MEXT scholarship is one of the prestigious scholarships for international students offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
The scholarship provides full funding for undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programs.
The applicants can apply in two ways from April to October each year.
This ultimate MEXT scholarship guide will provide detailed information about the eligibility criteria, required documents, universities, application process, and necessary guidelines.
Do not forget to Check out the FAQs section to find your possible queries about the MEXT scholarship in Japan.
Here is our detailed guide about Great scholarships UK.
MEXT Scholarship
1. Benefits of MEXT scholarship
2. Eligibility criteria for MEXT Scholarship
3. Documents required for MEXT Scholarship
4. How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship
4.1. How to apply for MEXT Scholarship University recommendation
4.2. How to apply for MEXT Scholarship Embassy recommendation
5. Deadlines for MEXT scholarship
6. FAQs about MEXT Scholarship
1. Benefits of the MEXT Scholarship
A: MEXT will cover the University entrance examination and the tuition fees of the grantees.
B: Monthly stipend and preparatory allowance will be given. For undergraduates, 117,000 JPY (831 Euros),
For masters 144,000 JPY (1023 Euros) and for doctoral programs, 145,000 JPY (1030 Euros) per month will be provided.
C: Field researchers designated to the distinct region will get an additional 2000-3000 JPY. (14-21 euros)
D: Transportation allowance will be covered by MEXT.
E: Air ticket economy class for the round trip will be provided (From country to Japan and Japan to country).
F: The thesis dissertation will be waived off.
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2. Eligibility criteria for MEXT Scholarship
A: Students applying for undergraduate must have aged between 18-25 years. Students for Masters and PhD must be under 35 years of age.
B: Applicants must have 12 years of qualification for undergraduate,16 years of education for the graduate programs, and 18 years of education for PhD programs.
C: Must have more than 82% which is around a CGPA of 2.3/3.0 or 3.30/4.0.
D: Students wouldn’t be failed in any course in the previous degree.
E: Must have proficiency in the English language Up to B2 level under CEFR. (proficiency in the Japanese language is a plus point). You can check the details about proficiency in the English language.
F: Undergraduate students of the 7th semester can also apply for the graduate program with a hope certificate from their current university. (However, they must be graduated before their arrival in Japan)
What is Hope certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
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3. Documents required for MEXT Scholarship
3.1. MEXT scholarship application form
3.2. Academic Documents
3.3. Passport & National ID card
3.5. English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL)
3.7. University admission letter
3.8. Hope certificate (If applicable)
3.11. Statement of Purpose or Motivational Letter
3.13. Proof of Previous Work Experience
3.14. Portfolios or workshop
3.1. MEXT Scholarship Application form
Students can download The application form for the undergraduates & Research here.
Applicants can also visit the respective recommended pages for undergraduates & postgraduates MEXT program.
3.2. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master or fellowship)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies in which you are applying)
NOTE:
All of the above documents should be attested by respective boards.
Also, attest them from issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.
In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
3.3. Valid passport & NIC
The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to Japan.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
3.4. Academic Marksheet Form
The academic mark sheet form is given as a file that is uploaded on the embassy website. You have to download the file and fill in the previous record of your academic results.
3.5. Language Proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
It is not the requirement of the MEXT scholarship per se, but International students need to provide an English language proficiency certificate to get admission to an English program.
English proficiency certificate is proof that the medium of taught courses was English.
Some Japanese universities or specific courses may demand IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
3.6. Recommendation letters / Letters of References
The applicants must provide 2-3 letters of recommendation from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
In case of undergraduates the Letters should be written by the principal or institution’s head.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
Check this official sample of recommendations for the MEXT scholarship.
3.7. University admission letter
Applicants must select a university offering courses related to their interests and background. It must be affiliated with the MEXT Scholarship program.
You can get the official list of universities Here.
Remember, In order to get the MEXT scholarship applicant must get the admission letter first.
3.8. Hope certificate (If applicable)
If the final transcript isn’t ready then students can apply with a Hope certificate from their university.
However, they must be graduated before their arrival in Japan.
What is Hope certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
3.9. Medical Certificate for MEXT scholarship
The medical certificate must be filled by a medical professional doctor.
Check this official sample of a health certificate.
3.10. Research Plan / Proposal
The official template for the research plan is given on the embassy portal.
Research publications/ Achievements (conference papers, article review, abstract of thesis)
The research proposal is mostly required for postdocs or Ph.D. students. (Depend upon the courses)
It asks you to write about the research project you agree upon completing with the assigned academic advisor.
Your research proposal should be a brief description of your research goals and objectives, the methods with which you wish to process that research, the outcomes you desire, the timeline and budget you have estimated, and the area of study you wish upon exploring.
It shall be a brief document yet explain the entire vision to the reader so that those analyzing your application could know of your objectives and grant you the scholarship if they match the program’s criteria and eligibility.
