Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship — Research Students 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) · For Master's, PhD, Research student applicants.

Updated 28 October 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Provider: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Degree levels: Master's, PhD, Research student
Funding: Tuition, entrance and exam fees waived; monthly allowance; round-trip airfare.
Deadline: 2027 embassy-recommendation deadline was 26 May 2026 (closed). University-recommendation routes have university-specific deadlines (often Oct 2026 – Feb 2027). The 2028 embassy round is expected around Apr–May 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Apr 2027 (embassy route, based on the yearly pattern)
Duration: Research student period (up to 2 years), then the degree programme: Master's 2 years, PhD 3 years.
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website Application page

About the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students

MEXT has embassy-recommendation and university-recommendation routes. Requirements for prior professor contact differ by route — do not assume acceptance is required.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Nationals of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, including Pakistan. Embassy recommendation route through the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. Typically under 35 at the start of the scholarship. Selection includes document screening, written exams (Japanese and English) and an interview.

Language requirements

Embassy route: written English and Japanese tests (Japanese used for placement). English-taught programmes require proof of English ability.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition, entrance and exam fees waived; monthly allowance; round-trip airfare.

Tuition: Full tuition, admission and examination fees.
Stipend and benefits: About JPY 144,000/month (Master's), slightly higher for PhD, plus round-trip economy airfare.
Duration: Research student period (up to 2 years), then the degree programme: Master's 2 years, PhD 3 years.

Deadline and opening date

2027 embassy-recommendation deadline was 26 May 2026 (closed). University-recommendation routes have university-specific deadlines (often Oct 2026 – Feb 2027). The 2028 embassy round is expected around Apr–May 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Apr 2027 (embassy route, based on the yearly pattern).

Required documents

Application form
Placement preference form
Field of study and research program plan
Academic transcripts
Degree certificate
Recommendation letter from university
Certificate of health
Abstract of thesis (if any)
Language certificates (if any)

How to apply

Embassy recommendation: apply to the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, then secure a provisional acceptance from a Japanese professor after passing primary screening. University recommendation: apply through a Japanese university, where contacting a professor first is usually required.

Find a professor for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students?

Nationals of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, including Pakistan. Embassy recommendation route through the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad. Master's: Bachelor's degree. PhD: Master's degree. Typically under 35 at the start of the scholarship. Selection includes document screening, written exams (Japanese and English) and an interview.

What does the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students cover?

Tuition, entrance and exam fees waived; monthly allowance; round-trip airfare. About JPY 144,000/month (Master's), slightly higher for PhD, plus round-trip economy airfare.

What is the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students deadline?

Is IELTS required for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students?

Embassy route: written English and Japanese tests (Japanese used for placement). English-taught programmes require proof of English ability.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Research Students?

Sources

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ScholarReach is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This page gives general information researched from public sources. Requirements, amounts and deadlines change every year: always confirm them on the official website.