MEXT Scholarship 2025: The Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho), or MEXT, scholarship gives an exceptional chance for international students to complete their study in Japan. Research, Teacher Training, Undergraduate, Japanese Studies, College of Technology, Specialized Training College, and Young Leaders Program (YLP) students are the seven different groups into which the program is separated. This broad range of scholarship options is intended to accommodate different academic backgrounds and career aspirations.
There are two main ways that prospective students can apply for the MEXT scholarship: either a university recommendation or an embassy referral. The first stage in the embassy referral process is to apply directly to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residency, where the initial screening and selection are conducted. On the other hand, MEXT requires direct nominations from Japanese universities in order to follow the university recommendation method. Every technique has a unique set of steps, due dates, and specifications. In accordance with their place of residency and the scholarship type they have chosen, candidates should carefully review the most updated application requirements. These rules go into detail on eligibility requirements, including age, educational background, language proficiency, and other prerequisites, as well as the required documentation.
Also Check:
Engineering Skills That Will Matter Most for 2030 Careers
Commonwealth Scholarships 2025: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process
Oxford Scholarship 2026 Open for International Students: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Details
Top 10 Best Government Engineering Colleges in India 2025: NIRF Ranking, Courses & Fees
Chevening Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Application Process & Important Details
MEXT Scholarship 2025: Types and Their Status
| Research students | Teacher training students | Undergraduateduate students | Japanese studies students | College of technology students | Specialized training college students | Young leaders program (YLP) students (*3) | |
| Embassy recommendation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| University recommendation (*1) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (Recommendation by College of technology) | No | No |
| Level of studies | Graduate school level | Undergraduate level | Graduate school level | ||||
| Duration | [Embassy Recommendation] Irregular course: within 2 years Regular course: standard school year (when necessary, 6 months preliminary education will be added) [University Recommendation] Duration depends on each school's quota (6 months up to standard school years) | Within 1 year and 6 months including Japanese language education | [Embassy Recommendation] 5 years including Japanese language training (7 years for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science) [University Recommendation] 6 months up to standard school years (Normally, there is no preliminary education) | One academic year | 4 years including Japanese language training (4 years and 6 months for merchant marine studies) | 3 years including Japanese language training | 1 year |
| Preliminary training of Japanese etc. | 6 months (Only those who need this training) | 1 year(Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Osaka University) | None | 1 year (JASSO Tokyo Japanese Language Education Center) | 1 year (Bunka Institute of Language, JASSO Osaka Japanese Language Education Center) | None | |
| Field of study | Major in field of specialty at a graduate school etc. | Teacher training at a University | Undergraduate education | Special training in Japanese language or Japanese culture | Transfer to the third year of College of technology | Specialized courses | Master course at a graduate school |
| Scholarship | ¥143,000～145,000 per month | ¥117,000 per month | ￥242,000 per month | ||||
| Tuition | Exempted | ||||||
| Travel allowance | Round-trip travel expenses (airfare) provided (*2) | ||||||
MEXT Scholarship 2025: Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must select three full-time, taught master's programs in the UK that begin in the autumn term in order to be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship.
-
Research students must be under 35, have completed 16 years of education, or be college graduates.
-
Training of Teachers Students: Those under 35 who have taught in elementary or secondary schools for at least five years.
-
Undergraduate Students: Those who have finished 12 years of formal schooling and are between the ages of 17 and 25.
-
Students participating in Japanese studies programs outside of Japan who are between the ages of 18 and 30 are known as Japanese Studies Students.
-
Technical and Specialized Students: Those who have finished high school or its equivalent and are between the ages of 17 and 25.
-
Program for Young Leaders (YLP) Students: Young public administrators or professionals in a similar field, under 40, and university graduates.
MEXT Scholarship 2025: Application Process
The MEXT scholarship application can be completed through two primary routes. Applying directly to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your place of residence is the first option, known as the Embassy Recommendation. After a preliminary screening that includes interviews and written tests, they suggest qualified applicants to MEXT. The second approach, known as the University Recommendation, involves being nominated directly to MEXT by a Japanese university. This option is often available at select institutions and frequently requires university acceptance initially. It's crucial to review the most recent rules because both processes have specific deadlines and requirements.
Embassy vs. University Recommendation
The MEXT scholarship offers two distinct application pathways. In your native nation, a Japanese embassy or consulate starts the Embassy Recommendation process. They are in charge of hiring new employees and doing preliminary screening, which frequently entails interviews and written tests. It is crucial to inquire about precise requirements from the Japanese diplomatic post in your area, as eligibility requirements and accessible topics of study can differ from one nation to another.
An alternative that is more straightforward is the University Recommendation. Scholarship candidates are recruited here by Japanese universities, frequently through their relationships with foreign colleges for student exchanges. Following screening, the university suggests MEXT to the selected students. College of Technology, Japanese Studies, Undergraduate, and Research students are the main groups eligible for this program. Only a few universities in Japan with MEXT clearance have this quota, therefore not all of them are able to make these recommendations.
How Can I Apply for the 2026 MEXT Scholarship?
The application process is offline. To apply for these MEXT scholarships, Indian students should go to the Japanese embassies and consulates in India. Examine the application procedure listed below.
- A visit to www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html is the official website of the Japanese Embassy.
- Select "Study in Japan" and then "Japanese Government Scholarships" under the Education heading.
- Verify the application date and download the application form and documentation list according to the type of scholarship you need.
- Complete the application and affix the required paperwork.
- Fill out the form at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in India that is closest to you.
- Once you are shortlisted you will be called for the written exam and interview.
- Check the specific MEXT scholarship 2026 deadline and dates and appear accordingly.
- Then the final results will be announced.
Also Read:
Top IIT Colleges That Offer Data Science Courses to Learn Online in 2025
Best Pharmacy Colleges in India 2025 After 12th Offering High Job Placement
To stay updated on current trends, join the Jagran Josh Telegram Community!