MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SPORTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MEXT), JAPAN
Japanese Government (MEXT) Research Scholarships – Undergraduate Track
full · bachelors
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Japanese universitiesHost country
- UndergraduateStudy level
- ~¥117,000/moLiving allowance
- 5 years (incl. prep)Duration
- Embassy routeApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€8k
Max amount
May 29, 2027
Deadline
Countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Country
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Provider
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Undergraduate Scholarship funds international students to pursue a full undergraduate degree at a Japanese university, as one category of the wider MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship programme run by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It includes a preparatory year of Japanese language and subject study before the degree. The scholarship is fully funded: it covers tuition, a monthly living allowance (around ¥117,000), and round-trip airfare to Japan, with no repayment obligation. The undergraduate track typically runs for 5 years (a 1-year preparatory course plus a 4-year degree), or longer for fields such as medicine. Applicants apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country (the embassy recommendation route) during the spring application window, and undergo document screening, written examinations, and an interview. Applicants generally must be aged around 17–24 and have completed 12 years of schooling.
What's covered
- Tuition — Full tuition, plus entrance and exam fees, at the Japanese university.
- Monthly allowance — ~¥117,000/month living allowance for undergraduate scholars.
- Airfare — Round-trip economy airfare between your home country and Japan.
- Preparatory year — A funded 1-year preparatory course (Japanese language and subjects) before the degree.
- No repayment — No repayment or mandatory service obligation.
How to apply
Apply through the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country during the spring window (embassy recommendation route), then sit written exams and an interview.
- Check the guidelines — Read the MEXT undergraduate guidelines on your Japanese embassy's site for eligibility and dates.
- Prepare documents — Assemble your school records, certificates, and the application forms.
- Submit to the embassy — Apply to the Japanese embassy/consulate during the spring window (~April–May).
- Written examinations — Sit the required written tests (e.g. Japanese, English, mathematics, and science depending on field).
- Interview — Shortlisted applicants attend an interview at the embassy.
- Placement & approval — Primary candidates are placed at a Japanese university; MEXT gives final approval and you begin with the preparatory year.
Eligibility
NationalityCitizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan; not a Japanese national.
AgeGenerally aged ~17–24 at the time specified in the guidelines.
EducationCompleted (or will complete) 12 years of school education or equivalent.
Academic recordA strong academic record meeting the category's requirements.
Health & languageGood health; willingness to learn Japanese (a preparatory year is provided).
The embassy route opens in spring (~April–May) for study starting the following year. Applicants sit written tests and an interview. A separate university-recommendation route also exists for some programmes.
Eligible countries
Countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Deadlines
2027 undergraduate intake (embassy route)2026-05-29
Selection
Embassy-route applicants are screened on documents, then sit written examinations and an interview at the Japanese embassy; primary candidates are then placed at a Japanese university, with MEXT giving final approval. Selection weighs academic record, test performance, and motivation.
Verified sources
- MEXT Scholarships (Undergraduate) — Study in Japanstudyinjapan.go.jpofficial
About the provider
MEXT — Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology — administers the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship, including the undergraduate category, to promote international exchange. Delivered through Japanese embassies and universities, it is one of Asia's longest-running government scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship?
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A category of the Japanese Government (MEXT/Monbukagakusho) scholarship that funds international students to pursue a full undergraduate degree at a Japanese university, including a preparatory year, with no repayment.
Who is eligible?
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International students (typically aged ~17–24) from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan who have completed 12 years of schooling and have a strong academic record.
What does it cover?
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Full tuition and entrance/exam fees, a monthly living allowance (~¥117,000), round-trip airfare, and a funded 1-year preparatory course — with no repayment obligation.
How long is the undergraduate track?
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Typically 5 years — a 1-year preparatory course plus a 4-year degree — and longer for fields such as medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy.
How do I apply?
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Through the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country (embassy recommendation route) during the spring window, followed by written examinations and an interview.
When is the deadline?
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The embassy route opens in ~April–May for study starting the following year, with tests and interviews over the summer. Check your Japanese embassy's MEXT page for exact dates.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
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Not at application — a funded 1-year preparatory course teaches Japanese before the degree. Some written tests may include Japanese; the prep year builds your language ability.
What exams will I take?
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Embassy-route undergraduate applicants typically sit written tests such as Japanese, English, mathematics, and science subjects relevant to their intended field.
Is there a repayment or service obligation?
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No — MEXT scholarships carry no repayment and no mandatory service requirement.
Can I choose my university?
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You indicate field/preferences; primary candidates are placed at a Japanese university through the MEXT process rather than choosing freely, though preferences are considered.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — the embassy route involves document screening, written examinations, and an interview, with limited places per country.
When do studies begin?
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The preparatory year typically begins in ~April of the year after you apply, followed by the undergraduate degree.