The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 provides outstanding privileges to high school graduates through access to free Japanese undergraduate education. Through the support of the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education Culture Sports Science and Technology MEXT this program provides complete funding to international students conducting their higher education in Japan’s advanced academic environment among its culturally diverse nation. This scholarship pays for all education costs together with living expenses and travel expenses which creates a perfect opportunity for students who want to live the academic lifestyle in Japan.
Overview
International students who participate in the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship receive financing for all academic expenses, which includes tuition costs alongside room accommodation, personal allowance, and airfare. Young individuals can apply for this scholarship after finishing 12 years of academic studies to study bachelor-level programs in social sciences and humanities or natural sciences at Japanese universities. International students can take advantage of this exceptional opening to obtain top-quality education alongside full exposure to Japanese culture and language.
The scholarship delivers academic enrichment beyond financial benefits by providing Japanese language preparatory education and admission to university courses with possibilities to create lasting relationships with international peers. Through this program students gain two major benefits because it encourages international understanding while fostering collaboration between Japan and other nations.
Additional Details
The MEXT scholarship enables chosen students to learn Japanese through preparatory language classes within their educational sojourn. Undergraduate students will get an opportunity to study within Japan’s educational structure which ranks among the world’s highest academic achievers. Studying in Japan with the scholarship will provide opportunities for students to immerse in Japanese society while immersing themselves in culture and language until they become cultural representatives of international collaboration.
The scholarship grants complete tuition fee payment toward the designated undergraduate program while students also receive monetary support for their daily expenses during the program. Part of this scholarship program includes travel to and from Japan by air along with medical care insurance which covers the duration of the program. Through their participation students will earn the opportunity to receive first-class Japanese education alongside active involvement in cultural exchange initiatives.
List of Programs
(1) Social Sciences and Humanities
Social Sciences and Humanities – A
- Law
- Politics
- Pedagogy
- Sociology
- Literature
- History
- Japanese Language
- Others (excluding Economics, Business Administration, and Others in Humanities B.)
Social Sciences and Humanities – B
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Others (Accounting, Financial economics, etc.)
(2) Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences – A
Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
Electric and Electronic Studies
- Electronics
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Engineering
Mechanical Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture
Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Environmental Engineering
Chemical Studies
- Applied Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Chemistry
- Textile Engineering)
Other Fields (Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Biotechnology)
Natural Sciences – B
Agricultural Studies
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Forestry
- Food Science
- Fisheries
Hygienic Studies
- Pharmacy
- Hygienics
- Nursing
Science
- Biology
Natural Sciences – C
- Medicine
- Dentistry
Fields of arts, including practical skills and music, are not eligible for this MEXT Undergraduate application.
Date
- Students pursuing their undergraduate studies will need between three to four years to complete their program.
- The scholarship program will start its operations during April 2026.
- The program accepts applications until the month of May 2025. Students should confirm the exact application deadline through their corresponding local Japanese embassy.
Country
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship operates in Japan where students can access state-of-the-art technology and a heritage of rich traditions as well as top-tier educational features.
Funding
- All major expenses for this scholarship have their costs fully covered by the Japanese government.
- The full cost for undergraduate program tuition expenses is provided through the scholarship financial aid.
- The scholarship provides monthly benefits to students who need funding for living in Japan.
- Travel costs together with airfare expenses fall under the provisions of this scholarship during the student’s journey to and from Japan.
- The program includes payment for accommodation expenses along with possible payment for rental housing benefits.
- The scholarship provides health insurance coverage for medical bills occurring during your stay in Japan.
- Mastering Japanese language and essential academic abilities for their undergraduate program will be acquired through a one-year preparatory education course.
Advantages
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 offers several key advantages:
- Through full sponsorship the scholarship provides payment for tuition fees along with expenses for living costs travel expenses and health insurance premiums.
- Excellent educational resources at Japanese elite universities will provide students entry to state-of-the-art research facilities and developmental training.
- Cultural Immersion will be possible for students through Japanese preparatory courses combined with on-campus cultural activities which let them learn about Japanese language and traditions.
- The scholarship program creates many chances for networking between educational and professional members along with international student body and faculty members across various disciplines.
- Japanese university graduation provides students with prestigious recognition which leads to international career access in numerous professional fields.
- The scholarship develops lasting Japanese relationships which enable students to establish international professional contacts that can lead to career benefits.
Requirements
- A candidate applying for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 needs to fulfill these requirements:
- The scholarship restricts participation by citizens originating from nations that maintain positive diplomatic contacts with Japan.
- The scholarship requires prospective students to have a birth date after the April 2nd 2001.
- The applicant must finish 12 years of education starting from high school diploma which is equivalent to Japanese certification.
- The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 does not need Japanese language expertise from candidates because a language training program will be provided to chosen students.
- The health requirement for university studies in Japan demands that students present both satisfactory physical along with mental state.
- The applicant needs to demonstrate stellar grades from their academic performance while showing dedication to both their studies and social work or school activities.
- To qualify for the student visa applicants need permission from Japan for studying.
Required Documents
- The application process demands submission of these mentioned documents:
- Application Form: Completed online application form for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Direct Placement Preference Form: Specify your preferred field of study.
- Mark Sheet and Academic Transcripts: Provide your academic records.
- High School Graduation Certificate: Include proof of completion of secondary education.
- Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from your teachers or mentors.
- The Medical Certificate establishes your good health condition through official validation.
- Language Proficiency Certificate (if applicable): Proof of English or Japanese language skills.
- Students enrolled in education must present their current enrollment status through an official school certificate.
Deadline
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 requires all candidates to submit their applications before May 2025. The deadline information alongside specific dates can be obtained from applicants’ native Japanese embassy and documents must reach the embassy before their established deadline.
How to Apply
- Access the online MEXT scholarship application through the official website.
- For the application process students must first obtain necessary documents starting with academic transcripts then recommendation letters and concluding with proof of health.
- Apply your submission together with documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate that serves your location.
- Post-submission you should receive verification with additional direction from the officials.
Apply Here: https://www.pk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/MEXT_Undergrad_Scholarship.html