MEXT Scholarship 2028 – Embassy Recommendation
About this scholarship
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.
Eligibility
- 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
Benefits & Coverage
- 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
Required Documents
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)
How to Apply
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Is MEXT Scholarship 2028 – Embassy Recommendation fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as fully funded. The listed award is: Full tuition + ¥143,000-¥145,000/month + airfare. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does MEXT Scholarship 2028 – Embassy Recommendation cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD / Doctorate, Other.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is May 31, 2027. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: 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 b… See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
