The MEXT Research Scholarships for 2027, funded by the Japanese Government, are now available for foreign applicants wishing to study in Japan. These scholarships support Master’s and Ph.D. degrees, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Application Deadline:
- First Screening (Diplomatic Mission) Deadline: Varies by country. Applications open around mid-April 2026, with document submissions typically closing between May and July 2026 at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Tell Me About The Program:
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for Research Students is a prestigious postgraduate grant offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. It enables international scholars to pursue master’s courses, doctoral courses, professional graduate degrees, or non-degree preparatory research at Japanese universities. The program covers full tuition, provides monthly living allowances, and includes round-trip international airfare to foster global academic exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties between Japan and participating nations.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Eligible Disciplines: Applicants must apply for the field they majored in at the university level or a closely related discipline capable of being researched at the graduate level in Japan.
- Medicine, Dentistry, & Welfare Sciences: Clinical training (such as medical surgery or patient care) is restricted until a relevant Japanese license is issued by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare.
- Ineligible Fields: Traditional entertainment arts requiring practical company/factory apprenticeships (e.g., Kabuki, classical Japanese dance) are excluded.
Type:
Fully Funded Postgraduate Government Scholarship & Research Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Nationality: Must hold nationality of a country maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan. (Dual citizens with Japan must relinquish Japanese citizenship prior to arrival in Japan).
- Age Requirement: Must be born on or after April 2, 1992 (in principle, under 35 years old at the time of program start).
- Academic Qualifications:
- Master’s / Doctoral (First Phase): Completed 16 years of school education outside Japan or earned a Bachelor’s degree equivalent (minimum 3-year standard study period).
- Doctoral (Second Phase): Awarded an overseas Master’s or professional degree, or completed 2+ years of university research post-graduation recognized as equivalent to a Master’s degree.
- Medical / Dental / Veterinary / Pharmaceutical PhDs: Completed 18 years of school education outside Japan or a 5-year bachelor’s equivalent.
- Language & Mindset: Willingness to learn the Japanese language, adapt to life in Japan, and engage in cultural exchange.
- Health: Medically fit as certified by a licensed physician.
- Exclusions: Military personnel/civilian employees, current recipients of other Japanese government scholarships, students already enrolled in Japanese universities as privately financed students, or candidates unable to obtain a new “Student” visa before travel.
How are Applicants Selected:
- First Screening (Embassy Stage): Initial document review, written language examinations (Japanese and English), and panel interviews conducted by the Japanese diplomatic mission.
- Provisional Acceptance: Candidates passing the First Screening contact target Japanese universities directly to request provisional acceptance letters.
- Second Screening (MEXT Stage): Final selection and university placement matching conducted centrally by MEXT in Tokyo.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to citizens of all countries holding formal diplomatic relations with Japan).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Graduate schools, undergraduate research institutes, and university research facilities across Japan.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Highly competitive global cohort distributed across Japanese higher education institutions.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- Preparatory / Non-regular Research Students: 143,000 yen / month.
- Master’s / Professional Degree Students: 144,000 yen / month.
- Doctoral Degree Students: 145,000 yen / month.
- (Plus a regional stipend supplement of 2,000–3,000 yen/month in designated cities).
- Education Fees: Full exemption from university entrance examination fees, matriculation fees, and tuition fees.
- Travel Expenses: Fully covered economy-class round-trip airfare between the international airport nearest to the scholar’s residence and Japan.
How Long Will it Last:
- Non-Regular Students: 1.5 to 2 years (includes 6 months of mandatory intensive Japanese language preparatory education if required).
- Regular Degree Students: The standard duration needed to complete the degree (2 years for Master’s; 3 to 4 years for PhDs). Scholarship extension applications are permitted when advancing from non-regular/Master’s to doctoral courses based on outstanding academic merit.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country of citizenship to confirm the exact submission window and local requirements.
- Prepare the required 2027 official MEXT application packet:
- Application Form & Placement Preference Form
- Field of Study and Detailed Research Plan
- Official Academic Transcripts for all university years
- Graduation Certificate / Degree Diploma (or prospective graduation letter)
- Recommendation Letter from current/last University President, Dean, or Academic Advisor
- Official Medical Certificate
- Abstract of thesis/papers and language proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL/JLPT) if available
- Submit the complete document file to the Japanese diplomatic mission before their local deadline.
- Complete the written exams and interview during the First Screening phase (May–July 2026).
