MEXT Scholarship: Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning to study abroad in Japan? Known for its rigorous educational system and emphasis on academic achievements, Japan offers affordable yet quality education despite its high-end technology and multicultural environment. One significant factor that attracts students is Japan’s MEXT scholarships.

Some people often wonder if the MEXT scholarship is fake. Certainly not! The MEXT scholarship was initiated under the Global 30 project in 2009 to internationalize Japanese higher education through the collective efforts of its thirteen member universities. 

Their primary objective is to support economically and socially disadvantaged students by giving them access to higher education. The scholarship funds various courses, including arts, science, engineering, commerce, and other professional disciplines.

Keep on reading to find out more about the MEXT scholarship before you begin your exciting academic adventure in Japan!

MEXT Scholarship 2024: Overview 

The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) Scholarship is a financial aid program offered by the Japanese government for talented students from around the world. Through the MEXT scholarship, Japan, renowned for its rich cultural legacy and esteemed educational institutions, provides an opportunity for international students to pursue their academic goals in the country.

Here’s an overview of the MEXT Scholarship 2024

Parameters	Description
Type of scholarship	Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate
Duration of study	Differs based on the program
Funding	Fully funded
Funding Source	Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho) of Japanese Government
Place of Study	Universities in Japan
Eligible Countries	India, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, UAE, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Iraq, Qatar, Palestine, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait and Sudan
Field of study	Humanities Scientific disciplines Medical fields Engineering disciplines

What is MEXT Scholarship

The Japanese government offers MEXT scholarships to support outstanding international students wishing to pursue studies and research at Japanese universities. With a foundation for academic excellence and accessibility, MEXT scholarships are highly competitive and cover a wide range of academic disciplines. 

The scholarships provide financial support to help students stay in this dynamic country, covering tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance costs, and more. If you have ever dreamed of studying in Japan, with the right preparation and determination, you could be the next recipient of this coveted award.

What are Benefits of MEXT Scholarship

MEXT scholarships offer a variety of perks in addition to financial assistance, such as monthly stipends, travel reimbursements, housing assistance, and health coverage. Here are some of the monetary benefits of the scholarship:

• Allowance: ¥117,000  per month with a supplementary regional allowance of ¥2,000  or 3,000  per month, added to the monthly scholarship amount for grantees studying or conducting research in designated areas.
• Education fees: The scholarship covers entrance examination fees, matriculation fees, and university tuition.
• Traveling Expenses: The scholarship provides roundtrip airfare for selected scholars

Below is an overview of the MEXT Scholarship amount for each category of program.

Type of Student	Average Allowance
Research Students	¥143,000 - ¥145,000 per month
Teacher Training Students
Undergraduate Applicants	¥117,000 per month
College of Technology Students
Specialized College Training Students
Japanese Language Studying Applicants
Young Leaders Program Students	¥242,000 per month

Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship in 2024

To apply for the scholarship, candidates should have completed high school and meet the basic criteria. The basic MEXT Scholarship 2024 eligibility criteria are,

• Nationality: Candidates must belong to a country with which Japan has diplomatic relations and should not be official citizens of Japan.
• Age: Candidates should be 18 years or older at the time of admission.
• Academics: Candidates should have completed 12 years of schooling, equivalent to a Japanese upper secondary school.
• Language: Applicants should be proficient in English and willing to learn Japanese and its various aspects.

Here’s an overview of MEXT Scholarship eligibility for each student category.

Student Category	Eligibility criteria
Research students	Candidate must be below 35 years of age and a college graduate (including prospective graduates) Candidate must have completed 16 years of schooling
Teacher training students	Candidates must be below 35 years of age and a graduate of a college or teacher training college. Candidates must have at least five years of active experience as a teacher in the country’s primary, secondary, or teacher-training college (Note: The college and university teachers currently in service will not be considered for this scholarship.)
Undergraduate students	Candidates must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age. Candidate must have completed 12 years of school education or course in a school, comparable to a high school (including prospective graduates)
Japanese Studies Students	Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old. Candidates must be enrolled as undergraduate students in faculties or schools that major in the Japanese language or Japanese culture in a university, outside of Japan. Candidates, when returning to Japan, must be enrolled in a home institution.
College of Technology students	Candidates must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age. Candidate must have completed school education comparable to a high school with  a minimum of 11 years beginning in primary school
Specialized training college students	Candidate must be at least 17 and under 25 years of age

Important Dates for MEXT Scholarship 2024

Every country has a different MEXT scholarship 2024 last date. Check the deadlines by visiting the Japanese embassy in your country.

Note: Some of the scholarships for MEXT 2024 have already closed.

