Japanese Government MEXT Research Students 2028

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Research Students Scholarship is a comprehensive, fully funded financial aid program designed for international students to pursue graduate-level research and advanced degrees in Japan. Funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the scholarship covers full tuition, admission, and entrance examination fees at host universities. Beyond educational costs, recipients receive a monthly stipend ranging from ¥143,000 to ¥145,000, which varies depending on their status as a non-regular research student or a regular Master’s or Doctoral candidate.

• Nationality: Must have nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
• Age: Applicants must generally be under 35 years old (born on or after April 2, 1991).
• Academic Background: Graduates or prospective graduates of universities/colleges with 16 years of education (Bachelor's or Master’s).
• Field of Study: Must be related to the field studied at the university level.
• Japanese Proficiency: While not always mandatory, applicants should be willing to learn Japanese, as research is often conducted in Japanese.
• Health: Must be in good physical and mental health

• Monthly Stipend: Approx. ¥143,000 (non-degree), ¥144,000 (Master's), or ¥145,000 (PhD), with potential ¥2,000-¥3,000 supplement in designated regions.
• Tuition Fees: Enrollment and tuition fees are fully covered.
• Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy airfare from your home country to Japan and back is provided.
• Visa: Visa application fees are covered.
• Accommodation: Eligible for accommodation in university dormitories (e.g., University of Tokyo International Lodge).

• Application Form: Must use the official FY2026 form, typically typed and printed.
• Placement Preference Application Form: Used to list your preferred Japanese universities.
• Field of Study and Research Plan: A detailed proposal of your intended research in Japan.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts for all school years from your last attended university.
• Graduation Certificate: Degree or diploma from your last university. If you are still enrolled, submit a "Certificate of Prospective Graduation".
• Recommendation Letter: A formal letter from the dean, president, or academic advisor of your current or last university.
• Medical Certificate: Completed and signed by a professional medical doctor using the specific FY2026 MEXT format.
• Abstract of Thesis: A concise summary of your graduation thesis (if applicable)

• Apply before arriving in Japan via either Embassy Recommendation (through the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your home country, which runs the first screening) or University Recommendation (via a Japanese university)
• Embassy-route candidates who pass the first screening contact a prospective Japanese academic advisor for a Letter of Provisional Acceptance
• Submit application forms, a health certificate, transcripts, and a field-of-study/research plan