Taking help from an external party is strictly prohibited and violation in this regard could lead to your disqualification no matter how incredible your proposal is.
3.11. Statement of purpose or Letter of Motivation for MEXT Scholarship
Remember, SOP or LOM can be asked during the university admission or applying for MEXT scholarship.
Technically SOP or LOM are the same things.
It’s a Short biography to tell the panelist about yourself:
A letter of motivation or SOP could be a tricky part while selecting your course in Japanese universities.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course & scholarship.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
How to write a perfect letter of Motivation
If you are interested in writing your LOM on one page concisely, then follow this exact method.
LOM consists of three parts.
3.11.1. Introduction (one paragraph)
3.11.2. Body (3 paragraphs)
3.11.3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Let’s explain these three things one by one.
3.11.1. Introduction
Introduction is the gateway to the rest of the letter. Try to capture their interest in first few sentences. Be original & creative.
Make it personal & full of enthusiasm.
TIP: Try to initiate a story about yourself relevant to the scholarship you are applying & then expand it to the first paragraph of the body.
3.11.2. Body
In the first paragraph of the body, try to tell about your relevant academic & experienced background to the course.
And your professional goals attached to the Japan & university. Share your expectations of the scholarship.
In the 2nd paragraph be more precise & focus on the specific achievement related to the scholarship & course.
In the 3rd paragraph expand on what you are currently doing & the interesting things you look forward to.
3.11.3. Conclusion
Tell them why you are the best candidate for the MEXT scholarship. Don’t sound needy or use pompous language instead focus on why you deserve it.
Tell them how this scholarship will help you or the future of your community.
3.12. Europass CV
Europass CV can be easily made here.
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
3.13. Experience letter for MEXT scholarship
Applicant must provide an Experience letter of the previous jobs & Internships.
Try to customize the work experience letter with future studies.
Mention your job descriptions, work projects & the skills you learned through time.
The letter must be signed & verified by the Head or CEO of the company.
The work experience could be Paid,
Unpaid,
full-time,
part-time, or voluntary.
It could be done before, during, or after graduation.
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3.14. Portfolios or workshop
It’s optional. But students can attach portfolios or workshops to support their cases for university admission or scholarship.
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4. How to apply for MEXT Scholarship
MEXT Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship by the Japanese government. However, there are two distinct ways to apply for the MEXT scholarship in Japan. It will increase the chance of getting selected by one of the tracks.
4.1. MEXT Scholarship by University Recommendation (Graduate and PhD applicants are eligible)
4.2. MEXT Scholarship by Embassy Recommendation (For undergraduate, teachers training, Japanese studies, masters, and PhD)
4.1. How to apply for the MEXT Scholarship, University Recommendation
MEXT University recommendation is the application process through the university’s website. This category is only for MS and PhD programs. Students from every country who have diplomatic relations with Japan can apply for it.
The applications are open from August-October on Japanese university portals. But the deadlines vary from university to university. You can select specific courses in the university recommendation.
You can apply for the MEXT scholarship University Recommendation track through these steps.
University Selection: You must select a university offering courses related to your interest and background. It must be affiliated with the MEXT Scholarship program.
You can get the official list of universities Here.
Some of the Universities that are affiliated with MEXT program include;
5. Yokohama National University
Process A
In this procedure, you will apply directly on the university website. You will submit MEXT application form and required documents on the university portal. The recommendation of a professor is optional in this process. However, the university may ask for the second process (depending on each university’s policy)
Process B
- Firstly, you have to search for a professor who has a similar area of research. You will contact the faculty.
- You have to email the faculty (According to the guideline mentioned on the University portal)
- Professor will select you on the basis of your research plan and other academic records. Professor will take the interview or ask for any of the documents if will be needed.
- He/She will give you the provisional acceptance certificate, which will be moved to MEXT for the scholarship grant.
In, the MEXT University recommendation track students are applying from all around the globe. The university selects only specific applicants on behalf of its recommendation to MEXT.
Note: For this category applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Srilanka, Ghana and other countries are eligible.
4.2. How to apply for MEXT embassy recommendation
MEXT scholarship Embassy recommendation process is based on the Japanese embassy or diplomatic mission on your country.
Students from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ghana, Uganda and many countries are eligible for the category.
Check out the respective Japanese embassy in your country.
Embassy recommendation is a more popular category of MEXT scholarship. The applications open in April-June and the respective embassy of japan in your country selects students through the formal selection process.
You can apply to different fields of study including engineering, social sciences, arts, medical and health sciences.
4.2.1. How to apply to MEXT Embassy Recommendation For Undergraduate
Step 1
– Select your program on the respective Japanese embassy website.
– MEXT Application form must be filled according to instructions given on the portal.
