MEXT Scholarship 2024 in Japan (Fully Funded Scholarship)

Studying in Japan as an international student is simplified through the Next Scholarship. You don’t need to bother with financial aid because the scholarship covers  tuition fee, monthly living allowance, accommodation, and round airfare travel expenses from your country to Japan.

This scholarship is for undergraduate, masters, PhD and training studies. The Japanese government offers scholarships through the MEXT program for both undergraduate and graduate students (masters and PhD). Applications typically open in April.

Thankfully, you don’t need to know Japanese or have an English proficiency test score to apply. Contact your local Japanese embassy for details and application procedures.

Want to know more about the scholarship, the eligibility criteria, application procedures, etc, check below in this article.

What is a MEXT Scholarship?

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, shortened as MEXT is a fully funded scholarship awarded by the Japanese is a golden ticket for international students seeking a top-notch education in Japan. It’s more than just financial aid; it’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in Japanese academic and cultural life.

This scholarship covers a significant portion, if not all, of your expenses while studying in Japan. This includes tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living costs, and even travel costs in some cases. With this financial support, you can focus on your studies and make the most of your time in Japan without the burden of hefty student loans.

There are different MEXT Scholarship programs catering to various academic goals. Whether you’re a high school graduate aiming for an undergraduate degree, a current undergraduate seeking a graduate program, or even a professional yearning for research opportunities, there might be a MEXT Scholarship path for you. Some programs even have a specific focus, like the Young Leaders’ Program (YLP), which aims to cultivate future leaders in various countries.

The application process is usually competitive, involving screenings by the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country, along with written tests and interviews. But if you’re an academically strong student with a genuine interest in Japan, the MEXT Scholarship is definitely worth pursuing. It can open doors to world-class education, cultural experiences, and the chance to build a future steeped in Japanese knowledge and innovation. The  program Period differs depending on the program. For undergraduate, 4-5 Years, Masters: 2-3 Years, and PhD: 3-4 Years.

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Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship in Japan Student Eligibility

The MEXT Scholarship offers exciting opportunities for international students to pursue their academic dreams in Japan. To help you determine your eligibility, check the following student eligibility:

Undergraduate Studies

• Age: Between 17 and 25 years old.
• Education: Completion of 12 years of schooling or a comparable high school program (prospective graduates welcome).

College of Technology & Specialized Training College

• Age: Between 17 and 25 years old.
• Education: Completion of at least 11 years of schooling (starting from primary school) or a comparable Japanese high school education (prospective graduates welcome).

Research Studies

• Age: Under 35 years old.
• Education: College graduate (including those nearing graduation) or completion of 16 years of schooling.

Teacher Training Program

• Age: Under 35 years old.
• Education: College or teacher training college graduate with a minimum of five years of active teaching experience in primary, secondary, or teacher training institutions (excluding current college/university faculty).

Japanese Studies Program

• Age: Between 18 and 30 years old.
• Education: Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student majoring in Japanese language or culture at a university outside Japan (must remain enrolled upon returning home).

Young Leaders Program (YLP)

• Age: Ideally under 40 years old.
• Education: University or college graduates with relevant work experience, or young public administrators with the potential to make a significant impact in Asia and other countries.

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Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship in Japan 2024

The MEXT Scholarship offers financial support for international students to pursue studies in Japan. 

To be eligible for this scholarship in 2024, you must meet the following criteria:

Nationality

You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese citizens are not eligible.

Language

English is the required language for application.

Age

• Undergraduate Students: Applicants must be between 17 and 24 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling or its equivalent (including prospective graduates).
• Master’s/Ph.D. Students: Applicants must be under 35 years old and hold a college degree (including prospective graduates) or have completed 16 or 18 years of education depending on the program.
• Teacher Training Students: Applicants must be under 35 years old, possess a degree from a college or teacher training college, and have at least five years of teaching experience in primary, secondary, or teacher training institutions in their home country.
• Japanese Studies Students: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old and currently enrolled as undergraduate students majoring in Japanese language or culture at a university outside Japan. They must also be enrolled in their home institution upon returning to their home country.

