MEXT Scholarship (2024-2025) | Application form, Deadline, Benefits

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The MEXT Scholarship, also known as the Monbukagakusho Scholarship, is a prestigious program the Japanese government offers through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). It is designed for international students who wish to study in Japan. This scholarship is a testament to Japan’s commitment to promoting global exchange and academic excellence, and it is available for the 2024-2025 academic year. The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including financial assistance for tuition fees, living expenses, round-trip airfare, and a monthly stipend. Additionally, recipients will have the opportunity to receive Japanese language training, which will help them communicate effectively and develop a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

The MEXT Scholarship is unique because it covers various academic disciplines, allowing students to pursue their educational interests at prestigious Japanese universities. In addition to academics, the scholarship also emphasizes personal and professional growth through research activities, creating a comprehensive learning experience. Moreover, the MEXT Scholarship promotes cultural exchange, enabling students to immerse themselves in Japanese society, learn about its rich traditions, and build long-lasting relationships with fellow scholars from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, the MEXT Scholarship is not just a financial support system but also a transformative journey that empowers international students to thrive in Japan’s dynamic educational environment.

The MEXT Scholarship is a popular opportunity in Japan for students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. In this post, we will provide you with details about the MEXT Scholarship for the year 2024. We will outline its benefits and provide a step-by-step guide for the application process. This scholarship is available for a range of academic levels, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and training programs. The MEXT Scholarship provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, monthly living allowances, and travel expenses to and from Japan. In addition, recipients may receive an extra monthly stipend for language study and a settling-in allowance.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan provides financial aid to foreign students who aim to pursue research degrees at Japanese universities through the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships Program. The scholarship application cycle is usually announced in April. What’s notable about this initiative is that IELTS/TOEFL and Japanese language proficiency are not mandatory requirements. This makes the scholarship accessible to a diverse range of students.

MEXT Scholarship Summary 2024-2025 (Monbukagakusho)

Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / Ph.D. / Training

Institution(s): Japanese Universities

Study in: Japan

Courses Offered: All types of courses are offered in all Japanese Universities, from Social Science to Engineering, Medical to Health, Arts, Humanities, etc. There are No Academic Fields Restrictions.

Program Period: Undergraduate: 4-5 Years, Masters: 2-3 Years, Ph.D.: 3-4 Years

MEXT Scholarship Deadline: Varies from Embassy to Embassy (Click here to check deadlines)

MEXT Scholarship: Benefits

A fully funded scholarship for international students to study in Japan is available through the MEXT Scholarship 2024. The following advantages will be given to the recipient of this scholarship:

Allowances: Monthly Stipend Allowance, Preparatory Allowance (2024 Rate)

Education Fees: Fees for the Entrance Examination and Tuition fees at Universities will be paid by MEXT.

Traveling Expenses: Transportation to Japan: MEXT will cover your Round Airfare Travel Expenses from your Country to Japan. The Airline ticket will be an Economy-class ticket for the flight.

Accommodations: Residence halls for international students provided by universities.

MEXT Scholarship 2024:Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must satisfy each of the conditions listed below in order to be eligible for the MEXT Scholarship:

1. Required Language: English
2. Eligible Countries: All world countries
3. Candidates must be citizens of a nation with which Japan has diplomatic ties.
4. A candidate who at the time of application, was a citizen of Japan is ineligible.
5. For undergraduate students, you must be at least 17 years old, under 25, and have completed 12 years of schooling or courses equivalent to a high school (including prospective graduates).
6. You must be under 35 and a college graduate to apply for the Master’s or Ph.D. program (including prospective graduates). Or your education must have lasted 16 or 18 years.
7. For students enrolled in teacher preparation programs, you must be under 35 years old and a graduate of a university or teacher preparation program. You must have at least five years of current teaching experience in your nation’s primary, secondary, or teacher preparation institutions.
8. Students interested in studying Japanese must be between the ages of 18 and 30. When applicants arrive in Japan, they must be enrolled as undergraduate students in faculties or schools that specialize in Japanese language or culture at a university outside of Japan, and they must be enrolled in the home institution when they depart for their home countries.

