MEXT Written Tests (Singapore) 2026: Official Sample Questions + A Realistic Prep Plan
TL;DR
A Singapore-specific, source-first guide to MEXT written tests: how to check if your route requires exams, where to find the official sample questions, and a practical 6–16 week prep plan that doesn’t assume you have unlimited time.
20 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
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> **Q:** I’m applying from Singapore — do I need to prepare for a MEXT written test?
> \
> **A:** Maybe. Start by confirming your **MEXT type** and your **channel** (Embassy of Japan in Singapore vs other routes). If written tests apply to your route, use the official sample questions as your anchor — then build a study plan that matches your actual timeline.
> **TL;DR (2 minutes)**
> - **Don’t guess.** Confirm your route on the Embassy of Japan in Singapore page for your MEXT type.
> - Use the official sample questions here: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/examination.html
> - Prep is easiest when you pick a timebox:
> - **6–10 weeks:** focus on basics + timed practice
> - **12–16 weeks:** basics + deeper practice + exam conditioning
> - If your route doesn’t require written tests, spend that time on what actually moves your application: documents, plan of study (if relevant), and your university/programme shortlist.
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*Status:* Last reviewed 2026-01-20. MEXT requirements can vary by programme type and country. Always follow the latest official instructions for Singapore (Embassy of Japan) and your chosen route.
If you want the “big picture” first:
* MEXT overview (types, benefits, routes): https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japanese-Government-MEXT-Scholarship-2026-Profile
* MEXT (Singapore) embassy guide: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/MEXT-Scholarship-Singapore-Embassy-Guide-2026
---
## 1) Step zero: confirm your route (this decides everything)
“MEXT” isn’t one single scholarship with one single process. The official MEXT page lists multiple programme types (undergraduate, research, etc.), and your local channel can add Singapore-specific rules.
Do this first:
* Open your MEXT type page (Singapore):
- Undergraduate: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/culture_mext_undergraduate.html
- Research: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/culture_mext_research.html
* Write down:
- your **deadline**,
- whether there is a **written examination stage**, and
- the **subjects** you’re expected to sit (if stated).
If the Singapore page you need is closed for the current cycle, use it as a planning template and then check the next cycle once it opens.
---
## 2) Where the official “past papers” live (and what they actually are)
The cleanest place to start is the Study in Japan (official) exam page:
* https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/examination.html
That page publishes **sample questions** for the MEXT qualifying examinations.
Practical tip: treat these as your “anchor” resource. If you’re using YouTube/Reddit/Telegram discussions, use them only to get study ideas — not as your source of truth for exam scope.
---
## 3) A prep plan you can actually execute (Singapore student-friendly)
Don’t overcomplicate this. The goal is to:
1. learn the tested basics,
2. practise in the same style as the official questions, and
3. build speed under time pressure.
### A) If you have 6–10 weeks
Use this if you’re busy (CCAs, school exams, NS, portfolio work).
* Week 1–2: fundamentals refresh (short sessions, consistent)
* Week 3–5: official sample questions (untimed first, then timed)
* Week 6–8: timed sets + error log (re-do weak topics)
* Last 1–2 weeks: exam conditioning
- practise at the same time-of-day the exam is likely held
- do 2–4 full timed papers (depending on subject count)
### B) If you have 12–16 weeks
Use this if you’re preparing ahead (e.g., you want a calmer cycle next year).
* Phase 1 (weeks 1–4): fundamentals + routine practice
* Phase 2 (weeks 5–10): sample questions + targeted drills
* Phase 3 (weeks 11–16): timed practice + consistency
---
## 4) What to do when you don’t know which subjects you’ll be tested on
Sometimes students start prep before the embassy page publishes full details.
If that’s you:
* Start with the sample-question page (official) and identify which subjects match your intended route.
* Email early and ask one question only:
- “For the next MEXT cycle, which written exam subjects apply to **[MEXT type]** applicants in Singapore?”
* Don’t waste time over-prepping a subject you won’t sit.
---
## 5) If written tests don’t apply to your route, prep the parts that decide your outcome
If your route doesn’t involve written tests (or you’re not sure yet), this is usually a better “this month” focus:
* Build your submission folder (Singapore workflow): https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Singapore-Overseas-Scholarship-Document-Pack-Playbook
* Choose your route (embassy vs university recommendation): https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/MEXT-Embassy-vs-University-Recommendation-Guide-2026
* If you’re comparing Japan vs Korea in general (language route vs English-taught degree): https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
---
## 6) If you want a “next action” right now
Pick one:
* Download the official sample questions and do one timed set (even if you score badly).
* Create a one-page plan:
- exam subjects (if applicable)
- weekly schedule
- two “review checkpoints” (midpoint + last 2 weeks)
If you’re also comparing Singapore scholarships while exploring overseas options, you can shortlist local awards here:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/matcher
