What is the MEXT Scholarship?
MEXT is the Japanese Government scholarship system for international students. It includes undergraduate, research-student and other categories with separate guidelines and selection routes.
Is MEXT currently open?
MEXT has published 2027 embassy-recommendation guidelines, but application deadlines are set locally by Japanese embassies and consulates. By September 2026 the main 2027 embassy application cycle is generally closed.
What does MEXT cover?
MEXT programmes generally provide tuition support, a monthly allowance and international airfare under the applicable category rules. Exact allowance levels and uncovered travel costs depend on the current guideline.
How should applicants apply?
Use the Japanese embassy or other MEXT recommendation route specified for your country and category. Do not rely on one global deadline because local schedules differ.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
MEXT is a Japanese Government scholarship programme covering tuition, monthly living support and international travel under programme-specific rules. Allowance amounts differ by study category and can change with the Japanese Government budget.
Other verified benefits
MEXT scholarships generally include tuition waiver, a monthly allowance and economy airfare under the applicable guidelines.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
Some domestic travel, airport fees, taxes, travel insurance, baggage and other personal costs may remain the scholar's responsibility under MEXT travel rules.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility differs by MEXT category. Applicants must meet nationality, age, academic and health requirements in the specific undergraduate, research-student or other guideline used for their application route.
The MEXT umbrella includes undergraduate, research-student and other scholarship categories. Applicants must follow the exact guideline and embassy/university recommendation route for their category and country.
Eligible countries
Eligibility and application routes are administered through Japanese embassies/consulates and other MEXT recommendation channels; check the current call for your nationality.
Language requirements
Japanese and/or English requirements depend on category, field, university placement and the relevant MEXT guideline.
Which documents were historically required?
This is a historical checklist, not a current application checklist.
- Passport/ID
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Study plan
- Research proposal
Which documents may be required conditionally?
- English test certificate
- Admission/offer letter
- Host supervisor commitment letter
What should you do next?
- Choose the correct MEXT scholarship category.
- Check the Japanese embassy or MEXT route available for your country.
- Read the current category guideline and local deadline.
- Prepare the official forms and supporting academic documents.
- Submit only through the route stated in the current call.
Frequently asked questions
Is MEXT a fully funded scholarship?
MEXT scholarship categories generally cover tuition, provide a monthly allowance and include international airfare under the applicable rules. Exact payments, travel conditions and additional expenses vary by scholarship category and fiscal-year guidelines, so applicants should use the current official MEXT document.
Does MEXT have one global deadline?
No. Embassy-recommendation applications are handled through Japanese diplomatic missions, which set local schedules. University-recommendation routes also use separate timelines. Applicants should follow the current MEXT guideline and the Japanese embassy or university instructions for their own country.