MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan offers Undergraduate, Japanese Studies and Research Student Scholarships to foreign students who wish to study at Japanese universities.

The information below is only a basic guideline. Consult the downloadable guides for details including complete eligibility requirements. Applications are only accepted at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General in the country where the applicant has citizenship (i.e. Japanese Embassy/Consulate's General in Canada can only accept applications from Canadian citizens.)

Undergraduate Scholarship

Applicants should be:

• High school graduates or graduated from a school equivalent to an upper secondary school in Japan. Students should have graduated by March 2013.
• Born between April 2, 1991 and April 1, 1996 (for the 2013 scholarship year).

The term is five years, from April 2013 to March 2018, including one year of prepartory Japanese language education. Allowance is 117 000 yen per month. Terms subject to change.

Application forms are usually available in late March or early April, each year. Deadline for the 2013 scholarship year: June 1, 2012.

Use the guide and forms for the scholarship year for which you are applying. They are subject to change each year. Send your completed application to your nearest Embassy or Consulate General of Japan.

• 2013 Application Guide and Forms (609KB)

Note: The guidelines state that forms may be completed in Japanese or English. If completed in Japanese, also provide an English translation.

All eligible applicants will be invited for an interview and examination on a designated date in late June or sometime in July. See the application guide for examination subjects.

• Sample examinations from past years.

Japanese Studies Scholarship

For undergraduate university students interested in deepening their understanding of the Japanese language, culture and affairs. The scholarship aims to promote mutual understanding and friendly ties between Japan and other countries.

Applicants should be:

• Ideally, currently enrolled in the 2nd or 3rd year of a full-time university or have completed at least one full academic year of university studies (by April 2012 for the 2012 scholarship year).
• An undergraduate at a foreign (non-Japanese) university at the time of arriving in Japan and returning to the same foreign university, after completion of the scholarship, to complete a bachelor's degree program. (Students transferring from one college/university to another, after completing the scholarship, are not eligible.)
• Born between April 2, 1982 and April 1, 1994 (for the 2012 scholarship year).
• Preferably majoring in Japanese language or fields related to Japanese culture. (Applicants may still apply if they are currently enrolled in at least one university-level, Japanese or Japan-related course)
• Proficient enough in Japanese language ability to receive education at a Japanese university taught in Japanese.

The term of the scholarship is approximately one year, beginning in October. Allowance is approximately 125,000 yen per month. Terms subject to change.

Application forms are usually available in January, each year. Deadline for the 2012 scholarship: March 2, 2012.

Use the guide and forms for the scholarship year for which you are applying. They are subject to change each year.

• 2012 Application Guide (411KB)
• 2012 Application Forms(432KB)
• 2011 Course Guide ~ To be updated in the near future.

Note: The guidelines state that forms may be completed in Japanese or English. If completed in Japanese, also provide an English translation.

All eligible applicants will be invited for an interview and Japanese language examination on a designated date in March.

• Sample examinations from past years.

Research Student Scholarship

For university graduates, born on or after April 2, 1978 (for the 2013 scholarship year) who wish to study as research students. The research study area should be the same field that the applicant has studied or a related field.

The term of the scholarship is 18 months to two years (including 6 months of Japanese language training) starting in April or October 2013. Allowance is 143,000 yen per month. Terms subject to change.

Application forms are usually available in late March or early April, each year. Deadline for the 2013 scholarship year: May 18, 2012.

Use the guide and forms for the scholarship year for which you are applying. They are subject to change each year. Send your completed application form to your nearest Embassy or Consulate General of Japan.

• 2013 Application Guide and Forms (832KB)

Note:

• The guidelines state that forms may be completed in Japanese or English. If completed in Japanese, also provide an English translation.
• The Application Form (Attachment) may be submitted upon application or after the primary screening.

If an applicant successfully passes the written application screening, they are required to undertake an interview and examination (English and Japanese language) to be held on a designated date in late June to early July.

• Sample examinations from past years.

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