MEXT Research Student Scholarship 2025-2026

The MEXT Research Student Scholarship 2025-2026 offers applicants the chance to conduct independent research for 18 to 24 months under the guidance of a Japanese professor.

Qualifications:

The MEXT Research Student Scholarship is open to international students who want to study in Japan and help promote friendship and development between Japan and their home country. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria.

1. Nationality

• Must be from a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
• Not eligible if you have Japanese citizenship, unless you have dual nationality and agree to give up your Japanese citizenship before coming to Japan.

2. Age

• Must be born on or after April 2, 1991.
• Exceptions only for national situations like war or military service not for personal reasons.

3. Education

You must meet the academic qualifications for a master’s or doctoral program in Japan.
Here are the general guidelines:

For Master’s / Doctoral (First Phase):

• Finished 16 years of education outside Japan, or
• Have a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, or
• Eligible for graduate school admission in Japan.

For Doctoral (Second Phase):

• Have a degree equivalent to a master’s or professional degree, or
• Did 2+ years of research and are recognized as equivalent to someone with a master’s degree.

For Doctoral in Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science, etc.:

• Finished 18 years of education outside Japan, or
• Have a degree from a 5+ year program in those fields, or
• Did 2+ years of research in related fields and are considered qualified, or
• Otherwise qualified based on the Japanese university’s admission rules.

Always check the specific university’s admission requirements.

4. Japanese Language

• Must be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to life in Japan.

5. Health

• Must be physically and mentally fit to study in Japan (a health certificate is required).

6. Arrival in Japan

Choose one:

• April 2026: Must arrive between April 1–7, 2026.
• October 2026: Must arrive within the window set by your university.
• No late arrivals allowed without an approved reason.

7. Visa

• Must enter Japan with a “Student” visa, even if you already live in Japan or hold another visa type.

8. Not Eligible If:

You cannot apply if you:

• Are in the military.
• Can’t arrive in Japan on time.
• Have previously received a MEXT scholarship and don’t meet the required 3+ years of work or study in between.
• Are applying for multiple MEXT programs.
• Are already studying in Japan as a privately-funded student and won’t finish your program before the MEXT scholarship starts.
• Plan to receive another Japanese government scholarship at the same time.
• Can’t meet academic requirements in time.
• Won’t renounce Japanese citizenship (if dual national).
• Change your visa status after arriving.
• Plan long-term leave or fieldwork outside Japan.
• Don’t intend to earn a degree in Japan.
• Cheat during the screening process.

9. Other Requirements

• Be willing to engage in cultural exchange and promote ties between Japan and your home country.
• Stay connected with your university and the Japanese embassy after you graduate.

Read more in the full guidelines or visit the website here or download the PDF.

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Benefits:

The MEXT Research Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to help international students focus on their studies and research in Japan without worrying about major expenses. Below are the key benefits:

1. Monthly Allowance

• ¥143,000 per month for non-regular and preparatory course students
• ¥144,000 per month for master’s or professional degree students
• ¥145,000 per month for doctoral course students
• An additional ¥2,000 or ¥3,000 per month for those studying in specially designated regions
  Note: These amounts may change annually depending on Japan’s budget. If a student is absent for a long period, the allowance may be suspended.

2. Education Fees

• Full coverage of entrance examination, admission, and tuition fees
• If the grantee cannot advance to graduate school or is not admitted, the entrance exam fee must be paid by the applicant

3. Travel Expenses

• To Japan: Economy-class airfare from the nearest international airport in the home country to Japan, arranged by MEXT
• From Japan: Return airfare upon successful completion of the scholarship period
  Note: Domestic travel costs, transit within Japan, insurance, and baggage fees are not covered. Travel support is only granted if arriving/departing within the designated timeframe.

Read more in the full guidelines or visit the website here or download the PDF.

