MEXT Scholarship program offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), provides full financial support for international students to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD) at Japanese universities.
Here’s a breakdown of the MEXT Scholarship program to help you decide if it’s right for you:
Benefits
- Financial Coverage: The scholarship covers all your tuition fees at the host university. You’ll also receive a generous monthly allowance: ¥144,000 (approx. $1,070 USD) for Master’s students and ¥145,000 (approx. $1,080 USD) for Doctoral students. An additional stipend of ¥2,000-3,000 (approx. $15-22 USD) per month might be available for students studying in designated regions.
- Travel Expenses: MEXT will cover the cost of your economy class airfare (round trip) between your home country and Japan. This includes flights upon arrival and your return home after completing the program.
- Focus on your studies: With your tuition and living expenses covered, you can focus entirely on your academic pursuits and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
- For a recipient who will enroll in a Master’s Program or Doctoral Program, the scholarship will be payable for the standard period of time necessary for the recipient to complete his or her program (standard course term), starting from October 2023.
- Master’s Program = October, 2025 – September, 2027 (2years)
- Doctoral Program = October, 2025 – September, 2028 (3years)
Eligibility
- Be an international student: You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must have a strong academic record. This typically means a minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for completed degrees and current coursework. You’ll need to maintain good grades throughout the scholarship period.
- Field of Study: Your chosen field of study should be related to what you studied previously or be a field that your chosen university can support your research in.
- Language Skills: You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in English, which is the primary language of instruction for many graduate programs in Japan. Some universities might require additional language skills depending on the program.
- Age Requirement: You must be born on or after April 2, 1990.
- Health and Commitment: You must be in good physical and mental health to pursue studies in Japan. You should also be committed to returning to your home country after completing your program.
- Arrival Date: You should be able to arrive in Japan within two weeks before or after the start of the semester at your chosen university.
Required Documents
The specific documents required for the MEXT Scholarship application will vary depending on the university. However, some common requirements include:
- Completed MEXT Scholarship application form
- A detailed research plan outlining your proposed area of study and research goals in Japan
- Official transcripts from all universities attended (including current coursework if applicable)
- Letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic background
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) – Some universities might require additional language tests depending on the program.
- A passport-sized photograph
- Statement of health
- Certificate of expected graduation (if currently enrolled)
- A copy of your passport information page.
Deadline
The Application Deadline is October 31, 2024 (strictly enforced)
How to Apply:
The application process for the MEXT Scholarship is a two-step process. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Click on the button below to visit the scholarship application webpage
- SUbmit an admission application for entering the Master’s/Doctoral Program.
- Submit the required documents for MEXT Scholarship after completing their admission application.
- These documents must be written in either Japanese or English. They must be created in A4 format using software such as MS Word and must be printed double-sided (duplex printing). A document written in any other language must be accompanied with a Japanese translation.
- Submitted documents will not be returned.
- An application passed the submission deadline is not acceptable.
- An application will not be considered unless all application forms and necessary documents are completed correctly and all accompanying documents are complete.