AK Travels Limited

Applications are open for the MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan, a prestigious fully funded scholarship offered by the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship supports international students who want to study at Japanese universities and higher education institutions. The scholarship is available for different study levels, including undergraduate, master’s, PhD, research, teacher training, Japanese studies, college of technology, and specialised training programmes.

The MEXT Scholarship is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in the world because it covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, and other major study-related expenses for international students studying in Japan.

Summary

• Scholarship Name: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2027
• Also Known As: MEXT Scholarship 2027
• Funded By: Government of Japan
• Administered By: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
• Host Country: Japan
• Study Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Research, Teacher Training, College of Technology, Japanese Studies, and Specialized Training
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Application Route: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation
• Application Period: Usually April to May 2026 for 2027 intake (varies by country)
• Study Start: April 2027 or September/October 2027 depending on programme
• Funding Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, and more
• Application Mode: Through Japanese Embassy/Consulate or Japanese University
• Official Website: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-research.html

About the MEXT Scholarship 2027

The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded international scholarship programme established by the Japanese Government to promote educational exchange and international cooperation.

The programme supports talented students from around the world who want to pursue academic studies, research, or specialised training in Japan.

Through the scholarship, selected students study at Japanese universities and institutions while receiving financial support from the Government of Japan.

The scholarship is highly respected internationally and has supported thousands of international students from different countries since its establishment.

Types of MEXT Scholarships

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship offers different categories for international students.

The major scholarship categories include:

• Research Students (Master’s, PhD, or non-degree research)
• Undergraduate Students
• College of Technology Students
• Specialized Training College Students
• Japanese Studies Students
• Teacher Training Students
• Young Leaders’ Program (YLP)

Applicants should carefully select the category that matches their academic level and career goals.

Scholarship Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship 2027 is fully funded.

Selected applicants may receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend or living allowance
• Round-trip economy airfare to and from Japan
• Preparatory Japanese language training where required
• Admission and examination fee coverage
• Access to Japanese universities and research institutions
• Opportunity to study in one of the world’s leading education systems
• International academic and cultural exposure

The monthly stipend may vary depending on the scholarship category and study level.

Monthly Stipend

The exact monthly allowance depends on the programme category and study level.

Examples from recent MEXT scholarship categories include:

• Research students: approximately ¥143,000 per month
• Master’s students: approximately ¥144,000 per month
• Doctoral students: approximately ¥145,000 per month

Additional regional allowances may also apply in selected areas of Japan. 1

Available Study Fields

The MEXT Scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines and research areas.

Fields may include:

• Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Agriculture
• Information Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Business and Economics
• International Relations
• Education
• Environmental Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Arts and Culture
• Law
• Public Policy
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Media and Communication

Applicants should confirm the field requirements for their chosen scholarship category before applying.

Embassy Recommendation Route

The Embassy Recommendation route is one of the most common application methods for the MEXT Scholarship.

Under this route:

• Applicants apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their country
• The embassy conducts the first screening
• Shortlisted applicants may take written exams and interviews
• Successful applicants proceed to final selection by MEXT in Japan

Applicants should note that they must NOT send applications directly to MEXT in Japan under the Embassy Recommendation route. 2

University Recommendation Route

Under the University Recommendation route:

• Applicants apply through a Japanese university
• The university recommends selected applicants to MEXT
• Final scholarship approval is made by MEXT

Different universities may have separate deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the scholarship category and country-specific embassy requirements.

However, applicants generally must:

• Be citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Meet the academic requirements for the selected programme
• Be physically and mentally fit
• Demonstrate interest in studying in Japan
• Be willing to learn Japanese language and culture
• Meet the age requirement for the selected scholarship category
• Have strong academic performance
• Meet the language requirements where applicable

Research Students Category

The Research Students category is one of the most popular MEXT scholarship options.

This category is for students who want to pursue:

• Master’s degree
• PhD degree
• Non-degree research programmes

Research students may also receive preparatory Japanese language education before beginning formal university studies.

Age Requirement

Age requirements differ depending on the scholarship category.

For example:

• Research category applicants are generally required to be born on or after 2 April 1992
• Undergraduate category applicants are generally required to be born on or after 2 April 2002

Applicants should always confirm the exact age requirement for their category through their local Japanese Embassy or Consulate. 3

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents required for their scholarship category.

Commonly required documents include:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates or graduation certificates
• Research plan or study plan
• Recommendation letters
• Certificate of health
• Passport-size photographs
• Language proficiency documents, where applicable
• Passport or identification document
• Field of study and research plan
• Any additional document required by the embassy or university

Applicants should carefully follow the official document checklist for their selected scholarship category.

Selection Process

The MEXT Scholarship selection process usually includes:

1. Document screening
2. Written examinations (for some categories)
3. Interview
4. Recommendation by embassy or university
5. Final selection by MEXT in Japan

The process may vary depending on the scholarship category and country.

How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2027

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Study in Japan website.
2. Select the scholarship category that matches your study level.
3. Download the official application guidelines and forms.
4. Read the application instructions carefully.
5. Prepare all required documents.
6. Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country for local application instructions.
7. Submit your application through the embassy or university route.
8. Attend written examinations and interviews if shortlisted.
9. Wait for the result of the first screening.
10. Follow further instructions from MEXT or the Japanese Embassy.

Application Period

The application period depends on the scholarship category and country.

For many countries:

• Applications usually open between April and May 2026
• First screening takes place between May and August 2026
• Studies begin in April 2027 or September/October 2027

Applicants should check the Japanese Embassy or Consulate website in their country for the exact deadline.

Important Notes for Applicants

• The MEXT Scholarship is fully funded.
• Applicants must apply through the Japanese Embassy/Consulate or university route.
• Applicants should not submit applications directly to MEXT in Japan.
• Application deadlines vary by country and scholarship category.
• Different scholarship categories have different eligibility requirements.
• Written examinations and interviews may be required.
• Applicants should prepare documents carefully and follow official instructions.
• Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Applicants are encouraged to learn basic Japanese language and culture before departure.

Official Application Link

Applicants should visit the official Study in Japan MEXT application page for complete details and updated application instructions:

Applicants can also explore other MEXT scholarship categories through the official Study in Japan website:

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan is one of the best fully funded international scholarship opportunities for students who want to study at top Japanese universities and research institutions.

At AK Travels LTD, we advise interested applicants to begin preparing early because the application process can be highly competitive and document-intensive. Applicants should carefully read the official guidelines, prepare strong academic documents, and confirm the application timeline with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their country.

Since deadlines and procedures vary by country and scholarship category, applicants should rely only on official MEXT and embassy information throughout the application process.