How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2024-2025?

To apply for a MEXT Scholarship, please follow the application instructions below:

1. 1Use this page to locate the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your nation.
2. Go to the Japanese Embassy’s website in your nation. You can find the MEXT scholarship under the Education / Scholarship tab.
3. Download and complete the MEXT scholarship application.
4. Send the necessary paperwork to the Japanese Embassy in your nation, as listed below.
5. The Japanese Embassy will administer a written test. See here for a sample written test with answers. 6-Interviews with the candidates will then be held.
6. Email or the embassy website will be used to notify the chosen candidates.

MEXT Scholarship 2024-2025:Required Documents

1- MEXT Scholarship Application form

2- The highest degree is verified with official stamps.

-Bachelor’s program applicants: 12 Years of Education

-Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree

-Ph.D. program applicants: Master’s degree

*Note: A notarized copy of an English translation is required if the degree is not in English.

3-Transcript for the highest degree that has been officially stamped. (Including the system of grades)

-Bachelor’s program applicants: 12 Years of Education

-Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree Transcripts

-Ph.D. program applicants: Master’s degree Transcripts

*Note: If the diploma is not in English, a notarized copy of a translation in English or is required.

4-Two letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation must be written in either English or Spanish by the applicant’s professors, advisors, or employers (who can assess your academic performance and research potential). (For students doing research)

5- Passport Scan (if available at the time of application)

6- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (for research students)

7- Passport-sized photos

8-Plan of study or statement of purpose. English is used to write the study schedule. The fundamental information must cover the applicant’s motivation, educational and research background, and intended APU studies. (For students doing research).

9-Students who attended language schools taught in English may submit an English Proficiency Certificate from their home university and are exempt from taking the language test.

10-academic theses or pertinent literature (for research students).

11- Other reference documents (if applicable).

Summary of MEXT Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Category	Research Students	Research Students	Undergraduate Students2	Japanese Studies Students3	Japanese Studies Students3
Application method	Embassy Recommendation	University Recommendation (general program)	Embassy Recommendation4	Embassy Recommendation	University Recommendation
Application period	Around April – May	Around late December – January1	Around April – May	Around December	Around February1
Arrival in Japan	Early April or late September of the following year	Late September	Around April of the following year	Late September of the following year	Late September
Selection method	Evaluation of submitted documents, a written exam, an interview, and others	Evaluation of submitted documents, a written exam, an interview, and others	Evaluation of submitted documents, a written exam, an interview, and others	Evaluation of submitted documents, a written exam, an interview, and others	Evaluation of submitted documents, an interview, and others
Eligibility	Those who have graduated or expect to graduate from an undergraduate or higher degree program	Those who have graduated or expect to graduate from an undergraduate or higher degree program	Those who have graduated, or expect to graduate, from a secondary school or equivalent	Overseas undergraduate students majoring in fields related to the Japanese language and/or culture (having studied these subjects for a total period of one year or more as of 1 September of the year they expect to arrive in Japan) and expecting to return to their home universities after completing a program in Japan	Overseas undergraduate students majoring in fields related to the Japanese language and/or culture (having studied these subjects for a total period of one year or more as of 1 September of the year they expect to arrive in Japan) and expecting to return to their home universities after completing a program in Japan
Age (as of 1 April of the year of arrival)	34 or younger	34 or younger	24 or younger	18–29	18–29
Duration	-Non-degree students: up to 2 years, including a six-month Japanese-language training period5, 6 (not mandatory for those with sufficient language skills) -Degree students (master’s, professional, and doctoral): until completion of the degree program (not to exceed the standard number of years required)6	Non-degree students: up to 18 months6 -Degree students (master’s, professional, and doctoral): until completion of the degree program (not to exceed the standard number of years required)6	Five years, including a one-year Japanese language training period2	One year	One year
Monthly stipend7	-Non-degree students 143,000 yen -Master’s and professional-degree students 144,000 yen -Doctoral students 145,000 yen Additional monthly payment: -3,000 yen for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City -2,000 yen for those conducting research in Uji or Inuyama City	-Non-degree students 143,000 yen -Master’s and professional-degree students 144,000 yen -Doctoral students 145,000 yen Additional monthly payment: -3,000 yen for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City -2,000 yen for those conducting research in Uji or Inuyama City	117,000 yen Additional monthly payment: -3,000 yen for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City -2,000 yen for those conducting research in Uji or Inuyama City	117,000 yen Additional monthly payment: -3,000 yen for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City -2,000 yen for those conducting research in Uji or Inuyama City	117,000 yen Additional monthly payment: -3,000 yen for those studying/conducting research in Kyoto City -2,000 yen for those conducting research in Uji or Inuyama City
School fees7	Examination, admission, and tuition fees are exempted	Examination, admission, and tuition fees are exempted	Examination, admission, and tuition fees are exempted	Examination, admission, and tuition fees are exempted	Examination, admission, and tuition fees are exempted
Traveling cost7	One round-trip ticket is provided	One round-trip ticket is provided	One round-trip ticket is provided	One round-trip ticket is provided	One round-trip ticket is provided

