The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan is scheduled to discontinue the University Recommendation scheme under the General Category starting in Academic Year 2027 (AY2027). Consequently, international students planning to enter Japanese graduate schools as research students, master's degree candidates, or doctoral candidates for 2027 enrollment will no longer be able to apply through this specific channel at participating national universities. Prospective graduate candidates must now focus their scholarship strategy on the Embassy Recommendation route.
What is changing for the MEXT Scholarship from Academic Year 2027?
Following notifications from MEXT, major Japanese universities are terminating recruitment under the University Recommendation (General Category) starting in AY2027. Institutions such as The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, and The University of Osaka have confirmed that recruitment under this specific track will not take place for students seeking admission in AY2027.
This change directly impacts non-Japanese nationals preparing to apply for graduate study in Japan. International students who previously relied on direct faculty recommendations and university selection for the general MEXT scholarship must pivot to alternative tracks, primarily the Embassy Recommendation system managed by Japanese diplomatic missions overseas.
How does the MEXT Embassy Recommendation route work?
With the General University Recommendation track ending for 2027, the Embassy Recommendation track serves as the primary route for international students seeking full MEXT scholarship funding for graduate study. Under this scheme, candidate selection and preliminary screening are conducted by Japanese embassies or consulates in the applicant's country of citizenship.
The typical timeline for the Embassy Recommendation process involves several steps:
- Application submission: Candidates apply directly to the Japanese embassy or consulate general in their home country between April and May.
- First screening: Diplomatic missions evaluate submitted documents, administer written language and subject exams, and conduct interviews between May and August.
- Passing Certificate: Applicants who successfully clear the first screening receive an official Passing Certificate from the embassy.
- University contact: Candidates use their Passing Certificate to contact prospective academic advisors at Japanese universities and request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance.
What are the eligibility criteria and scholarship benefits?
To be eligible for the MEXT Research Student Scholarship (covering non-degree research students as well as master's and doctoral degree students), applicants must satisfy specific criteria:
- Age limit: Applicants must generally be born on or after April 2, 1992 (aged 34 or younger as of April 1 of the arrival year).
- Academic requirement: Candidates must hold a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.30 or higher on a 3.0 scale during their final year of study or current degree program, calculated using MEXT's standard formula, and maintain this academic standing.
- Language proficiency: Candidates must hold proof of English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher (such as TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS 5.5), or Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher. Alternatively, having completed an educational program instructed primarily in English or Japanese that meets university entrance requirements fulfills the language condition.
- Health and visa status: Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy, obtain a new "Student" visa prior to departure, and arrive in Japan within the university's designated period (typically early April or late September/October).
Recipient financial allowances include:
- Monthly stipend: Non-degree research students receive 143,000 yen per month; master's and professional degree students receive 144,000 yen per month; doctoral students receive 145,000 yen per month. Additional regional monthly allowances of 2,000 to 3,000 yen apply in specific cities like Kyoto, Uji, or Inuyama.
- Tuition & fees: Entrance examination fees, matriculation fees, and tuition fees are fully exempted.
- Travel costs: MEXT provides one round-trip economy class airline ticket.
What is the timeline and deadline to request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance?
For applicants who pass the embassy's first screening for AY2027 entry, securing a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from a host university in Japan is mandatory before MEXT's final selection.
- September 1, 2026: Strict deadline to request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance at Kyoto University (via the Admissions Assistance Office / AAO) and The University of Osaka (via the Admissions Assistance Desk / AAD). Requests received on or after September 2, 2026, will not be accepted.
- October to November: MEXT conducts its second screening based on university submissions.
- January to March: Final results are announced, and scholarship award letters are issued.
- April or October: Scholarship recipients arrive in Japan to begin their studies.
Applicants should always verify individual university guidelines and consult official diplomatic sources regarding exact visa rules and legal procedures.
Finding a place to stay
Once your MEXT scholarship and university acceptance are confirmed, arranging housing is an essential next step before arriving in Japan. Most international students finalize their living arrangements after receiving their Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and securing their Student visa. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while settling into their academic routine and exploring neighborhoods. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo; most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Groups, longer stays and students can ask for a quote; a special price is often possible.