Fully Funded MEXT Master’s & PhD Scholarship: Want to study in Japan as a research student (Master or PhD)? Good news! The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) announces the 2026–2027 Research Student Scholarship for international students.
This scholarship program supports outstanding international students across a wide range of academic disciplines. It aims to develop future world leaders who will improve ties and cooperation between Japan and other nations.
Why Enroll for the MEXT Master’s & PhD Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship is a fully financed scholarship program that allows international students to study in Japan for free. The recipient of this scholarship will have the following advantages:
- Allowances: Students will receive a Monthly living allowance to cover basic needs while studying.
- Tuition Fees: MEXT will cover the cost of university tuition and entrance exams.
- Travel-related costs: MEXT will pay for your visa and round-trip flight from your home country to Japan. The airline ticket will be for the flight in economy class.
- Accommodations: Universities offer residence halls to international students.
- Japanese language training: Beneficiaries will grace the opportunity of learning the Japanese language, ensuring they live comfortably in Japan.
Program Description: MEXT Master’s & PhD Scholarship
The MEXT Japan Scholarship for Research Students is a highly respected initiative funded by the Japanese government to support international students pursuing advanced academic and research studies in Japan.
The program is open to candidates pursuing a master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate courses, as well as those conducting structured research at universities, graduate schools, or affiliated research institutes.
The scholarship focuses on academic and research-oriented disciplines, excluding traditional performance arts and industry-based technical training. Applicants may apply for research in a wide range of disciplines, including the following:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Medicine
- Environmental Studies
Qualification: MEXT Master’s & PhD Scholarship
MEXT accepts applications from international students who meets the following qualifications:
- Applicants must not be Japanese. Those with Japanese nationality are not eligible. However, persons with dual nationality are eligible to apply as long as they renounce their Japanese nationality.
- The ideal candidate must have been born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Applicants must have completed 16 years or 18 years ( for pharmaceutical fields) of school education in countries other than Japan.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (if required).
- The candidate must be eligible for enrollment in an eligible master’s or doctoral course
- Applicants must have been involved in a research study for two years or more.
- Applicants must be willing and ready to learn Japanese.
- Those fall under the following category can not apply:
- Those who are military personnel or military civilian employees at the time of their arrival in Japan or during the period of the payment of the scholarship
- Previous grantees of the Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship programs.
- Those who are planning to receive other scholarships or fellowships from the Japanese government or organisation
Application Process
Go to the official MEXT application website: Click the provided link below!
Carefully prepare your documents. The following documents are needed:
- Application Form
- Placement Preference Application Form
- Field of Study and Research Plan
- Academic transcript for all academic years of university attended
- Certification of graduation or a degree certificate of the university attended
- Recommendation letter from the president/dean or the academic advisor at the current or last university attended
- Medical certificate
- Abstracts of theses
- Certificate of language proficiency (3 copies)
- Recommendation letter from the present employer
- Photograph(s) showing the applicant’s own works of art or a digitally recorded medium of musical performance
Note that online applications are not available; only hard copies will be accepted. Hence, applications are sent to the Japanese Embassy.
Every attached document needs to be printed on A4 paper, one side only. Make sure every document is correct and comprehensive, and do not staple the pages together.
Apply Now: Click HERE
What Makes MEXT Unique?
The MEXT Scholarship is one of the world’s most generous government-funded programs, offering:
- Access to top Japanese universities and research institutes
- A strong foundation for global academic and industry careers
- Exposure to Japan’s advanced research infrastructure and innovation ecosystem
- Cultural immersion and language development
- Long-term professional recognition and alumni networks
Deadline and Contact Information
Deadline: Varies by Japanese Embassy or university. For details, visit the official website
Note: Recruitment for those arriving in Japan in April 2026 or September/October 2026 is made between April and May of the previous year.