Do you want to study in Japan with a full scholarship? If yes, the Japanese Government (MEXT) is giving an amazing opportunity for international students through the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship.
If you are good at Japanese or English, you might qualify for direct placement, meaning you can skip the one-year language school and start your university studies right away.
This scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare to Japan. It’s fully funded and helps students from countries that have friendly relations with Japan.
Let’s break it down clearly:
What is the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship (Direct Placement Route)?
Normally, students go through a one-year preparatory course before starting university in Japan. However, direct placement lets you jump straight into your Bachelor’s degree program if your Japanese or English is already good enough.
If you are selected, you could start your university classes in the next academic session this year, depending on when your university’s semester begins.
MEXT will help place you at a university based on your language skills, academic background, and study preferences.
What support does the Scholarship offer?
If you get the scholarship, here’s what you will receive:
- Monthly Allowance: ¥117,000 (plus an extra ¥3,000 if you study in some regions)
- Full Tuition and Enrollment Fees: No need to pay anything
- Round-Trip Flight Tickets: MEXT will pay for your travel to and from Japan
- University Placement: MEXT helps you find and get accepted into a university
What can you study?
You have many options to choose from. Your major must fit into one of these categories:
1. Social Sciences and Humanities
- Course A: Law, Politics, Literature, History, Sociology, Japanese Language, Education (Pedagogy), and more
- Course B: Economics, Business Management, Accounting, Financial Studies
2. Natural Sciences
- Course A: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology
- Course B: Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biology
- Course C: Medicine and Dentistry
Note: Direct placement is usually easier for Social Sciences and Humanities. However, Natural Science students can also apply if their chosen university allows it.
Who is eligible to apply?
You can apply for this scholarship if you meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: You must be from a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age: You must be born on or after April 2, 2001. (There are a few rare exceptions.)
- Education: You should complete 12 years of schooling (like high school) by March or August 2026, depending on when your studies start.
- Language skills: You must be good at either Japanese or English. You need to show a JLPT, TOEFL, or IELTS score as proof.
- Health: You must be physically and mentally healthy, certified by a medical checkup.
You cannot apply if:
- You have Japanese nationality and don’t plan to give it up.
- You are already receiving, or plan to receive, another scholarship funded by the government.
- You were a previous MEXT scholarship student.
How long will the scholarship last?
- Direct placement students: 4 years (except for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, which last 6 years)
- Students needing preparatory education: 5 years total (or 7 years for long programs like Medicine)
When will you go to Japan?
- Spring Entry: You should arrive in Japan during the spring session.
- Autumn Entry (Direct Placement only): You will start in September or October period, depending on your university’s schedule.
Important things to know before applying
- Every country has different deadlines. Make sure you contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to know the exact dates and requirements.
- Direct placement is very competitive, and you need to show your language test scores.
- Once you pick your major and university, you cannot change them after you are accepted.
Choose carefully based on what you want to study!
How to apply?
- Go to the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Download the official application forms.
(Direct link: Download 2026 MEXT Guidelines) - Fill out the forms very well and submit them before the deadline in your country.
Tip: Applications usually open between April and June, but it can change depending on where you live. Apply as early as possible!
If you dream of studying in Japan, you should take up this opportunity, the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship will give you all the support you need to achieve your dream.