Are you dreaming of studying in Japan on a fully funded scholarship? The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers international students a life-changing opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies at top Japanese universities. Open to applicants worldwide, this prestigious Japan Government Scholarship 2026 is designed to cover all academic and living expenses, including airfare, tuition fees, and a monthly allowance. It is one of the most highly searched and competitive undergraduate scholarships in Asia, with no application fee required and no need for IELTS in most cases.

The MEXT Scholarship for International Students 2026 supports fields in science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Beyond academics, the program focuses on nurturing cross-cultural understanding and strong international ties between Japan and students’ home countries. Scholars will not only gain high-quality education but also experience Japan’s rich culture, innovative technologies, and safe living environment. Students are encouraged to learn the Japanese language through preparatory courses before beginning their degree programs.

With modern research facilities, world-class faculty, and a unique blend of tradition and innovation, Japan is an excellent destination for undergraduate study. The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 offer a chance to develop academic knowledge, professional skills, and cultural awareness that will serve students in their future careers. If you are looking for fully funded scholarships in Japan, or searching for Japanese government scholarships for international students 2026, this is your golden opportunity to study in Japan for free.

Details About MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 in Japan:

• Host Country: Japan
• Host Organization: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
• Duration: 4-6 years
• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
• Deadline: Varies for different programs

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Benefits of MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships 2026:

The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 offers a comprehensive financial package designed to support international students throughout their academic journey in Japan. With full coverage of tuition, monthly stipends, and travel expenses, this scholarship eliminates financial barriers and ensures students can focus entirely on their studies and cultural experience. Here are the key benefits of the MEXT Scholarship for international undergraduate students:

• Monthly Stipend of 117,000 Yen:
  Scholars will receive a generous monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as food, transportation, and personal costs while studying in Japan.
• Regional Allowance (2,000–3,000 Yen/month):
  An additional monthly allowance is granted for students studying in designated regions with higher living costs or specific government focus.
• Full Tuition and Entrance Exam Fee Waiver:
  The scholarship fully waives university entrance examination fees and tuition charges, ensuring free access to quality education.
• Airfare to Japan:
  MEXT covers the cost of an economy-class airline ticket from the student’s home country to Japan at the start of the program.
• Direct University Placement (if eligible):
  Students with sufficient Japanese language proficiency may be directly admitted into their degree program without attending the preparatory language course.
• Access to University Dormitories:
  Many participating Japanese universities offer on-campus residence halls or assistance with accommodation under certain conditions.

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 Eligibility Criteria:

To ensure fairness and academic readiness, the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 has outlined specific eligibility requirements for international applicants. These conditions are set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) to ensure that only the most committed and qualified students receive this prestigious opportunity. Below are the main eligibility criteria explained in simple points:

• Current Educational Status:
  Applicants must either be currently enrolled in a university undergraduate program or enrolled in a Japanese language preparatory program prior to university admission.
• Preparatory Course Requirement:
  Those who undergo preparatory education must pass the entrance exam to secure admission into a Japanese university.
• No Course or University Transfers Allowed:
  Selected scholars are not allowed to change their course of study or transfer to another university during the preparatory or undergraduate period.
• Compulsory Subject Study:
  Grantees are required to study designated compulsory subjects, even if they’ve already studied them previously.
• Diplomatic Eligibility:
  Applicants must be from countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals are not eligible to apply.
• Age Requirement:
  Candidates must have been born on or after April 2, 2001.
• Educational Qualification (Any One of the Following):
  • Must have completed 12 years of formal education outside Japan.
  • Graduated from institutions equivalent to Japanese high schools in other countries.
  • Passed an academic equivalency exam proving 12 years of education outside Japan.
• Language Readiness:
  Applicants should be willing to learn the Japanese language and pursue academic courses in Japanese.
• Health Requirement:
  A valid health certificate signed by a licensed physician (in the official MEXT format) must be submitted.
• Arrival in Japan:
  Scholars must arrive in Japan between April 1–7, 2026.
• Visa Requirement:
  Selected students must newly obtain a “Student” visa before entering Japan. Arriving without this visa will result in scholarship cancellation.

