MEXT Scholarships to Study Abroad 2024-25: Applications, Dates, Eligibility, Requirements & More

MEXT Scholarship

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Shireen Parhee

Lead, Content Marketing

The MEXT Scholarship is a program of seven different scholarships offered by the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. It is a fully- funded scholarship available for international students who wish to study in Japan for the 2024-25 academic year. It covers undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and training studies at Japanese universities. The scholarship includes tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare from the recipient’s country to Japan.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the MEXT Scholarship, let us understand some key details like eligibility criteria, the application process, and the various benefits it offers.

mext scholarship

What is the MEXT scholarship?

The Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) offers seven types of scholarships, including those for Research students, Teacher training students, Undergraduate students, Japanese studies students, College of technology students, Specialized training college students, and Young Leaders Program (YLP) students.

If you want to study in Japan through this program, you can apply in one of two ways: through an embassy’s recommendation or a university’s recommendation.

Embassy Recommendation: In this method, you apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. 

University Recommendation: In this method, you apply directly to a Japanese university that has a recommendation slot for the MEXT Scholarship. 

The MEXT Scholarship program offers various opportunities for international students to study in Japan, each with specific pathways, durations, and fields of study. The following table provides an overview of the different types of MEXT Scholarships available, the application methods, study levels, and additional details like duration, field of study, and financial support.

Also Read: Types of Scholarships to Study Abroad for International Students

Scholarship TypeResearch StudentsTeacher Training StudentsUndergraduate StudentsJapanese Studies StudentsCollege of Technology StudentsSpecialized Training College StudentsYoung Leaders Program (YLP) Students
Embassy RecommendationAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailableNot Available
University RecommendationAvailable (*1)Not AvailableAvailable (*1)Available (*1)Available (Recommended by College of Technology)Not AvailableNot Available
Study LevelGraduate SchoolTeacher Training at UniversityUndergraduate EducationSpecialized Japanese Language/CultureTransfer to 3rd Year of College of TechnologySpecialized CoursesMaster’s Program at Graduate School
DurationVaries by course type and recommendation1.5 years, including Japanese language trainingEmbassy: 5-7 years (including Japanese language training) University: 6 months to standard years1 academic year4-4.5 years, including Japanese language training3 years, including Japanese language training1 year
Japanese Language Training6 months (if required)1 year (at designated universities)None1 year (at designated centers)1 year (at designated language institutes)NoneNone
Field of StudyMajor in specialized fieldTeacher TrainingUndergraduate ProgramsJapanese Language or CultureSpecialized Courses at College of TechnologySpecialized Training CoursesMaster’s Courses in chosen field
Scholarship Amount¥143,000 – ¥145,000 per month¥117,000 per month¥242,000 per month¥143,000 – ¥145,000 per month¥117,000 per month¥117,000 per month¥242,000 per month
TuitionExemptedExemptedExemptedExemptedExemptedExemptedExempted
Travel AllowanceRound-trip airfare provided (*2)Round-trip airfare provided (*2)Round-trip airfare provided (*2)Round-trip airfare provided (*2)Round-trip airfare provided (*2)Round-trip airfare provided (*2)Round-trip airfare provided (*2)

Now that we have gained a basic understanding of the MEXT Scholarship, let us learn about the different types of institutions where students can pursue programs that are supported by the MEXT Scholarship. 

MEXT Scholarship types and application periods for 2025

#TypeLevel of EducationNo. of ScholarshipsApplication PeriodRemarks
1Research StudentResearch studies(possible to continue toMaster’s/Ph.D course)To be announcedApril-MayApplications closed for 2025*
 The result of document screening 2025 (complete)
2Undergraduate StudentsUndergraduate level leading to Bachelors Degree12April-MayApplications closed for 2025*
 The result of document screening
3College of Technology StudentsUndergraduate level leading to Associate Degree (Diploma)12April-MayApplications closed for 2025*
 The result of document screening
4Specialized Training College StudentsUndergraduate level leading to Certificate12April-MayApplications closed for 2025
5Japanese Studies StudentsUndergraduate level leading to CertificateAbout 9Dec-JanApplications closed for 2024
6Young Leaders’ Program StudentsMaster’s Degree courseA fewJul-SepApplications open for 2025. Application through nomination by recommendation organization.
7Teacher Training StudentsUndergraduate level leading to CertificateAbout 9Dec-JanApplications closed for 2024

Please note that each category has its own specific eligibility criteria and application process. Let’s understand this in more detail. 

Here are some Scholarships for Indian Students to study abroad

What are the MEXT Scholarship application deadlines for 2025? 

