Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026 for Undergraduate Students
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers prestigious scholarships to international students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies at Japanese universities. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the MEXT Scholarship for the 2026 academic year through the University Recommendation (Priority) pathway.
Scholarship Overview
The MEXT Scholarship is available for the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP) at Tokyo Tech. This fully-funded opportunity covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes travel expenses for successful candidates.
Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
Admission Period: April 2026
Monthly Stipend: JPY 120,000
Scholarship Duration: Standard period required for program completion (4 years)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MEXT Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Excellence
Applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic achievement with a grade point average of 2.30 (out of 3.00) or above in their last-attended degree program.
2. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan. Individuals with Japanese nationality are generally not eligible, with exceptions for dual citizens residing outside Japan who renounce their Japanese nationality before arriving in Japan.
3. Age Requirement
Applicants must be 24 years old or younger as of April 1, 2026.
4. Educational Background
Candidates must have completed 12 years of regular schooling or graduated from the equivalent of a Japanese high school before arriving in Japan. Those who have acquired qualifications to enter a Japanese university through other means are also eligible.
5. Field of Study
The chosen field must be one in which the applicant can conduct research at Tokyo Tech.
6. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of these conditions:
Obtained an English language proficiency test score equivalent to CEFR level B2 or higher
Completed or expect to complete education at an institution where all instruction was in English
Been determined by Tokyo Tech to possess English proficiency equivalent to or exceeding CEFR level B2
7. Health Condition
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to pursue their studies in Japan, as determined by Tokyo Tech.
8. Arrival in Japan
Successful candidates must be able to arrive in Japan between April 1 and April 7, 2026.
9. Visa Requirement
Applicants must obtain a "Student" visa from the Japanese diplomatic mission in their home country and enter Japan with "Student" residence status. Those already in Japan with other residence statuses must change to "Student" status.
Non-Eligibility Criteria
The following individuals are not eligible for the scholarship:
Military personnel or civilian military employees
Those unable to arrive in Japan by the specified deadline
Previous MEXT Scholarship recipients (with some exceptions)
Applicants simultaneously applying for other MEXT Scholarship programs
Current or prospective privately funded international students at Japanese universities
Those unable to satisfy academic background requirements by the required date
Dual citizens who cannot verify renunciation of Japanese nationality
Those planning long-term research outside Japan or extended leaves of absence
Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support including:
Monthly Stipend: JPY 120,000
Education Fees: Enrollment and tuition fees waived by Tokyo Tech
Application Fee: Reimbursed if allocated to Tokyo Tech by MEXT
Travel Expenses: Round-trip air tickets provided under certain conditions
Cessation of Scholarship Benefits
MEXT will discontinue scholarship benefits if recipients:
Make false statements on their application
Violate the Pledge to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Violate Japanese law and receive imprisonment
Face disciplinary action or removal from Tokyo Tech
Cannot complete their program within the standard period due to poor academic performance
Change their residence status from "Student"
Withdraw from Tokyo Tech or transfer to another university
Fail to maintain a GPA of 2.30 or above each year
Additionally, the monthly stipend will not be provided during leaves of absence or extended absences from the university.
Application Process
To apply for the MEXT Scholarship, candidates must follow the application guidelines for the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP). Tokyo Tech recommends scholarship candidates from among GSEP applicants to MEXT. Those wishing to receive the scholarship must apply for it simultaneously with their GSEP application.
Important Notes
Applicants should be aware that even if they meet all eligibility conditions, the Japanese government might reject Tokyo Tech's recommendation. Such decisions could be made just before enrollment and may result in cancellation of enrollment. For detailed information, refer to the application guidelines for GSEP.
MEXT Scholarship recipients are expected to contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and their home countries by participating in school and community activities during their studies. After graduation, they should promote relations between their home country and Japan by maintaining connections with their university and cooperating with projects organized by Japanese diplomatic missions.
For the latest updates and detailed application guidelines, prospective applicants should regularly check the official MEXT and Tokyo Tech websites as the 2026 application cycle approaches.
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