Application Start Date

Type	Application Start Date
Research Students	April  2024 (Passed)
Undergraduate Applicants	17 April 2024 (Passed)
College of Technology Students	17 April 2024 (Passed)
Specialized College Training Students	17 April 2024 (Passed)
Japanese Language Studying Applicants	December 2024
Teacher Training Students	December 2024
Young Leaders Program	July 2024

Application Last Date

Type	Deadline
Research Students	May 2024 (Passed)
Undergraduate Applicants	27 May 2024 (Passed)
College of Technology Students	27 May 2024 (Passed)
Specialized College Training Students	27 May 2024 (Passed)
Japanese Language Studying Applicants	January 2025
Teacher Training Students	January 2025
Young Leaders Program	September 2024

Announcement of Results

Scholarship Types	Application Result Date
Research students	May 2024
Undergraduate students	Mid-June 2024
College of Technology students	Mid-June 2024
Specialized training college students	Mid-June 2024

If you are planning to apply for MEXT scholarship 2025, here’s a tentative period for the application. 

Scholarship Type	Application Timelines 2025
Research students	April - May
Teacher training students	December -January
Undergraduate students	April - May
Japanese studies students	December - January
College of Technology students	April - May
Specialized training college students	April - May
Young Leaders Program (YLP) students	July - September

Required Documents for 2024 MEXT Scholarship

While preparing to apply for the MEXT scholarship, ensure you gather the following documents for a smooth process:

1. MEXT Scholarship application form: It can be downloaded from the official website of your country's Japanese embassy.
2. Verified highest degree with official stamps:
   • Bachelor program applicants: 12 years of education
   • Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree
   • PhD program applicants: Master’s degree
   • Note: If the degree is not in English, ensure to get a notarized copy of a translation in English for submission.
3. Verified highest degree transcript with official stamps (including grading system):
   • Bachelor program applicants: 12 years of education
   • Master’s program applicants: Bachelor’s degree transcripts
   • PhD program applicants: Master’s degree transcripts
4. Recommendation letters: Obtain at least two recommendation letters from your teacher, advisor, or employer. They should be able to evaluate your academic performance and research potential.
5. Passport scan (if available at the time of application)
6. Curriculum vitae (applicable for research students)
7. Photographs
8. Study plan/statement of purpose: The study plan or statement of purpose should be in English. It should include your motivation for application, research/academic background, and prospective study goals.
9. English language proficiency document: Demonstrate your proficiency in English through proven documents, including a certificate from your home university or IELTS.
10. Academic thesis or relevant publication (for research students)

Application Process for MEXT Scholarship: How to Apply 

There are two ways to apply for a Japanese government scholarship: by applying to the MEXT with a recommendation from a Japanese embassy or other Japanese diplomatic mission in your country or by applying to the MEXT with a recommendation from a Japanese university.

• Embassy recommendation: In this type, candidates will be recruited and screened by a Japanese embassy.
• University recommendation: Japanese universities recruit candidates based on their student-exchange agreements with schools overseas.

Here are the simple steps involved in the application process.

• Contact with Embossed

Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate. They will provide details about the specific application deadline and required documents.

• Visit the website

1. Visit the official website of the Japanese embassy of your country. 

1. Click on the Education Section.

1. Tap on the Study in Japan option.

1. Now click on the Japanese Government scholarships.

Here, you will find the details of the MEXT scholarship for different course categories. 

1. Click on the respective type to download the application form.

• Prepare documents 

After gathering the application form, ensure to prepare the necessary documents. It includes a transcript, recommendation letters, and a research plan (if you are applying for research student).

• Submit the Application

Submit your application to the embassy or consulate within the deadline. Ensure to follow the specific products for submissions. 

Fees for MEXT Scholarship in 2024

The purpose of the MEXT scholarship is to accept excellent human resources from other countries to Japan, promoting international relationships and intellectual contributions. MEXT does not charge application fees. However, be aware of individuals or organizations charging deposits or fees for the scholarship. For further information, contact the Japanese embassies or consulates in your country or the institution in Japan where you plan to enroll.

MEXT Scholarship Selection Process

The selection process for the MEXT Scholarship consists of four important phases. It includes

Document Examination

Download and prepare the essential documents from the website of the Japanese embassy in your country. Generally, you must prepare three documents: the application form, the certification of health, and the recommendation form.

Medical Examination

Medical fitness is required to be eligible for the MEXT scholarship. Applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit to continue their education in Japan. Typically, applicants must arrange and pay for their medical checkups.

Written Examination 

The written examination varies based on your chosen major (Arts or Science). For social studies and humanities (Arts), you must study English, Japanese, and Mathematics. For Natural Science, the MEXT scholarship syllabus includes English, Japanese, Mathematics, and two sciences.