The application timeline for Indian students for the 2025 academic year is as follows:

Scholarship TypeApplication Period
Research StudentsApril to May 2024
Undergraduate StudentsApril 17 to May 27, 2024
College of TechnologyApril 17 to May 27, 2024
Specialized TrainingApril 17 to May 27, 2024
Japanese StudiesDecember 2024 – January 2025
Teacher TrainingDecember 2024 – January 2025
Young Leaders’ ProgramJuly – September 2024

What are the MEXT Scholarship eligibility criteria for 2025? 

Candidates must meet certain requirements for the MEXT Scholarship. Here is an overview of the different eligibility criteria: 

Category of RequirementDescription
Academic QualificationsThe applicant must be a college graduate or have completed 16 years of schooling. Prospective graduates are also eligible. 
Age LimitThe applicant must be under 25 years old (undergraduate) or under 35 years old (postgraduate).
HealthThe applicant must be physically and mentally fit to study in Japan.The applicant must also submit a certificate of health filled out by a medical practitioner. 
Nationality The applicant must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan. Indian nationals are eligible.
Recommendation Letter The applicant must be recommended by an authorized organization in your country. In India, the application is through nomination by a recommendation organization

Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024

Period of coverage under the MEXT Scholarship in 2025

CategoryDuration
Research StudentsThe standard period for Master’s or Doctoral programs (up to 3-4 years), plus 6 months of Japanese language training if needed
Undergraduate Students4 to 6 years (includes 1 year of preparatory Japanese language training)
Japanese Studies Students1 year
Teacher Training Students1 year
College of Technology Students4 years
Professional Training College Students2 to 3 years
Young Leaders Program (YLP)1 year

Next, let us understand the application process for the MEXT Scholarship 2025. 

What is the application process for the MEXT Scholarship in 2025?

The MEXT Scholarship application procedure consists of multiple steps: 

  1. Submission of Documents: Applicants must submit the necessary paperwork to the Japanese consulate or embassy in India.
    Required Documents:
    • Application form
    • Academic transcripts
    • Graduation certificate or degree certificate
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Medical certificate
    • Research plan (for research students)
    • Passport Copy
  2. Written Test: Shortlisted applicants must take tests covering topics related to their field of study.
  3. Invitation to Interview: Applicants who have passed the written exam are invited to an interview.
  4. Final Evaluation: The final selection is made based on the combined results of the document review, written test, and interview performance.

As you can see, the MEXT Scholarship application process is highly competitive and rigorous. It’s important to apply to multiple universities and scholarships to increase your chances of studying in Japan. SelectRight can help you with this by guiding you to the best programs and universities that align with your profile, maximizing your chances of admission and financial aid.

How SelectRight Helps You:

  1. Create a profile on SelectRight with your academic details and preferences.
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  3. Compare shortlisted universities on criteria like ROI, alumni networks, and more.
  4. Receive expert advice from SelectRight at any stage of your application.
  5. Connect with peers, alumni, and faculty to make informed decisions.

Start planning now for the Spring 2025 admissions cycle with SelectRight to ensure you find the perfect fit for your higher education.

Another thing to note is that even if you secure a scholarship, it may not cover all your expenses, such as living cost. That’s where FundRight can step in to help you secure an education loan with the best possible terms.

How FundRight Simplifies Your Loan Process:

  1. Create a profile on FundRight, providing your financial details and loan requirements.
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Don’t let finances hold you back. Start your education loan journey for Spring 2025 with FundRight today.

FAQs

Can someone who doesn’t speak Japanese apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

You can still apply even if you don’t speak Japanese. Having fluency in either Japanese or English is, nevertheless, very beneficial. 

Does the MEXT Scholarship have an age restriction?

Sure, different categories have different age restrictions. In general, candidates must be under 35, but it’s best to confirm the particular requirements for your selected scholarship category.

I have a MEXT scholarship; can I work part-time in Japan? 

MEXT Scholars in Japan are permitted part-time employment. However, authorization from the immigration office and the university is needed. Moreover, work should not impede academic pursuits and should take no more than 28 hours per week. 

Is the MEXT Scholarship competitive? 

The MEXT Scholarship has a very high bar. The global success rate in 2022 was about 22%. As a result, careful planning and a strong application are crucial.

Is submitting an IELTS score compulsory for the MEXT Scholarship application?

Yes, submitting an IELTS score is compulsory for the MEXT Scholarship application. Moreover, the candidate should have a score of 6.0 or equivalent.

Picture of Shireen Parhee

Shireen Parhee

A creative producer turned content marketeer, Shireen has a flair for weaving words into compelling stories and bringing them to life through captivating videos. A vivacious leader, she naturally inspires her team, driving them to surpass expectations with her positive energy and insightful feedback. Boasting over a decade of experience across different forms of media, she is on a mission to create memorable content that will leave a lasting impact for years to come.

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