Japanese Government (MEXT / Monbukagakusho) Scholarship: 2026 Types, Benefits, and How to Apply
TL;DR
Don’t start by asking “Do I qualify for MEXT?” — start by asking “Which MEXT type am I applying for?” Then choose a route: embassy recommendation (common) vs university recommendation (depends on the university’s quota/agreements).
19 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
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Q: What is the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship, and is it “worth trying” for 2026?
A: MEXT is Japan’s flagship government scholarship for international students. It’s worth trying if you match a specific programme type (undergraduate, research, etc.) and you’re ready to follow your embassy/university’s rules closely.
TL;DR Don’t start by asking “Do I qualify for MEXT?” — start by asking “Which MEXT type am I applying for?”
Then choose a route: embassy recommendation (common) vs university recommendation (depends on the university’s quota/agreements).
Status: Last reviewed 2026-01-19. The official pages below are the best starting point, but your country’s embassy/consulate and the university’s instructions are the final word for documents and deadlines.
If you want a bigger planning view (English-taught vs language routes, plus practical life checks), start here:
- Japan vs Korea planning guide: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
Start here (official links)
- MEXT overview (types, benefits table, and how to apply): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/
- Scholarships reality check (important): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/about-scholarships/
- Past exam questions (useful if you’re considering embassy recommendation): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/examination.html
What MEXT is (in one paragraph)
Study in Japan (official) describes MEXT as a Japanese Government programme that has invited international students to study in Japan at state expense since 1954, with multiple scholarship “types” depending on what you’re studying and at what level.
Step 1: pick your MEXT “type” (there are 7)
The official MEXT page lists seven types:
- Research students
- Teacher training students
- Undergraduate students
- Japanese studies students
- College of technology students
- Specialized training college students
- Young Leaders Program (YLP) students
You don’t need to memorise all seven — you just need to identify the one that matches your current situation.
