Best Scholarships for International Students in Japan (2025 MEXT Guide).
Many international students dream to study in Japan. Japan has good education, peaceful environment and deep rooted culture that’s why thousands of students flock in this country every year. However tuition fee and cost of living may be high. That’s why it’s very important to have scholarships.
This guide will tell you about the most popular scholarships to study abroad in Japan, focusing on the 2025 MEXT scholarship. We will also discuss how to apply, qualifications and some tips to make you stand out. All in simple English that everyone can understand.
Why Study in Japan?
Before we look at scholarships, let’s see why we should study in Japan:
- World-class education: some of the best universities in the world are University of Tokyo and Kyoto university.
- Safe country: Japan is referred to as clean, peaceful and highly organized.
- Technology and innovation: Japan is the land of technology and innovation hence more chances for science and engineering students.
- Cultural experience: You have a chance to learn new language, taste Japanese food and see another style of life.
Now, let’s see how to achieve this dream without breaking the bank.
What is the MEXT Scholarship?
MEXT is abbreviation of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. MEXT has scholarship programs that are fully funded and every year, the scholarship is offered to foreign students who want to study in Japan.
The MEXT scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly allowance (¥117,000 – ¥145,000)
- Airfare to and from Japan
- No application fees
There are different types of MEXT scholarships for 2025:
- Undergraduate Students
- Research Students (Master’s/PhD)
- College of Technology Students
- Teacher Training Students
- Japanese Studies Students
This article will focus most of our attention to the Research (Graduate) and Undergraduate categories since it’s the most common ones.
Other Scholarships for International Students in Japan (Besides MEXT)
Other scholarships you can apply No matter how popular the MEXT scholarship is, there are still others. Here are some of the best:
1. JASSO Scholarships
Japan Student Services Organization is a scholarship for international students who have good academic achievements but low financial resources.
- Monthly stipend: ¥48,000 (undergraduate), ¥65,000 (graduate)
- Must already be accepted to a Japanese school
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in Japan also offer their own scholarships. Here are some of the popular ones:
- University of Tokyo International Scholarship
- Kyoto University ADB-JSP Scholarship
- Waseda University International Student Scholarship
- Osaka University International Students Scholarship
Requirements are different in every school therefore, consult the site of the university.
3. Asian Development Bank Movimiento intercultural de las Americas (ADB-JSP)
This is a full scholarship to study, both at postgraduate level, in a development related course, for students from developing countries (e.g. Nigeria, Ghana, India and so on).
- Full tuition
- Living cost
- Travel allowance
Available with selected Japanese universities like Keio University and the University of Tokyo.
4. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship
This is a private scholarship for foreign students studying in Japanese universities.
- Money paid per month: 100,000 yuan
- One-off relocation cost assistance: 400,000
2025 MEXT Scholarship Application Guide
So we are back to the 2025 MEXT Guide, which is the top searched topic among students who want to study in Japan.
Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Choose Application Route
MEXT has two main routes:
- Embassy Recommendation: You apply through the Japanese embassy in your home country.
- University Recommendation: You apply directly to a Japanese university that will recommend you to MEXT.
Hint: Embassy way is competitive and open to more applicants. University path is less known and more precise.
Step 2: Carry out Eligibility Check
In order to qualify, you should:
- Be a national of a country maintaining relations with Japan.
- Have good academic record.
- You are eligible if you are under 25 years for the undergraduate program. If you are going for a postgraduate program, then 35 years is accepted. Be healthy both physically and mentally.
- Have good English or Japanese language skills.
Step 3: Documents
Here are the common documents:
- Application form (available on embassy or university website)
- Academic transcripts
- Certificate of graduation
- Recommendation letters
- Passport copy
- Medical certificate
- Research proposal (for postgraduate students)
Step 4: Submit and Wait for Exams/Interviews
If shortlisted, you will take written exam and interview. This is usually done at the embassy or online.
How to Win MEXT Scholarship
Here are the ways to increase your chances:
- Write a good research proposal: State the topic you want to study and why you want to study in Japan.
