MEXT Scholarship for Teacher Training Students 2026
Organization: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Host country: Japan
Degree level: Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Eligible countries: All countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Fields of study: Education, Pedagogy, Japanese Language, Teaching Methodology
The MEXT Scholarship for Teacher Training Students is a prestigious program sponsored by the Japanese Government. It is designed for active primary and secondary school teachers from around the world to conduct research on school education and learn new teaching methodologies at Japanese universities. The program includes a 6-month intensive Japanese language course followed by 1 year of academic training.
Benefits
Monthly allowance of 143,000 JPY (approx. stipend).
Full tuition fee waiver (entrance, matriculation, and tuition fees).
Round-trip economy class airfare (Home country to Japan and back).
Accommodation arranged by the university (residence halls).
Medical insurance coverage.
Eligibility
Must be a national of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
Must be born on or after April 2, 1991 (must be under 35 years of age).
Must be a graduate of a university or a teacher training college.
Must have at least five (5) years of active teaching experience in a primary, secondary, or teacher training college as of April 1, 2026.
Must be currently employed as a teacher and return to the teaching profession in the home country after the scholarship.
Must be willing to learn Japanese and receive instruction in Japanese.
Requirements
Submit the official MEXT application form.
Provide a certificate of employment proving at least 5 years of experience.
Submit academic transcripts and diploma from the last university/college attended.
Provide a letter of recommendation from the principal/supervisor.
Submit a medical certificate (Certificate of Health).
Write a Placement Preference Application Form (choosing preferred Japanese universities).
Required Documents
Application Form
Placement Preference Form
Certified Grade Transcripts
Diploma/Degree Certificate
Certificate of Employment (Proof of 5 years experience)
Recommendation Letter from Principal
Medical Certificate
Passport Copy
Programs of Study
Educational Administration
Educational Methods
Specialized Subject Research (Math, Physics, Chemistry, etc.)
Japanese Language Education
Application Process
1. Download the application guidelines and forms from the Study in Japan or local Japanese Embassy website.
2. Fill out the application form and placement preference form.
3. Gather all required certified documents (transcripts, employment proof, etc.).
4. Submit the hard copy application to the Embassy of Japan in your home country by the specified deadline (often by hand or post).
How to Apply
Visit the website of the Embassy of Japan in your country (e.g., Nigeria) to download the 2026 application forms. Complete the forms and submit them along with your transcripts, employment certificate, and recommendation letter directly to the Embassy's cultural/education section.
Selection Process
1. Document Screening: The Embassy reviews applications for eligibility and completeness.
2. Written Exam: Shortlisted candidates take a Japanese and English language exam.
3. Interview: Candidates passing the exam are interviewed by the Embassy.
4. MEXT Selection: Recommended candidates are sent to MEXT Tokyo for final approval and university placement.