Course	Major subjects
Social Sciences and Humanities - A	Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History & Japanese Language
Social Sciences and Humanities - B	Economics, Business Administration
Natural Sciences - A	Science: Physics, Chemistry & Maths Electric and Electronic Studies: Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Information Engineering Mechanical Studies: Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture: Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering Chemical Studies: Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Textile Engineering Others: Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Biotechnology
Natural Sciences - B	Agricultural Studies: Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry, Food Science, Fisheries Hygienic Studies: Pharmacy, Hygienics, Nursing Science: Biology
Natural Sciences - C	Medicine, Dentistry

Interview

Interviews are the most challenging aspect of the MEXT scholarship selection process. Arrive at the embassy at least fifteen minutes early and dress appropriately. Prepare for frequently asked questions and maintain a modest demeanor throughout the interview.

Final Document Verification

After completing the previous stages, MEXT will verify the authenticity of your submitted documents. If you pass the verification process, you will be contacted via email and letter and allocated to your chosen university.

Renewal and Deferment Policies of MEXT Scholarship

If a candidate graduates from an undergraduate course and is admitted to a master's course at a graduate school during the period of their scholarship and has outstanding academic achievements that meet certain criteria, they may have the scholarship period extended upon a successful examination by MEXT.

The scholarship's payment or renewal will be canceled for the reasons given below. The scholarship's payment may also be stopped during the period up to the decision on the disposition of the matter. 

• The candidate is found to have made a false statement on their application.
• The candidate violates any article of their pledge to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.
• The candidate violates Japanese laws and is sentenced and imprisoned for an indefinite period or a period exceeding one year.
• The candidate is suspended from their university or preparatory educational institution, receives other punishment, or is removed from enrollment due to disciplinary action.
• It is determined that it will be impossible for the candidate to complete the course within the standard period due to poor academic grades or suspension/absence.
• The candidate came to Japan without newly acquiring the “Student” residence status or changing their residence status to one other than “Student.”
• The candidate has received another scholarship (excluding those specified for research expenditures).
• The candidate proceeds to a more advanced level of education without receiving approval for an extension of the scholarship period.

Deferment Policies

In the event of unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances, the Japanese Government allows applicants to change or cancel their arrival date after notification of the results of the final selection. Unavoidable circumstances are defined as events whose effects could not reasonably be prevented or controlled, such as infectious disease, fire, flooding, torrential rain, earthquakes, acts of war (regardless of a declaration of war), revolt, revolution, rebellion, strike, or lockout.

Important Instructions for 2024 MEXT Scholarship

Here are some instructions to follow to apply for the MEXT scholarship and a seamless application process,

• Have or acquire a passport, depending on the procedure of your home country.
• Acquire a Japanese student visa.
• Be between the age of 17 and 35 years, depending on the type of scholarship you are applying for.
• Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic ties to Japan.
• Be aware of important dates and deadlines while applying.
• Choose your desired university in Japan and submit a proper application ahead of time. It is important to apply to multiple schools to avoid any hassles.
• Prepare with past examination questions to improve your chances.
• Have at least an elementary knowledge of the Japanese language before applying. In most cases, you might need to pass a Japanese exam to receive an embassy recommendation.

How to Check 2024 MEXT Scholarship Result

To check the MEXT scholarship result, follow the below steps.

• Visit the official website of your Japanese embassy.
• Click on the Education section.
• Choose Study in Japan, and you will be redirected to the next page.
• Opt for the Japanese scholarship program.
• View the desired result of the MEXT scholarship according to your scholarship status. 

Here’s an overview of important dates for the MEXT Scholarship status check.

Scholarship Types	Application Result Date	Written Examination Date	Final Result Date
Research students	May 2024	June 15, 2024	Mid-July 2024
Undergraduate students	Mid-June 2024	June 23, 2024	Mid-July 2024
College of Technology students	Mid-June 2024	June 23, 2024	Mid-July 2024
Specialized training college students	Mid-June 2024	June 23, 2024	Mid-July 2024

Conclusion

In recent years, Southeast Asia has gained popularity as a study destination, and Japan is no exception. With world-renowned universities, job opportunities, and reasonable tuition fees, Japan should be on your study abroad list. The MEXT scholarship is a gateway to academic success and intercultural understanding for aspirants. With the scholarship, you can fulfill your scholastic aspirations in Japan and positively impact the world.

The MEXT scholarship program lessens the financial burden on students, allowing them to concentrate on their academics and fully experience the culture. As a selected scholar, you will have access to a global education system, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a network with experts in your field.

Set out on a life-changing educational journey that will expand your horizons and excel in your future!