Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) operates a Higher Education Tuition Support System designed to help motivated students pursue study at designated Japanese institutions through entrance fee reductions, tuition waivers, and grant scholarships. Updated with official designated school listings on September 2, 2026, the national framework encompasses expanded criteria for multi-child households and updated academic performance evaluation standards. International students preparing to study in Tokyo or across Japan should review these system guidelines and confirm institutional designations directly with their target schools.
What is the MEXT Higher Education Tuition Support System in 2026?
The MEXT Higher Education Tuition Support System was launched in April 2020 to ensure that capable students can access higher education in Japan regardless of their financial background. The framework combines two primary forms of assistance: the exemption or reduction of admission fees and tuition fees, and non-repayable grant-type scholarships. By alleviating the upfront and ongoing cost of study, the program aims to create equal educational opportunities across designated higher education institutions.
Which Japanese schools participate in the MEXT tuition support system?
Support under this system is restricted to designated institutions that meet specific educational quality standards established by MEXT. The eligible school types include universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology, and professional training colleges. According to official data on the MEXT Target Institution List, participation rates across Japan are high: 96% of universities and junior colleges, 98% of colleges of technology, and 80% of professional training colleges are confirmed target institutions. MEXT published its updated directory of verified participating institutions on September 2, 2026.
How have MEXT tuition assistance rules changed from 2024 to 2026?
The system has undergone several policy adjustments leading up to 2026. In fiscal year 2024, coverage was expanded to middle-income households with an approximate annual income ceiling of 6 million yen, specifically targeting multi-child households raising three or more dependent children as well as students enrolled in private science, engineering, and agriculture departments.
Beginning in fiscal year 2025, tuition and admission fee exemptions for students from multi-child households raising three or more children were expanded without income restrictions, up to fixed limits established by the government. Information materials published in 2026, including enrollees' guidance leaflets released on February 6, 2026, and informational posters released on September 11, 2026, outline how these expanded parameters apply to students currently studying or entering higher education.
What academic standards apply to students under the system?
Financial assistance under the program is paired with strict academic monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries maintain standard study progress. From fiscal year 2025 onward, updated academic requirements evaluate students based on both study motivation and actual academic performance. These revised performance standards apply universally to all enrolled recipients, including those who entered their educational institutions prior to fiscal year 2024.
How should prospective students prepare and confirm official details?
Because eligibility for specific tuition reductions or grant scholarships depends on individual administrative status, household criteria, and institutional confirmation, prospective international students and current applicants must verify all requirements directly. You can consult the official MEXT student support office or check directly with the financial support department of your target institution.
Official inquiries regarding system guidelines can be directed to the Higher Education Support Office, Student Support Division, Higher Education Bureau, MEXT, located at 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Telephone: 03-5253-4111). Students should confirm visa conditions, visa suitability, and institutional enrollment terms with official authorities before making financial plans.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing for study in Japan, organizing your housing timing relative to your immigration steps is crucial. Prospective students typically search for initial housing after receiving their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or official visa approval, and before arriving in Tokyo. Having secure temporary housing upon arrival provides time to complete university enrollment, submit local address registration, and open bank accounts without rushing into long-term lease commitments.
OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing), allowing flexible arrivals before the academic term starts. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee are required, which simplifies initial setup for incoming international students.
FAQ
When was the MEXT target school list updated in 2026?
MEXT published its updated confirmed list of designated target institutions on September 2, 2026.
What percentage of Japanese universities participate in the program?
According to MEXT statistics, 96% of universities and junior colleges in Japan are recognized target institutions under the system.
What major change occurred for multi-child households in FY2025?
Starting in fiscal year 2025, tuition and admission fee reductions for students from multi-child households raising three or more children apply without income restrictions up to fixed limits.
Sources
- 文部科学省「高等教育の修学支援新制度：文部科学省」(checked 2026-10-11)
- 文部科学省「支援対象校一覧 - 学びたい気持ちを応援します 高等教育の修学支援新制度：文部科学省」(checked 2026-10-11)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.