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Non-Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship:

While the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity for many aspiring international students, certain candidates are not eligible under specific conditions. These restrictions are in place to ensure transparency, avoid double funding, and maintain the integrity of the program. Below are the situations that make an applicant ineligible for the MEXT Scholarship:

• Military Affiliation:
  Applicants who are active military personnel or military civilian employees at the time of application or scholarship period are not eligible.
• Failure to Arrive in Japan on Time:
  Students who do not arrive in Japan by the designated arrival dates (April 1–7, 2026) will be disqualified from receiving the scholarship.
• Past MEXT Scholarship Holders:
  Candidates who have already benefited from any MEXT Scholarship program in the past are ineligible to apply again.
• Simultaneous MEXT Applications:
  Applicants currently applying to another MEXT Scholarship program are not eligible to apply for the undergraduate scholarship simultaneously.
• Already Enrolled in Japan with “Student” Visa:
  Students who are currently enrolled at a Japanese university or institution with a “Student” residence status are not eligible for this award.
• Receiving Other Scholarships:
  Applicants planning to accept another scholarship or financial aid after the commencement of the MEXT program are not permitted to receive MEXT funding.
• Leaving Japan for Study or Work:
  Students who intend to take a leave of absence to study or work outside Japan during the course of the scholarship will lose their eligibility.
• Cheating During Examination:
  Any applicant caught cheating during the written examination (first screening process) will be disqualified immediately.

Required Documents:

When applying for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, it is essential to prepare and submit all required documents accurately. Below is a categorized list of mandatory and optional documents needed for a successful application. Incomplete or improperly prepared documents may lead to disqualification, so be sure to follow the guidelines strictly.

Mandatory Documents for All Applicants:

• Application Form
  • Must be fully completed and include a recent passport-size photograph attached.
  • Submit 1 original and 1 copy.
• Academic Transcripts
  • Transcripts from all years of schooling must be included.
  • Each must be attested by a school official or relevant examination authority.
  • Submit 1 copy.
• Certificate of Graduation
  • A copy of your high school graduation certificate or expected graduation letter.
  • Submit 1 copy.
• Letter of Recommendation
  • From a class teacher or principal of the last institution attended.
  • Submit 1 original and 1 copy.
• Medical Certificate
  • Must be completed and signed by a licensed physician using the official MEXT medical form.
  • Submit 1 original and 1 copy.

If Applicable (Submit Only If Relevant):

• Direct Placement Preference Form
  • Required only if you are applying for direct placement into a university.
  • Submit 1 original.
• Certificate of Enrollment (for university students)
  • If you’re currently enrolled in a university.
  • Submit 1 original and 1 copy.
• University Entrance Qualification Examination Certificate
  • Submit this if you’ve taken a university entrance qualification test equivalent to 12 years of schooling.
  • Submit 1 original and 1 copy.
• Language Proficiency Certificates (English or Japanese)
  • While not mandatory, submitting a certificate can strengthen your application.
  • Submit 2 copies.

✅ Pro Tip: Ensure all documents are translated into English or Japanese (if originally in another language) and properly labeled and arranged before submission. Photocopies must be clear, and originals should not be stapled.

How to Apply for MEXT Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 in Japan:

If you’re aiming to study in Japan with a fully funded undergraduate scholarship, applying through the MEXT Scholarship 2026 Embassy Recommendation is the most common route. This process is conducted by Japanese embassies or consulates in your home country and involves several key steps. Make sure to follow each step carefully to increase your chances of being selected.

✅ Step-by-Step Application Process:

• Check Embassy Announcement
  • Visit the official website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to check if applications are open and note the specific deadline and requirements for your region.
• Prepare and Submit Documents
  • Gather all required documents (application form, transcripts, recommendation letters, health certificate, etc.) and submit them to the embassy before the deadline.
  • The application form can be typed or handwritten, but it must be clear and complete.
• Written Examination
  • Shortlisted applicants will be called to appear for written exams in subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science (based on your chosen field of study).
  • This is a crucial part of the first screening.
• Interview Process
  • Candidates who pass the written test will undergo a personal interview conducted by the embassy or consulate.
  • The interview evaluates your motivation, communication skills, and study goals.
• Recommendation to MEXT
  • Successful candidates from the first screening are nominated to MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) by the embassy.
• Final Selection by MEXT
  • The final decision is made by MEXT after reviewing the embassy’s recommendations.
  • Selected applicants will be officially offered the scholarship.

Note: The application process and deadlines may vary slightly by country. It is important to regularly check your local Japanese Embassy’s website for updates and guidance.