Scholarship for Foreign Students by Japanese Government 2025 (Fully-funded)
The Japanese Government, in partnership with the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation, is offering a scholarship for foreign students who want to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree program for the academic session 2025-2026.
This scholarship is available to foreign students interested in studying at a Japanese graduate school for a Master’s or Doctoral degree. Applications can be submitted from overseas if applicants are accepted to a Japanese graduate school.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): Japanese Government
Host Institution(s): Japanese graduate school for a doctoral or master’s degree
Scholarship Worth: Fully-funded
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Master’s or Doctoral degree
Nationality: International Students
Scholarship for Foreign Students by Japanese Government | DETAILS
The scholarship will be provided monthly throughout the minimum duration required to obtain the degree. The amount of scholarship depends on the period as follows:
¥210,000 per month for 1-2 years degree
¥190,000 per month for a 3-year degree
¥160,000 per month for a 4-5 year degree
Applicants of all nationalities and research fields are welcome. They can apply directly to the foundation without the need for pre-selection by the university.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Scholarship for Foreign Students by Japanese Government, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be an international student without Japanese citizenship
- Cannot be enrolled in a professional graduate school, unless they can submit a research plan
- Must have an enrollment duration longer than 12 months until graduation
- For PhD program applicants, they must start the course by age 35; for Master’s program applicants, they must start the course by age 30 (No exceptions)
- Must have a strong desire to serve their home country as part of their future career plan
- Must have a deep understanding of international friendship and goodwill, and participate in events organized by the foundation
- Must be able to engage in basic conversation in Japanese as interviews will be conducted in Japanese (No exceptions)
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Applicants should access the “Online application system” and complete all required information. Upload necessary digital files and documents following the instructions on the Online application system.
Upon completing the application, an application number will be issued. Successful applicants’ application numbers will be announced on the website.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
FAQs
What is the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2025 for Foreign Students?
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2025 is a fully-funded scholarship program sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). It is aimed at outstanding international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, or research-level studies at Japanese universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare.
Who is eligible to apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2025?
Eligibility varies slightly by category, but in general, applicants must be nationals of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan, possess a strong academic record, and meet age and health requirements. For undergraduate scholarships, candidates must typically be under 25 years of age and have completed secondary education. For postgraduate levels, applicants should usually be under 35 years and have completed a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.
How can I apply for the Japanese Government Scholarship 2025?
Applicants can apply through two main channels: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation. Embassy Recommendation requires submission of applications to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country. University Recommendation involves direct application to a Japanese university that will then nominate the candidate to MEXT. Application periods and procedures may vary by country and institution.
What does the MEXT Scholarship 2025 cover for selected students?
The scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage, a monthly stipend (ranging from approximately 117,000 to 145,000 yen depending on the level of study), and round-trip airfare from the student’s home country to Japan. It may also include preparatory Japanese language training if needed, before the academic program starts.
