MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)
منحة الحكومة اليابانية (MEXT)
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is offered by Japan's Ministry of Education to international students across several tracks, including undergraduate, graduate and research studies. It usually covers full tuition, a monthly allowance and airfare, and may include a preparatory year of Japanese language study. You can apply through the Japanese embassy in your country (embassy recommendation) or directly via a Japanese university (university recommendation).
Available programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
Japan’s Ministry of Education offers the scholarship through Japanese embassies or Japanese universities. The Embassy Recommendation page covers the categories, the timeline and how to get provisional acceptance, with the criteria, documents and benefits.
- View Details
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – Embassy Recommendation 2028
PhD, Bachelor, MasterFully FundedAll fieldsMay 31, 2027
Life and living
Tokyo · Japan
Life and living
Tokyo · Japan
Living in Tokyo
Japan’s capital and largest city, home to the University of Tokyo, Waseda and Keio, with punctual public transport and high safety.
Student housing
International students spend on average ¥57,000 a month on housing in Tokyo versus ¥41,000 nationwide; total living costs average ¥105,000 (JASSO).
Transport for students
The student commuter pass (tsūgaku teiki) is discounted and priced by the route between your home station and campus, so there is no flat price.
Top landmarks
Tokyo Skytree
Kakidai · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Sensō-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Meiji Shrine
Akonnchiroll · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Shibuya Crossing
David Kernan · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Last verified: October 2026
Sources:Tokyo Metropolitan Government – PopulationStudy in Japan (JASSO) – Cost of livingKyoto University – Student commuter pass
Studying and living in Japan
Costs and living
Tuition Fees in Japan (2026/2027): • National Universities: Fixed nationally by MEXT at 535,800 JPY per year (~3,500 USD) with a one-time admission registration fee of 282,000 JPY. • Local Public Universities: 540,000 to 650,000 JPY per year. • Private Universities: 900,000 to 1,800,000 JPY per year for humanities, business, and engineering degrees. Living Expenses & Visa Proof: • Average living costs: 90,000 to 150,000 JPY per month (Tokyo averages 120,000–160,000 JPY; regional cities like Kyoto, Sendai, and Hiroshima average 80,000–110,000 JPY). • Financial guarantee for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Bank statement showing approximately 2,000,000 JPY for the first year (or scholarship grant certificate).
Working while studying
Working During Studies: • International students are permitted to work up to 28 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week (8 hours/day) during official university breaks, by obtaining the work permit stamp (Shikakugai-katsudō-kyoka) at the port of entry airport free of charge. • Average hourly wage: 1,100 to 1,500 JPY in Tokyo and major urban areas. Post-Study Work & Immigration: • Japan offers the Designated Activities Visa (Job-hunting visa) granting 6 months, renewable for up to 1 full year after graduation. • Securing employment allows immediate transition to professional work visas (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services). Fast-track permanent residency is available within 1 to 3 years under the Highly Skilled Professional points system.
Faculties and majors at the university
4 fields · 13 majors
Faculties and majors at the university
4 fields · 13 majors
Engineering, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
Exact Sciences, Materials & Natural Sciences
Show all majors (+2)Show less
Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Humanities, Social Sciences & Japanese Studies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Funding type: Fully Funded. Announced benefits: Tuition exemption, Monthly stipend, Round-trip airfare.
The latest deadline we have is May 31, 2027. Dates can differ by university or programme, so confirm on the official website.
Required documents: Application form and placement preference form, Field of study and research plan, Certificate of health and recommendation letter.
There are two routes depending on your country and programme: nomination through the host country's embassy or your home ministry, or an application through a participating university where available. Each route has its own deadlines and quotas, so check which route is open for your country on the official website (https://www.mext.go.jp/en/policy/education/highered/title02/detail02/sdetail02/1373897.htm). ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
Open readiness checklistSimilar scholarships
JapanKochi University of Technology
Kochi University of Technology in Japan offers scholarship programs for international graduate students in engineering and management, including joint programs with foreign government agencies that fund doctoral students. Depending on the program, benefits may include a tuition waiver and a monthly…
JapanAsian Development Bank Scholarship
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) funds nationals of ADB's developing member countries to pursue master's degrees in development-related fields such as economics, management and public health at participating institutions, including the University of Tokyo. It typically…
JapanQS #57Kyoto University
Kyoto University, one of Japan's most prestigious universities, offers international students several funding sources, including the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, JASSO scholarships and private foundation awards, as well as tuition exemption for eligible students. Conditions and benefits…