Applying for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship in 2026 provides international students with full financial support to pursue higher education at universities in Japan. The scholarship covers university tuition, entrance examination fees, airfare, and monthly living allowances across research, undergraduate, and specialized study tracks. By following official embassy guidelines and application milestones, candidates can prepare for academic entry in 2026 or 2027. Official application guidelines are available through the Embassy of Japan in Ireland portal.
What MEXT Scholarship categories can international students apply for in 2026?
How does the Research Student Scholarship work?
The Research Student Scholarship is intended for university graduates holding at least a bachelor’s degree who plan to enroll in graduate programs or conduct research at Japanese universities. Applicants must generally be born on or after April 2, 1992. MEXT covers matriculation fees, entrance examination fees, university tuition, and round-trip flights to and from Japan. Awardees receive a monthly stipend between JPY 143,000 and JPY 145,000, which remains subject to change. Successful applicants arrive in Japan in April or September/October 2027.
What are the eligibility rules for Undergraduate Student Scholarships?
Undergraduate scholarships cater to students pursuing degrees in Social Sciences and Humanities or Natural Sciences. Candidates must be secondary school graduates or equivalent, born on or after April 2, 2002. The funding tenure ranges from 4 to 7 years depending on the study field, including one year of preparatory Japanese language and academic education upon arrival if required. Recipients receive JPY 117,000 per month (subject to change), alongside covered tuition, matriculation, examination fees, and airfare, with departure scheduled for April or September/October 2027.
What is the Japanese Studies Student Scholarship?
This program provides a one-year study opportunity starting in September/October 2026 at designated Japanese universities for undergraduate students majoring in Japanese language or culture. Applicants must be born between April 2, 1996, and April 1, 2008, and have completed at least one year of university-level Japanese studies by September 1, 2026. A language proficiency level equivalent to JLPT N2 is preferred. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, flights, and a monthly allowance of JPY 117,000 (subject to change).
What is the selection process and timeline for 2026 applications?
What is the timetable for Research Student applicants?
- June 2, 2026: Application deadline to submit digitized document packages via email.
- June 24–26, 2026: In-person written Japanese examinations and interviews at the embassy.
- July 2026: Announcement of First Screening results by the embassy.
- Until August 21, 2026: Window for successful First Screening applicants to contact preferred universities in Japan to request provisional acceptance.
- Early September 2026: Deadline to submit Placement Preference Forms and up to two Letters of Provisional Acceptance to the embassy.
- November 2026: Second Screening and university placement processing by MEXT.
- January–March 2027: Final selection notification and official placement details released.
- February/March or August/September 2027: Student visa processing and pre-departure orientation.
- April or September/October 2027: Departure for Japan.
What is the timeline for Undergraduate applicants?
- June 2, 2026: Submission deadline for application materials sent by email.
- June 24–26, 2026: In-person written examinations and interviews.
- July 2026: First Screening results released.
- December 2026 – February 2027: Notification of Second Screening results by MEXT.
- February/March or August/September 2027: Student visa issuance and orientation.
- April or September/October 2027: Departure for Japan.
What documents and exams are required for MEXT candidates?
What submission rules apply to health forms and recommendation letters?
Applicants must submit PDFs arranged in exact numerical sequence as specified in official guidelines, ensuring files stay under 10MB. The required Certificate of Health demands medical procedures including an X-ray examination, necessitating early appointments with medical professionals. Letters of recommendation from teachers, academic supervisors, or employers cannot be submitted by the applicant; they must be emailed directly by the writer. Shortlisted candidates must present paper originals on their interview day.
How are written examinations structured?
Written tests are conducted at embassy facilities. While MEXT does not release designated textbooks or syllabi for undergraduate written tests, candidates can refer to the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) syllabus for reference. Applicants can also study past examination papers from 2014 to 2019 to prepare for the test format.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging accommodation in Tokyo is an important step after receiving your university placement and student visa prior to departure in April or September/October. Securing housing before arriving helps international students transition smoothly into academic life. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Furthermore, most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing), making this option practical for new arrivals settling into university programs.
FAQ
What expenses are covered under the MEXT Scholarship?
MEXT covers entrance examination fees, matriculation fees, full tuition, and round-trip air travel, along with a monthly allowance of JPY 117,000 for undergraduate students or JPY 143,000 to JPY 145,000 for research students (subject to change).
What are the age limits for Research and Undergraduate scholarship applicants?
Research Student applicants must generally be born on or after April 2, 1992. Undergraduate Student applicants must generally be born on or after April 2, 2002.
How many letters of provisional acceptance can Research Students submit?
Applicants who pass the First Screening can contact preferred Japanese universities and submit up to two Letters of Provisional Acceptance to the embassy by early September.
Sources
- 在外日本国大使館「The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship 2027 is now open | Embassy of Japan in Ireland」(checked 2026-10-22)
Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.