Health

Applicants must be in good physical and mental health.

How to Apply for a MEXT Scholarship in Japan 2024?

The MEXT Scholarship, offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, presents a fantastic opportunity to pursue your academic goals in Japan. 

If you’re aiming to be part of this Mext Scholarship, here’s a step by step guide on the application process:

• Locate Your Embassy
• Go to Embassy Website
• Get Application Forms
• Gather the Required Documents
• Submission of Application
• Write Test 
• Interviews
• Selection Notification

Locate Your Embassy

The first step is to identify the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. This information can likely be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

Go to Embassy Website

Once you’ve found your embassy’s website, navigate to the “Education” or “Scholarship” section. There, you should find details and downloadable application materials for the MEXT Scholarship program.

Get Application Forms

Download the designated MEXT scholarship application form and meticulously fill it out. Ensure you provide all the requested information accurately.

Gather the Required Documents

Carefully review the list of required documents alongside the application form. These typically include transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, and a health certificate from a doctor.

Submission of Application 

Submit the completed application form and all necessary documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. Do not send them directly to MEXT in Japan.

Write Test

The embassy may conduct a written test to assess your abilities. Some embassies might offer sample tests online to help you prepare.

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will likely be invited for interviews at the embassy. This is your chance to showcase your academic aspirations, enthusiasm for Japan, and preparedness for the program.

Selection Notification

The embassy will inform successful applicants via email or through their website. Stay tuned for updates after the application and interview stages.

Documents Required for MEXT Scholarship in Japan 2024

To apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2024, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

Mandatory Documents

#1. MEXT Scholarship Application Form: Fill out the official application form completely and accurately.

#2. Proof of Highest Degree

• Bachelor’s applicants: Provide official documentation verifying completion of 12 years of education.
• Master’s applicants: Submit a verified copy of your Bachelor’s degree.
• Ph.D. applicants: Include a verified copy of your Master’s degree.

Note: If your degree is not in English, include a notarized translation.

#3. Official Transcripts

• Bachelor’s applicants: Submit transcripts for your 12 years of education.
• Master’s and Ph.D. applicants: Provide transcripts for your previous degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s, respectively).

Note: Similar to degrees, if transcripts are not in English, include a notarized translation.

#4. Recommendation Letters (Research Students Only): Two letters written by professors, advisors, or employers who can assess your academic achievements and research potential. English is preferred.

#5. Passport: Include a copy of your passport-sized photograph during application.

#6. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Research Students Only): A comprehensive CV outlining your academic and professional background.

#7. Photographs: Follow the specific guidelines provided for photo format and submission.

#8. Study Plan/Statement of Purpose: Write an essay in English detailing your motivations for applying, your educational and research background, and your proposed studies in Japan.

#9. English Language Proficiency Proof: If your previous education used English, a certificate from your university may suffice. Otherwise, you’ll need to submit an official English language test score report.

#10. Academic Thesis or Publications (Optional): Showcase your research experience by including relevant theses or publications (if applicable).

#11. Other Supporting Documents (Optional): Include any additional documents that strengthen your application, following the program’s specific guidelines.

Remember:

• Double-check all deadlines and requirements with the official MEXT Scholarship website or your local Japanese embassy/consulate.
• Ensure all documents are properly formatted, translated (if necessary), and submitted according to the program’s instructions.

Conclusion on MEXT Scholarship 2024 in Japan (Fully Funded Scholarship)

The MEXT Scholarship in Japan is a fantastic opportunity for international students looking to pursue their academic dreams. It offers full tuition coverage, accommodation, a monthly allowance, and even airfare, it’s a dream come true for many.

In this article, we have successfully discussed the scholarship, its eligibility criteria, the application process, and many others.  

I wish you good luck on your application.