Requirements:

Required Documents for MEXT Research Scholarship Application

To successfully apply for the MEXT Research Scholarship, applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

1. Application Form
   • Fully accomplished using the prescribed format provided by the Embassy. Application Form
2. Placement Preference Application Form
   • Indicate your preferred Japanese universities. Placement Preference Application Form
3. Field of Study and Research Plan
   • A detailed research proposal aligned with your academic background and future goals. Field of Study and Research Plan
4. Academic Transcript(s)
   • Official transcripts from all university years attended.
5. Certificate of Graduation or Degree Certificate
   • Issued by the university previously attended.
6. Recommendation Letter
   • From the university president, dean, or academic advisor at your current or most recent university. Recommendation Letter
7. Medical Certificate
   • Using the official MEXT form, signed by a physician confirming your physical and mental health. Medical Certificate
8. Abstract of Theses
   • If applicable, submit a summary of your thesis or research work.
9. Certificate of Language Proficiency
   • Proof of English and/or Japanese language skills (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT), if available.
10. Recommendation Letter from Present Employer
    • Required only if currently employed.
11. Portfolio (for applicants in arts or music fields only)
    • Photographs of original artwork or digital recordings of musical performances.

For the most current forms and detailed information, visit the MEXT Scholarship Official Website. While on the website, you can download all required files and view the detailed application guidelines and forms. See the provided images for additional visual references.

Application Deadline:

May 23, 2025 (Friday)

All required application documents must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines by this date.

For Non-Regular Students

• April Arrivals: Scholarship period is from April 2026 to March 2028
• October Arrivals: Scholarship period is from September or October 2026 to March 2028

Note: The first 6 months of the scholarship may be allocated for Japanese language preparatory education if required.
If arrival is in a month other than April or October, MEXT will determine the scholarship period separately.
If the university term begins after the 2nd of the month, the scholarship payment for that month will not be provided.

For Regular Students (Master’s, Doctoral, or Professional Graduate Courses)
The scholarship period will cover the standard duration of the chosen program, as determined by the university. Preparatory education may be added if the host university considers it necessary.

• The scholarship period covers the necessary duration for completing the respective course. ➡️Read Mext important dates

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How to Apply

To apply for the MEXT Research Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Visit the MEXT Website
   Review the official guidelines and details:
   MEXT Scholarship Details
   Application Guidelines (PDF)
2. Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
   Reach out to the Japanese diplomatic mission in your country to confirm the specific application process, deadlines, and requirements.
3. Obtain Application Forms
   Download the forms online or get them directly from the embassy or consulate.
4. Prepare the Required Documents
   Complete all forms and compile necessary documents (see full checklist below).
5. Submit Your Application
   Submit all requirements to the embassy or consulate before the specified deadline.

Application and Selection Process

The step-by-step timeline for the application and selection is as follows:

January to March 2026 – Final Results Notification
Successful applicants are notified by the embassy and officially confirmed as MEXT Scholars.

Mid-April 2025 – Call for Applications Opens
Applications begin at Japanese embassies and consulates. Deadlines vary, so check the official site of the embassy in your country.

Early May to Late July 2025 – First Screening
Includes document review, a written exam, and an interview (varies by country).

Until September 1, 2025 – Provisional Acceptance Request
Applicants who pass the first screening contact Japanese universities to request a Provisional Acceptance Letter.

Mid-September to Early October 2025 – Submit Placement Preference Form
Submit the Placement Preference Application Form to your embassy. Deadlines may vary.

From November 2025 – Second Screening and University Placement
MEXT reviews applications and finalizes university placements based on preferences and acceptance letters.

Additionally see the image below; these are important i t can also be seen at the pdf file guidelines

Contact Information:

For inquiries about the 2025-2026 Mext Research Scholarship Program, Check the contact details here.

Final Thoughts:

The MEXT Research Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for international students to pursue graduate studies in Japan.

It supports both regular and non-regular students, covering financial support, tuition, and travel expenses.

Non-regular students benefit from six months of preparatory Japanese language education, while regular students receive support throughout their master’s, doctoral, or professional courses.

Additionally, exploring other scholarship programs at local, national, or international levels can further support your educational journey.

Check the scholarship guides on this website for more opportunities.

Good luck with your applications!

Reference:

• Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. (n.d.). MEXT Research Scholarship Program. Retrieved from Research Student Scholarship | Embassy of Japan in the Philippines (emb-japan.go.jp).
• Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. (n.d.). MEXT Scholarship for Research Students. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000198.html
• Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. (2025). Application Guidelines for MEXT Research Scholarship 2025 [PDF]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100830585.pdf