MEXT Scholarship 2028 – Embassy Recommendation

The Japanese Government Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the world’s most prestigious and generous scholarships. The Embassy Recommendation track for the 2027 intake is open from April to May 2026 (exact dates vary by country — check with your local Japanese Embassy). Available for undergraduate (5 years), Master’s (2-3 years), PhD (3-4 years), and research student programs at top Japanese universities across all fields. Over 100,000 students from 160+ countries have benefited since the program began in 1954.

• Must have citizenship of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (not Japan)
• For undergraduate: completed 12 years of schooling, born after April 2, 2002 (typically under 24)
• For Master's/PhD: completed 16 years of education and hold a bachelor's/master's degree
• Must be in good health
• Must be willing to learn Japanese and deepen understanding of Japan
• Must arrive in Japan during the period specified by the accepting university
• Must obtain a "Student" visa

• Full tuition fees at the enrolled Japanese university
• Monthly stipend of approximately ¥143,000-¥145,000 (roughly $1,000-1,050 USD)
• Round-trip international airfare from home country to Japan
• No entrance examination fees
• Preparatory Japanese language training if needed (6-12 months)
• Access to top Japanese universities and research facilities

MEXT Application Form (FY2027 version from embassy), Academic transcripts from all institutions attended, Degree certificates or proof of expected graduation, Health certificate (MEXT standard form signed by physician), Recommendation letters from academic advisors or professors, Passport copy, Passport-sized photographs, Research proposal or field of study plan, Japanese/English language proficiency certificates (if available), Published papers or research portfolio (for research students)

• Embassy Recommendation route: apply to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country, which conducts the first screening (around spring)
• Those who pass contact a Japanese university for a Letter of Provisional Acceptance
• Submit the application forms, a health certificate, transcripts, and a field-of-study/research plan; do not send documents directly to MEXT