Japan Government MEXT Research Scholarship (MS) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

OpensApril/May 2026
Closes

The Japan Government (MEXT) Research Scholarship offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support. First, it fully exempts students from tuition fees. Additionally, it offers a generous monthly stipend of approximately 144,000 yen for Master’s students and 145,000 yen for PhD students. In some cases, students also receive regional allowances. Furthermore, the program covers entrance examination and admission fees. It also includes round-trip airfare between the student’s home country and Japan. As a result, students can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Japan Government MEXT Research Scholarship (MS) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.7-4.0

Languages

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (1-2)

Result Date

Program Start

October 2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

144,000 yen/month

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

Yes

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount144,000 yen/month
Deadline
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionUniversity of Tokyo
CountryJapan
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Japan Government (MEXT) Research Scholarship offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology provides this scholarship to support talented individuals worldwide. Students can study at top institutions such as the University of Tokyo. Initially, recipients enroll as research students, which allows them to conduct supervised research before entering a formal degree program. Moreover, the scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

Background and Purpose

The Japanese government established this scholarship to promote international academic exchange and research excellence. Specifically, it aims to attract outstanding students who can contribute to global knowledge. In addition, the program strengthens cultural and educational ties between Japan and other countries. Therefore, it not only supports individual academic growth but also fosters international collaboration and mutual understanding.

Japan Government MEXT Research Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support. First, it fully exempts students from tuition fees. Additionally, it offers a generous monthly stipend of approximately 144,000 yen for Master’s students and 145,000 yen for PhD students. In some cases, students also receive regional allowances. Furthermore, the program covers entrance examination and admission fees. It also includes round-trip airfare between the student’s home country and Japan. As a result, students can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a relevant academic degree and demonstrate strong academic performance. Moreover, they must show research potential in their chosen field. The scholarship remains open to candidates from all countries. In addition, applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected university. Therefore, strong academic records and clear research proposals play a key role in selection.

Japan Government MEXT Research Scholarship Application Process

The application process remains highly competitive and structured. First, candidates can apply through the Japanese embassy in their home country. Alternatively, they can apply through university recommendation routes. Then, applicants must submit academic documents, research proposals, and other required materials. After evaluation, selected candidates receive final approval. Successful students usually begin their studies in October 2027.

Opportunities for Scholars

This scholarship creates exceptional academic and professional opportunities. Students gain access to world-class research facilities and expert supervision. Moreover, they build strong international networks during their studies. In addition, they develop advanced research and analytical skills. Ultimately, graduates can contribute to global innovation and strengthen academic cooperation between Japan and their home countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for PhD) and show strong academic performance and research potential.

Do I need an admission offer before applying?

No, you apply through Embassy Recommendation or University Recommendation before formal admission to a Japanese university.

Is Japanese language required?

No, many programs are available in English, but basic Japanese knowledge is helpful for daily life and research integration.

How are students selected?

Selection is based on academic merit, research proposal quality, interviews, and written examinations conducted by embassies or universities.