– All the documents must be attached along with the application form.
– The Application (A set of originals and one copy) must be posted to the embassy’s official address.
Step 2
First Screening
The Japanese diplomatic mission or embassy will screen the applications with the documents. Then, academic tests and interviews will be conducted.
You can check the details of the test and sample tests here.
The list of nominated candidates will be uploaded to the embassy portal. The process has a different duration in every country. The possible period is in mid of July.
Step 3
Final Selection
After the first screening, Embassy will recommend the candidates to MEXT. It will consider the applicants for selection. Lastly, the selected grantees for the MEXT scholarship will be contacted in January 2024.
4.2.2. How to apply to MEXT Embassy Recommendation for Masters and PhD
Step 1
- Visit the embassy website and Select the category of research scholarship.
- Fill out the application form (According to the guidelines present on the portal)
- Submit all the required documents (explained above) along with the application form.
- The original set of Applications with a copy must be posted to the embassy before the due date.
Step 2
First Screening
The embassy will check the applications and documents of candidates. The shortlisted applicants will be forwarded for a written examination for language proficiency (both Japanese and English).
Those who pass the written examination will be interviewed.
Step 3
Provisional Acceptance from the University
The candidates who will be nominated from the first screening, have to achieve a letter of provisional acceptance from the desired Japanese University.
To acquire the letter, You have to contact the division of international students affairs at the university.
All the documents except for the Medical certificate and placement preference form must be emailed to the division.
Tips: You can contact more than one university at a time. If a university doesn’t provide the acceptance you can contact others. However, you have to fill in at least 2 university names on the placement preference form.
Step 4
Placement Preference form
After getting the letter of provisional acceptance from the university. You have to submit it along with the placement preference application form to the embassy.
Step 5
Second screening & Final Selection
After the second screening by MEXT, University preference will be consulted. MEXT will place the candidate according to the circumstances in any one of the three universities.
The selected candidates will be informed and granted the Scholarship.
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5. Deadlines of the MEXT scholarships
For the University recommendation MEXT Scholarship, the deadline varies from university to university. But the application opens from October to December each year.
For the Embassy recommendation MEXT Scholarship, you must have to visit the respective Japanese embassy website in your country. However, the applications open between April to June every year. The final results are announced in January.
In Pakistan, the Embassy recommendation track has a deadline on the 21st of May 2023.
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6. FAQs about MEXT Scholarship
Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to the MEXT scholarship?
No, It is not mandatory to have IELTS/TOEFL for the application. If you have attended your previous degree in the English language you can give the English language proficiency certificate.
Is Japanese required to learn if you chose any English-taught course?
It depends on whether you want to learn Japanese or not. It will be only needed in case of public dealing and working.
Will I need to contact a professor for university recommended MEXT scholarship?
No, you actually don’t need to contact the professor until the university asks for it.
Can I apply for more than 1 university?
Yes, you can apply to 3 universities at a time but if you are accepted by any university, you have to inform the others.
My degree is not completed, Can I apply for MEXT Scholarship?
It depends on which semester you are in. You can apply if you are in the last semester or going to graduate before the MEXT application process.
We try to cover Everything about Mext Scholarships, but if you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments.
Completed my bachelor degree on 2019, can i apply mext
for masters and from whom do i need to get recommendation letter.
Yes, You can apply. Check subtitle 3.6, for recommendation letters.
Is it mandatory for international aspirant to MEXT Scholarship to pass the Japanese language exam although he will take 100% English courses through the program ?
NO, it’s not mandatory. If all the taught courses are in English then Japanese will only be needed in case of public dealing & working.
If an applicant is already living in japan & want to apply through university recommendation then will he/she need to send all documents along with application in hard copy to respective university or will need to apply online??? My second question is that either English language proficiency certificate is IELTS certificate or different certificate issued by university???
No, they only need to apply online on the university portal. read the “4.1” part of the above blog carefully.
An English language proficiency certificate isn’t an IELTS certificate. it is just a certificate offered by your previous university to show that the medium of taught language was English.
If I am 39 years old can apply for master in Mext scholarship?
if you see the eligibility criteria in the blog, you will see that the age limit is 35 for Masters & PHD.
Please this age limit for PHD is not favorable for good number of Africans. can 40 be allowed.?
I understand. However, these are the rules. you can contact the university in this regard. Also, you can look for other fully funded scholarships on this website. where there are NO age limits like DSU, EDISU etc.
good luck.
I was wondering if I could apply for the MEXT undergraduate scholarship while I’m currently in the university because I want to start all over again
If one obtains one LOA from a private university. Is it safe to select that one university as the only choice in the university preference ?
PLEASE REPLY THIS IS IMPORTANT
For undergraduate courses, deadline is on May/June. But I read in a system where my 12th grade exams are on June and I get results in the end of August. What do I do?