Great news! The MEXT Research Scholarship 2025 is now open for applications. If you are a graduate student looking to conduct research in Japan with full financial support, this is your golden opportunity. The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is awarded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to international students who wish to study as research students at Japanese universities. This scholarship is highly competitive and provides full funding for research-based master’s or doctoral studies.

Scholarship Overview

• Name: MEXT Research Scholarship 2025
• University: Various Japanese universities
• Study Level: Master’s or PhD (Research Students)
• Language of Instruction: Japanese or English
• Duration: 2 years (extendable for degree-seeking students)
• Deadline: Varies by country (check the Japanese embassy in your country)
• Location: Japan
• Funding: Fully funded

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MEXT scholarship, you must:

• Must be a citizen of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan.
• Be born on or after April 2, 1990
• Must possess a bachelor’s degree (for master’s applicants) or a master’s degree (for PhD applicants).
• Have a strong academic background
• Be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to Japanese culture
• Be medically fit to study in Japan
• Not be a current recipient of other scholarships

Benefits of the MEXT Scholarship

• Full Tuition Coverage: All university tuition fees are covered
• Monthly Stipend (as per 2025 guidelines​):
  • Master’s students: JPY 144,000/month
  • PhD students: JPY 145,000/month
  • Research students: JPY 143,000/month
• Accommodation: Either a free university dormitory or a housing allowance
• Travel Expenses:
  • Airfare to Japan: An economy-class one-way ticket
  • Return airfare (upon successful completion of studies)
• Medical Insurance: Covered under the national health plan

Application Process – How to Apply?

1. Find a Japanese University
   • Research Japanese universities offering your preferred research field.
2. Get a Letter of Acceptance
   • Contact potential supervisors and secure a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from a university.
3. Apply Through the Japanese Embassy
   • Submit all required documents to the Japanese diplomatic mission in your country.
4. Required Documents​
   • Application Form (filled out completely)
   • Field of Study & Research Plan (detailed explanation of your proposed research)
   • Academic Transcripts & Certificates (certified copies)
   • Two Recommendation Letters (from academic/professional sources)
   • Medical Certificate (proof of good health)
   • English or Japanese Proficiency Test Scores (if required)
   • Passport Copy
5. Screening & Interview
   • The embassy conducts document screening, written tests, and interviews.
6. Final Selection by MEXT
   • If selected, you will be officially placed in a Japanese university.

Things to Remember

• Apply Early: Deadlines vary by country, so check with the Japanese Embassy in your region.
• Language Requirement: Some programs require Japanese proficiency (JLPT), while others accept English-taught courses.
• Commitment to Research: Ensure your research proposal aligns with Japan’s academic fields.
• University Selection: MEXT decides the final placement, so list multiple university choices.

The MEXT Research Scholarship 2025 is an amazing opportunity to study in Japan for free. If you are serious about research and higher education in Japan, APPLY today!