- Be specific in research proposal: for grad students, research to ensure your topic is realistic and aligns with Japan’s academic strength.
- Apply on time: Timelines vary and you should start preparing documents at least 3 months in advance.
- Have great recommenders: Get teachers/professors who understand your best sides.
- Get ready to face interviews: Get ready to face interviews and respond to questions regarding your aspirations, study schedule, and reasons why you want to study in Japan.
International Students in Japan – Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Level | Application Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship | Full tuition, monthly pay, airfare | Undergrad, Postgrad | Embassy or University |
| JASSO Scholarship | Monthly pay only | Undergrad, Postgrad | School-based |
| ADB–JSP Scholarship | Full funding | Master’s | Partner Universities |
| University Scholarships (e.g., UTokyo, Kyoto) | Varies | All levels | Direct to University |
| Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship | Monthly + relocation support | Postgrad | Online Application |
FAQs
1. Can I apply to multiple scholarships in Japan?
Of course, you can apply to multiple scholarships. But there is something that you must know and that most scholarships in Japan do not permit the students to obtain two or more scholarships simultaneously.
Example: if you are already selected as a candidate to have a scholarship by the MEXT (Monbukagakusho), you cannot study during the same duration of time with some other scholarship.
MEXT is a fully funded scholarship offered by Japanese government and hence they do not want you to apply other funding. When you are applying to private or university scholarships, you can apply to many of them but when you get selected, you will then be required to choose one.
Always read the scholarship conditions. Some scholarships even make you sign that you are not receiving another scholarship via some paperwork.
2. Do I need to know Japanese to apply?
No; you don’t need to know Japanese to apply to most of the scholarships or university programs in Japan. Many universities offer English programs especially for Master and Ph.D. One of the common areas where such English-based programs are offered is in science and engineering,
international studies, business and technology. Even MEXT scholarship courses are fully taught in English. But it’s very useful to know some Japanese. It will help you in daily life, in shopping, in communication with people, when you use transportation, as well as when you can find a part-time job.
Some scholarships can provide you free Japanese language classes especially during your first year. It will help you to learn even simple words and greetings which will make your stay easier.
3. Can I work in Japan and study?
Yes international students can work part-time in Japan. But you have to follow the rules. One is that you need to get authorization from the immigration office. It’s called permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted.
When you get this you can work up to 28 hours a week when school is in session. You can work up to 40 hours a week during long holidays such as summer vacation. Most of them have jobs in restaurants, shops, convenience stores or English tutoring. Just make sure the job doesn’t interfere with your studies.
Also note that working rules may apply to some scholarships such as MEXT so always consult your school or scholarship office before you take a job.
4. How competitive is MEXT scholarship?
MEXT scholarship is very competitive. There are many students worldwide who apply every year but only 5 slots per country. For example, in a given country 5 to 20 students are chosen among hundreds of applicants.
Embassy track is more competitive than University track. To pass the written exams, interviews and your academic records should be good. You also need to provide a decent research outline if you are applying for postgraduate.
It’s very important to start early and have your documents in order. Talking to the winners in the past and visiting online forums is also helpful.
5. What is the deadline of MEXT 2025?
Deadline varies depending on the route you take and your country. When you are using Japanese embassy in your country, applications usually start in April and ends by June of the year before.
That is, to apply to MEXT 2025 you need to submit an application during April-June 2024. But when you apply under University track, the deadline may be postponed and in some cases is between August-October 2024.
Because every university has their own schedule, you should visit their official websites regularly. Don’t procrastinate. Get your documents ready such as recommendation letters, transcripts and research proposal.
Conclusion
Studying in Japan will change your life. It also opens door to high quality education, better job opportunities and to live in one of the most developed country in the world. 2025 MEXT Guide will be the best place to start if you want to study with low tuition fee.
Application to MEXT scholarship is competitive but not impossible. And good preparation and having a clear goal with the right kind of documents will make you one of the lucky students to have fully funded studies in Japan.
Other options, JASSO and ADB, JSP, university scholarships should not be forgotten. Read them out and don’t give up.
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