MEXT Scholarship 2026 for Undergraduate Students – Fully Funded Study in Japan (Embassy Recommendation)
Updated Guidelines & How to Apply
Are you dreaming of studying in Japan on a fully funded scholarship? The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026 for Undergraduate Students is now open! This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipends, travel costs, and accommodation support, making it one of the best fully funded international scholarships worldwide.
This guide summarises the official 2026 MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship Guidelines to help you prepare a successful application.
What is the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship?
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. It supports international students who want to study as undergraduate students at Japanese national universities.
Recipients may first undergo a one-year intensive Japanese language and preparatory course, then proceed to their degree programme.
Available Fields of Study
Applicants must choose a field from the official list below.
1. Social Sciences & Humanities
A. Humanities & Social Sciences
- Law
- Politics
- Pedagogy
- Sociology
- Literature
- History
- Japanese Language
- Others
B. Business & Economics
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Accounting / Financial Economics
2. Natural Sciences
Split into three major categories:
A. Natural Sciences A (Engineering & Sciences)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Electronics
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Environmental Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Chemistry
- Textile Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Mining Engineering
- Maritime Engineering
- Biotechnology
B. Natural Sciences B (Agriculture, Health & Biology)
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Forestry
- Food Science
- Fisheries
- Pharmacy
- Hygienics
- Nursing
- Biology
C. Natural Sciences C (Medical Sciences)
- Medicine
- Dentistry
MEXT Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)
The MEXT Scholarship provides one of the best funding packages worldwide:
✔ Monthly Allowance
- 117,000 yen per month
- Extra regional allowance: 2,000–3,000 yen (depending on location)
✔ Full Tuition Coverage
- Entrance examination fees
- Matriculation fees
- Full university tuition
✔ Travel Expenses
- Round-trip flight tickets (economy class)
- From home country → Japan → home country after graduation
✔ Preparatory Education
- One-year Japanese language & academic preparation
- Fully funded for eligible students
✔ Degree Awarded
- Bachelor’s degree from a Japanese national university
Scholarship Duration
- 5 years (including 1-year language prep)
- 7 years for:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- 6-year Pharmacy programmes
Direct Placement Students
If placed directly into a university (without preparatory course):
- 4 years (or 6 years for medical fields)
MEXT Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following:
1. Nationality
- Must be from a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
2. Age Requirement
- Born on or after April 2, 2001.
- Must be 18 years or older upon university admission.
3. Academic Background
You must meet one of the following:
- Completed 12 years of school outside Japan.
- Completed a school equivalent to a Japanese high school.
- Passed a university entrance qualification exam.
- Eligible for university admission in Japan.
4. Language Requirement
- Willing to learn Japanese.
- Some programmes accept students in English (direct placement).
5. Health Requirement
- Submit a certified medical examination form.
6. Arrival in Japan
- Must arrive between April 1–7, 2026
- OR follow university schedule if starting in autumn (September–October).
7. Visa Requirement
- Must obtain a Student (Ryugaku) Visa before arrival.
Non-Eligible Applicants
You cannot apply if:
- You hold Japanese nationality and won’t renounce it before arrival.
- You cannot arrive within the prescribed period.
- You are applying to another MEXT programme at the same time.
- You are already enrolled in Japan as a privately funded student (with exceptions).
- You plan long-term research outside Japan during the scholarship.
- You previously held a MEXT scholarship (with exceptions).
MEXT Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following to the Japanese Embassy in their country:
Required for All:
- Application Form (2026 format)
- Academic Transcript(s)
- Graduation Certificate / Certificate of Prospective Graduation
- Recommendation Letter
- Medical Certificate (2026 format)
Submit If Applicable:
- Certificate of Enrollment (if currently in university)
- University Entrance Qualification Certificate
- Language Proficiency Certificates (JLPT, TOEFL, IELTS etc.)
Note: All documents must be in English or Japanese, or accompanied by a translation.
Selection Process
The MEXT selection consists of:
1. First Screening
Conducted by the Japanese Embassy:
- Document review
- Written examinations
- Interview
Subjects for Written Exams
Humanities & Social Sciences:
- Japanese
- English
- Mathematics A
Natural Sciences:
- Japanese
- English
- Mathematics B
- Chemistry
- Physics or Biology
2. Second Screening
Conducted by MEXT in Tokyo.
3. Placement in University
Final university placement is decided by MEXT—no objections allowed.
How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the Japanese Embassy Website
Each country has its own application deadlines.
Search: “Japanese Embassy + Your Country + MEXT Scholarship”
Step 2: Download & Complete All Forms
Use only the official 2026 forms.
Step 3: Gather All Required Documents
Step 4: Submit to the Embassy
Submission must follow the embassy’s instructions (by email, online, or physical submission).
Step 5: Take Written Exams & Attend Interview
Step 6: Wait for Final Results (Jan 2026 onward)
Tips to Increase Your Chances of winning MEXT Scholarship
✔ Start early – documents take time
✔ Prepare for Mathematics, English, and Japanese
✔ Write a strong and clear study plan
✔ Show motivation to study in Japan
✔ Highlight academic achievements
Conclusion
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for students seeking a fully funded international degree in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. With full tuition, monthly stipends, and travel support, it remains one of the most competitive scholarships globally.
If you want to study in Japan for free, start preparing your application now.
