Organization: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Japan
Host country: Japan
Degree level: Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Eligible countries: All countries having diplomatic relations with Japan
Fields of study: All academic fields (Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Medicine, Social Sciences, Humanities)
The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship (General Category) allows international students to apply directly to a Japanese university for admission and a scholarship nomination. Unlike the Embassy track, you do not need to visit a Japanese consulate. If the university accepts you and nominates you, MEXT usually approves the scholarship. It covers full tuition, flights, and a monthly stipend.
Must be under 35 years of age (born on or after April 2, 1991)
Must have excellent academic records (minimum GPA of 2.30/3.00 scale)
Must hold a Bachelor's degree (for Master's) or Master's degree (for PhD)
Must be willing to learn Japanese (though many programs are in English)
Must be a national of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan
Requirements
Find a graduate program at a Japanese university that offers 'University Recommendation'
Contact a prospective professor and gain their consent to supervise you
Submit the university's specific MEXT application documents
Pass the university's internal interview and screening
Required Documents
MEXT Application Form
Field of Study and Research Plan
Official Academic Transcripts
Graduation Certificate or Diploma
Letter of Recommendation from Dean/Professor
Abstract of Thesis
Language Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/JLPT)
Programs of Study
Computer Science
Robotics and AI
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Bioengineering
Economics and Management
International Relations
Japanese Culture and History
Medical Sciences
Application Process
Search for Japanese universities offering 'MEXT University Recommendation' for Sept/Oct 2026 intake
Contact a professor in your desired field via email with your CV and research plan
Once a professor accepts you, submit the official application to the University's International Office
The university conducts interviews and nominates successful candidates to MEXT
MEXT confirms the final selection in June/July
How to Apply
You DO NOT apply to the Japanese Embassy. You apply directly to the specific Japanese university of your choice. Each university has its own deadline, usually between December 2025 and February 2026.