees: The Japanese government waives entrance exam, matriculation, and tuition fees.
- Travel to Japan: Economy-class airfare from your home country (nearest international airport) to Japan.
- Travel from Japan: Return airfare after completing the scholarship program (if returning by the end of the scholarship period).
- Personal Expenses: You must pay for domestic travel, baggage fees, and insurance.
Benefits Not Included
- Accommodation: The scholarship does not cover housing costs.
- Initial Settlement: Expenses like key money or deposits.
Qualifications and Conditions for MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship
- Nationality: Must be from a country with diplomatic ties to Japan; dual nationals must give up Japanese citizenship.
- Age: Must be born on or after April 2, 2001 (some exceptions apply).
- Education: Must have completed or will complete 12 years of education (or equivalent) outside Japan by March or August 2026.
- Japanese Language: Must be willing to learn Japanese and study in Japanese.
- Health: Must be physically and mentally healthy (certified by a doctor).
- Arrival in Japan: Must arrive between April 1–7, 2026 (or within university-specified period for fall intake).
- Visa: Must enter Japan with a “Student” visa.
- Non-Eligibility:
- Military personnel
- Late arrivals
- Previous MEXT recipients
- Applicants for other MEXT programs
- Current students in Japan (unless finishing studies before scholarship begins)
- Those receiving other scholarships
- Those unable to prove academic eligibility by deadline
- Dual nationals who can’t give up Japanese citizenship
- Those who change residence status
- Those planning long-term leave or overseas research
- Those caught cheating during the selection process
Period of Scholarship
1. With Preparatory Education (Typical Case):
- Duration: 5 years (April 2026 – March 2031)
- Includes 1-year preparatory Japanese language and subject study
- For medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or a 6-year pharmacy course: 7 years (until March 2033)
- No stipend for the partial month if university starts mid-month (e.g., September 2–30 = stipend starts in October)
2. Direct University Placement:
- Duration: 4 years (or 6 years for medicine, etc.)
- Starts upon university enrollment (can be April, September, or October 2026)
3. Early Graduation or Withdrawal:
- Scholarship ends at the time of graduation or withdrawal
4. Extension:
- Possible for students advancing to graduate school with excellent academic records and passing a MEXT review
Required Documents for MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship
Required for all applicants (1 original + 1 copy):
- Application Form (use FY2026 version)
- Academic Transcripts (from high school/university as applicable)
- Graduation Certificate or Certificate of Prospective Graduation
- Recommendation Letter (from class teacher or principal)
- Medical Certificate (FY2026 format)
If applicable: 6. Direct Placement Preference Form (submit after passing First Screening) 7. Certificate of Enrollment (if currently enrolled in a university) 8. Certificate of University Entrance Qualification Examination 9. Language Proficiency Certificate (Japanese/English – submit 2 copies)
Important Notes:
- Documents must be in English or Japanese (translated if necessary)
- Submit two sets: one with originals, one with copies
- Label each document with the corresponding number (① to ⑨)
- Photo for Application Form: taken within 6 months, printed on photo paper, 4.5 x 3.5 cm
Suspension or Cancellation of Scholarship
Scholarship may be suspended or revoked if:
- False information was provided on the application.
- Any terms of the scholarship pledge are violated.
- The grantee is imprisoned for more than a year.
- Disciplinary actions are taken by the host institution.
- The grantee cannot complete the program due to academic failure or absence.
- The grantee enters Japan without a proper “Student” visa or changes visa status.
- The grantee accepts another unapproved scholarship.
- The grantee advances education level without an approved scholarship extension.
MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship Application Process
- Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country for detailed application information.
- Fill out the MEXT Scholarship 2026 application form accurately.
- Include all required documents and copies with your application.
- Print the application form on A4-sized paper.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the embassy.
- Shortlisted candidates will be recommended to Japanese universities.
- Universities will review the applications and may issue a Letter of Acceptance.
- Complete all steps and submit the application before the deadline.
- For Pakistani students, the deadline is May 31, 2024.
- Deadlines may vary by country—check your local Japanese embassy’s website.
- Submitted documents will not be returned.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Gather documents and understand requirements ahead of time.
- Language Skills: Enhance your Japanese proficiency; it strengthens your application.
- Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades and obtain compelling recommendations.
- Personal Statement: Clearly articulate your study plans and motivations.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check embassy announcements for updates.
General Notes
- Pre-arrival Preparation: Learn basic Japanese, understand Japan’s climate, customs, education system, and legal differences.
- Initial Expenses: Bring around USD 2,000 to cover initial living costs, as the first payment may be delayed by up to 1.5 months.
- Banking: Scholarship funds are only transferred to a JP Bank account opened in Japan.
- Health Requirements: Applicants with infectious diseases must be fully treated before traveling to Japan.
- Health Insurance: Enrollment in Japan’s National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) is required upon arrival.
- My Number Card: Recommended to obtain upon arrival for administrative purposes.
Accommodation
- Preparatory Period: May stay in designated institution housing; expenses are the grantee’s responsibility.
- University Dorms: Available at some universities but limited.
- Private Housing: Available at the grantee’s expense; difficult for those with dependents—arrival alone is advised.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
- Average range: ¥90,000 – ¥120,000 (approx. $600–$800)
- Costs include accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses
- Urban areas like Tokyo may be more expensive than rural regions
- It’s recommended to have extra funds for initial expenses upon arrival
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The MEXT Scholarship offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture while receiving a world-class education. It alleviates financial burdens, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and personal growth. Moreover, it opens doors to global networks and future career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes, but you must be willing to learn Japanese, as most courses are conducted in the language.
Q2: Is there an age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2000.
Q3: Can I choose any university in Japan?
While you can express preferences, final placement is determined by MEXT based on various factors.
Q4: Are there specific fields of study available?
Yes, fields include Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and more.
Q5: How competitive is the MEXT Scholarship?
It’s highly competitive due to its comprehensive benefits; thorough preparation is essential.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and application forms, visit the official Study in Japan website:
