The Monbukagakusho MEXT Scholarships are provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan. These scholarships are fully funded by the Japanese government and are available to applicants from countries with which Japan has diplomatic ties. For the academic year 2024, the MEXT scholarships offer opportunities to students attending various educational institutions at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
International applicants can choose specific majors within certain fields of study and apply for undergraduate or graduate programs. This article provides comprehensive information about the MEXT Scholarship 2024, including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and application procedures for studying in Japan.
About the MEXT Scholarship
The Monbukagakusho MEXT Scholarship aims to promote educational exchange and cooperation between Japan and other countries. It provides financial support to students applying for admission to Japanese universities across a variety of disciplines. Some students may be required to complete preparatory courses, while others may be directly admitted.
Types of Institutions Approved for MEXT Scholarships
MEXT Scholarships 2024 are available for the following types of students:
- Research students (graduate level)
- Teacher training students (graduate level)
- Undergraduate students
- Japanese studies students (undergraduate level)
- College of technology students (undergraduate level)
- Specialized training college students (undergraduate level)
Fields of Study for MEXT Scholarship 2024
The fields of study covered by the scholarship include the following:
| Courses | Majors |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences and Humanities – A | Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language |
| Social Sciences and Humanities – B | Economics, Business Administration |
| Natural Sciences – A | Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, etc. |
| Natural Sciences – B | Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Forestry, Food Science |
| Natural Sciences – C | Medicine, Dentistry |
MEXT Scholarship Amount and Benefits
MEXT Scholarships offer financial support depending on the type of academic program:
| Type of Academic Student | Scholarship Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Research Students | ¥143,000 – ¥145,000 |
| Teacher Training Students | ¥143,000 – ¥145,000 |
| Undergraduate Applicants | ¥117,000 |
| College of Technology Students | ¥117,000 |
| Specialized Training College Students | ¥117,000 |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | ¥117,000 |
| Young Leaders Program Students | ¥242,000 |
Other benefits include an additional ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 monthly for research in designated regions, tuition fee waivers, and round-trip travel expenses.
Duration of MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT scholarship duration varies depending on the program:
| Type of Academic Student | Scholarship Duration |
|---|---|
| Research Students | 1 year and 6 months (includes Japanese language) |
| Undergraduate Applicants | 5 years (7 years for medicine, dentistry, etc.) |
| College of Technology Students | 4 years (4 years and 6 months for merchant marine) |
| Specialized Training College Students | 3 years |
| Teacher Training Students | 1 year and 6 months |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | 1 academic year |
Eligibility Criteria for JAPAN MEXT Scholarship
Eligibility varies based on the academic level:
For Undergraduates:
- Nationality: Must be from a country with diplomatic ties to Japan.
- Age: At least 18 years old.
- Academic Background: 12 years of schooling equivalent to a Japanese upper secondary school.
- Language Proficiency: Interest in learning Japanese.
- Health: Must submit a health certificate.
- Student Visa: A new and recent student visa is required.
For Postgraduates:
- Master’s/Doctoral Course: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 70% (for Master’s) or Master’s degree with 70% (for Doctoral).
- Research Students: Under 35 years old with a graduate degree or 16 years of schooling.
- Teacher Training Students: Under 35 years old with a graduate degree and five years of teaching experience.
- Young Leaders Program: Under 40 years old, with a graduate degree and leadership potential.
MEXT Scholarship Application Deadline
The application deadline for the MEXT Scholarship varies by program:
| Type of Academic Student | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Research Students | April to May 2024 |
| Undergraduate Applicants | April 17 to May 27, 2024 |
| College of Technology Students | April 17 to May 27, 2024 |
| Specialized Training College Students | April 17 to May 27, 2024 |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | December 2024 to January 2025 |
| Teacher Training Students | December 2024 to January 2025 |
| Young Leaders Program | July 2024 to September 2024 |
How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2024?
There are two ways to apply for the MEXT Scholarship:
- Embassy Recommendation: Applicants must submit their application to the Japanese Embassy, qualify for entrance exams, and attend an interview. Successful candidates are then recommended for the scholarship.
- University Recommendation: Applicants may also apply through Japanese universities, particularly if they are part of an exchange program.
Visit the official website and select county wise Embassy and after visit the “Education” section and find scholarships
Required Documents
The following documents are required for the application:
- Direct placement preference form
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificate
- Letter of Recommendation
- Medical certificate
- Enrollment certificate (for those already enrolled at a Japanese university)
- English or Japanese proficiency certificates
- University-specific enrollment exam certificate
Conclusion
The MEXT Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Japan. With extensive financial support, a variety of programs, and multiple pathways for application, this scholarship makes studying in Japan accessible and rewarding. However, applicants must adhere to specific deadlines and eligibility criteria, making early preparation crucial. With the right approach and a clear understanding of the application process, students can take advantage of this scholarship to advance their education and explore the rich culture and academic environment of Japan.