1-These periods are for application through Kyoto University.

2- The language training is provided at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies or Osaka University during the first year of the scholarship. The program includes the Japanese language and other subjects needed to prepare for undergraduate studies, which must be completed before the student goes to university. The university to be attended by the student for undergraduate studies is determined by MEXT in consultation with the preparatory educational institution and the university itself. For details, refer to the MEXT Scholarship application guidelines.

Please note that undergraduate MEXT Scholarship students are not eligible to enroll in the six-year programs at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Division of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine’s School of Medical Science at Kyoto University.

3-For details on Kyoto University’s Japanese studies program, see:

Japanese Studies Students Program (in Japanese).

4- University recommendation is also available but is limited to the following programs:

–Undergraduate International Course Program of Civil Engineering, Undergraduate School of Global Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

–Kyoto iUP

For details, please contact the administrative office of each program.

5-Intensive Japanese language training is available to MEXT Research and Teacher Training Students expecting to conduct graduate-level research in the Kyoto or Shiga region. For details, see Intensive Japanese Language Course for Monbukagakusho Scholarship Students.

6-Those wishing to go on to a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program may apply for an extension of the scholarship to cover their postgraduate studies. Applications are evaluated by the university and MEXT and may be granted based on academic records and other criteria.

Please note that not all the applications are approved.

7-All scholarship benefits are subject to specified requirements.

Student Insurance in Japan

In Japan, it is mandatory for all students enrolled in universities or vocational schools to have health insurance. The country’s public health insurance system is known as “National Health Insurance” (NHI), which covers medical treatment expenses related to illnesses and injuries.

As an international student, you have two options for insurance: the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the private insurance offered by your school. The NHI offers extensive coverage for medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and medical tests. The insurance premium cost varies based on the student’s income, with a maximum monthly premium of approximately 2,500 yen.

Some universities and vocational schools offer their private insurance plans with different coverage, premiums, and additional benefits such as emergency evacuation or repatriation.

Contact information for MEXT Scholarship

Here is the contact information for the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) Scholarship in Japan:

MEXT Scholarship Webpage

• https://www.mext.go.jp/en/index.htm

Embassy of Japan in your home country

• You can contact the Japanese Embassy in your home country to obtain information about the MEXT Scholarship program, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.

MEXT Scholarship Division

• You can also contact the MEXT Scholarship Division directly in Japan for more information: Address: MEXT Scholarship Division, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959, Japan Telephone: +81-3-5253-4111 (ext. 4309 or 4391) Fax: +81-3-6744-3577 Email: ryugaku@jasso.go.jp

Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)

• JASSO is a government organization that provides support for international students in Japan. They can provide information about the MEXT Scholarship program, as well as other scholarships and support services for international students. Address: 2-2-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8630, Japan Telephone: +81-3-5520-6111 Fax: +81-3-5520-6120 Email: info@jasso.go.jp

Frequently Asked Questions: MEXT Scholarship