The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and fully funded international scholarship programs in the world. It is offered by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to support outstanding international students who wish to pursue studies at Japanese universities and higher education institutions. The scholarship aims to promote international exchange, academic cooperation, and the development of global human resources. 

Types of MEXT Scholarship and Recommendation (Embassy or University)

MEXT offers seven major scholarship categories. 

1. Research Students (Both Embassy and University Recommendation) 
The scholarship is offered for Master's, PhD, or research programs in Japan. The duration varies according to the selected academic program and may include preparatory Japanese language training when required. 

2. Undergraduate Students (Both Embassy and University Recommendation) 
This scholarship is designed for students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Japan. The program lasts five years, including one year of Japanese language preparation. 

3. Teacher Training Students (Embassy Recommendation) 
This program is designed for teachers who wish to receive professional training in Japan. A candidate must hold a university degree or have completed teacher training along with minimum of five years of teaching experience at the primary, secondary, or teacher training level in their home country.

4. Japanese Studies Students (Both Embassy and University Recommendation) 
This program is intended for university students majoring in Japanese language or Japanese culture. It is offered for a duration of one academic year. A applicant must be currently enrolled in a Japanese language or Japanese culture related program outside Japan.

5. College of Technology Students (Both Embassy and University Recommendation) 
This program is designed for students pursuing technical and engineering education at Japanese Colleges of Technology (KOSEN). The duration is four years, including Japanese language training.

6. Specialized Training College Students (Embassy Recommendation) 
This program is designed for students seeking vocational and professional education in Japan. The duration is three years, including Japanese language preparation.

7. Young Leaders Program (Neither Embassy nor University Recommendation) 
This program is designed for future leaders in government, public administration, and related sectors from the MEXT scholarship eligible countries. A candidate must hold a university degree with relevant professional work experience, and are expected to take on leadership roles in their home countries.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE
The MEXT Scholarship generally provides comprehensive financial support for international students. 

1.    Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers full tuition fee for the duration of study. 

2.    Monthly Stipend (Living Allowance)
Scholarship recipients receive monthly stipends that vary by academic level for the duration of the study. 

• Research Students: ¥143,000～145,000 per month
• Undergraduate students: ¥117,000 per month
• Teacher Training Students: ¥143,000～145,000 per month
• Japanese Studies Students: ¥117,000 per month
• College of Technology Students: ¥117,000 per month
• Specialized Training College Students: ¥117,000 per month
• Young Leaders Program: 242,000 

3.    Travel Allowances
Round-trip airfare is provided

4.    Health Insurance
The scholarship includes comprehensive health insurance for international students studying in Japan

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Although requirements vary by university and program, applicants generally must meet the following requirements.
1.    Be a citizen of a eligible country of MEXT Scholarship program, be in good health both mentally and physically as well as no any criminal record.
2.    Applicants must have a strong academic background and scientific & innovative abilities.
3.    Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of academic ability, research competency, and among others. 
4.    Fulfill language requirements for English taught or Japanese taught programs. 

• Applicants for Japanese-taught programs must submit valid Japanese language certificate in accordance with the corresponding Japanese proficiency requirements.
• Applicants for English-taught programs shall provide English language proficiency certificates according to the universities’ requirements, like IELTS or TOFEL certificates. 

5.    Typical age limits include:

• Research Students: under 35 years of age. 
• Teacher Training Students: under 35 years of age. 
• Undergraduate Students: under 25 years of age. 
• Japanese Studies Students: under 30 years of age. 
• College of Technology Students: under 25 years of age. 
• Specialized Training College Students: under 25 years of age. 
• Young Leaders’ Program (YLP): under 40 years of age in principle. 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RESEARCH STUDENTS (MASTER & PHD) THROUGH UNIVERSITY RECOMMENDATION 
1.    Application Form for preferred MEXT designated university. 
2.    Passport Copy: Applicants are required to submit a clear scanned copy of the information page of their ordinary passports. 
3.    Recently take digital passport size photo. 
4.    Academic Transcripts and Certificate of Graduation (undergraduate onwards)
5.    Field of Study and Research Plan or Research Proposal. Please specify the previous research background, research achievements, prospective research field, and research plan. 
6.    Abstract of the graduation thesis and if available, any abstract of any presented papers. These abstracts evaluate the academic ability of the applicants. 
7.    Recommendation letter from the president/dean or the academic advisor (the content shall describe the applicant's study objectives, comprehensive abilities, and evaluation of future development).
8.    Recommendation Letter from the present employer if the applicant is currently working.
9.    Physical Examination Certificate. The physical examination must cover all the items listed in the examination form. Incomplete records or those without the attending physician's signature, the hospital's official stamp, or a sealed photograph of the applicant are invalid.
10.    Non-criminal record report. An applicant shall submit a valid Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (or Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the local public security (such as the police station). 
11.    Language qualification certificates. Applicants for research students taught in Japanese or English must submit the copy of the language certificate.  
12.    Conditional Acceptance of Prospective Supervisor who has agreed to accept you. 
13.    Complete Curricular Vitae – CV
14.    Other supporting materials (Published papers, Rewards, certificates, etc.)
15.    If the applicant’s major is fine arts or music, must submit photographs showing applicant’s own work of art or a digitally recorded musical performance. 

APPLICATION PROCESS (UNIVERSITY RECOMMENDATION) 
1.    An applicant shall learn about designated Japanese universities by visiting university official websites and identify the preferred scholarship program, major they offer, and the requirement for the application. 
2.    Professor findings and research alignment: An applicant shall find the suitable supervisor as per the research interest. Students are highly recommended to get the supervisor approval letter before submitting an application. 
3.    An applicant shall attend the interview and the research presentation organized by the professor, department or university (if required). 
4.    An applicant shall fulfill the admission requirement of the designated university and shall fil in and submit an application along with the supervisor approval letter. 
5.    An applicant must participate in the comprehensive interview or research presentation organized by the department or the designated university. 
6.    After the designated university finalize the nominated candidates. The university will submit the nominated candidates list and their application documents to the MEXT. 
7.    The MEXT will organize comprehensive expert review on applicants’ eligibility and academic performance before finalizing the short-list candidates;
8.    The MEXT will notify the scholarship results to the university that will subsequently have the applicant informed through the official admission notice. 

OFFICIAL SITE: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/