Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship 2026
The Government of Japan, through the Ministry of Education, has opened applications for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 for Research Students. This competitive program invites international researchers, particularly from nations like the Solomon Islands, to pursue fully funded graduate studies in Japan. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan’s academic excellence and cultural richness.
About the MEXT Program for Research Students
The MEXT Research Students Scholarship is intended for foreign students who wish to undertake Master’s or Doctoral programs in Japan. Candidates might start as non-regular students but can advance into full-time degree programs contingent upon their academic success and university guidance.
Areas of study must align with the applicant’s prior academic experience and should correspond to those available at Japanese graduate institutions. Practical training in fields such as traditional Japanese arts or clinical medical practice is not allowed unless proper licensing is obtained.
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 MEXT Research Students program, candidates are required to:
- Become a national of a nation that has diplomatic ties with Japan (e.g., Solomon Islands).
- Be born on or after April 2, 1991 (with some exceptions).
- Possess an academic qualification appropriate for admission to a Japanese Master’s or Doctoral program.
- Maintain strong physical and mental well-being.
- Be open to learning Japanese and adjusting to life and research in Japan.
- Arrive in Japan either:
- From April 1 to April 7, 2026 (April term), or
- Two weeks prior to or following the autumn academic term (September/October 2026).
Note: Individuals with dual nationality who possess Japanese citizenship must relinquish their Japanese nationality prior to their arrival in Japan.
The Scholarship Benefits
Chosen students will obtain:
- Monthly Stipend:
- ¥143,000 for irregular students
- ¥144,000 for students in the Master’s program
- ¥145,000 for PhD candidates
- Plus, a supplementary regional allowance of ¥2,000–¥3,000 is available for students in specific locations.
- Complete tuition coverage: encompassing entrance exams, enrollment, and course costs.
- Round-trip flight expences: From the applicant’s country of origin to Japan (and returning after the program ends).
Available Degree Programs
Students can apply to any research program at the graduate level in Japanese universities, as long as it corresponds with their academic qualifications. Disciplines cover engineering, sciences, social sciences, economics, agriculture, and beyond — each application necessitating a Field of Study and Research Plan. Student education loans.
The scholarship aids different educational routes:
- Begin as an irregular research student, then move on to a regular Master’s or Doctoral program.
- Direct enrollment into standard courses is also achievable with acceptance letters.
MEXT 2026 Scholarship Updated Application Deadlines
For the MEXT 2026 Scholarship for Research Students, applicants must submit their complete application to the Embassy of Japan in the Solomon Islands by 4:00 PM on Friday, 16 May 2026. The initial screening, which includes a written test and interview, will take place in early June 2026, with results announced by mid-June. Final selection results and university placements will be revealed in January or February 2027.
Documents Required
Candidates are required to provide:
- Official application form (2026 edition) CLICK HERE
- Research plan
- Health certification
- Recommendations letters
- Evidence of language proficiency (if relevant)
- Submission of Portfolio (for applicants in Fine Arts/Music)
Only candidates who are shortlisted will advance to the interview and written tests in English and Japanese, and previous exam papers can be found for practice HERE.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: The final deadline to apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 for Research Students is Friday, May 16, 2026.
RECOMMENDED
- Firstly, Scholarships in German Universities Without IELTS (Fully Funded)
- Secondly, Call For Applications: Fully Funded Scholarships in USA 2022
- Thirdly, 2022 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FREE ONLINE COURSES
- Then, Opportunity to Study in USA | USA University Scholarships
- Also, National Scholarship Program in Slovakia
- Moreover, Scholarship Opportunity in Europe
- Finally, Internships in Japan: UNICEF Paid Internship 2025