MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

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

Updated 10 November 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
Funding: Tuition, monthly allowance and round-trip airfare.
Deadline: Nominations are collected by EAD around Aug–Sep for an October start (e.g. Malaysia's 2027 deadline was 18 Sep 2026). The next Pakistan call is expected around Aug 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Jul–Aug 2027 (EAD circular)
Duration: One-year Master's at GRIPS (October to September).
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website Application page

About the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP)

One-year master's for mid-career government officials and professionals, nominated through partner institutions.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Young government officials from selected Asian and other countries, including Pakistan. In Pakistan, ministries nominate officers through the Economic Affairs Division (EAD).

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree; serving public administrator with work experience; usually under 40 (School of Government/Local Governance at GRIPS).

Language requirements

English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS as GRIPS requires).

What the scholarship covers

Tuition, monthly allowance and round-trip airfare.

Tuition: Full tuition.
Stipend and benefits: Monthly allowance reported at about JPY 242,000 (unofficial figure).
Duration: One-year Master's at GRIPS (October to September).

Deadline and opening date

Nominations are collected by EAD around Aug–Sep for an October start (e.g. Malaysia's 2027 deadline was 18 Sep 2026). The next Pakistan call is expected around Aug 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Jul–Aug 2027 (EAD circular).

Required documents

Nomination by ministry/department through EAD
GRIPS application form
Degree certificate and transcripts
Recommendation letters
English test score
Officer's undertaking, CNIC and passport copies
Health certificate

How to apply

Get nominated by your ministry/department through the Economic Affairs Division; the Embassy of Japan and GRIPS make the final selection.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP)?

Young government officials from selected Asian and other countries, including Pakistan. In Pakistan, ministries nominate officers through the Economic Affairs Division (EAD). Bachelor's degree; serving public administrator with work experience; usually under 40 (School of Government/Local Governance at GRIPS).

What does the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP) cover?

Tuition, monthly allowance and round-trip airfare. Monthly allowance reported at about JPY 242,000 (unofficial figure).

What is the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP) deadline?

Nominations are collected by EAD around Aug–Sep for an October start (e.g. Malaysia's 2027 deadline was 18 Sep 2026). The next Pakistan call is expected around Aug 2027. Expected opening: Expected Jul–Aug 2027 (EAD circular).

Is IELTS required for the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP)?

English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS as GRIPS requires).

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP)?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the MEXT Young Leaders Program (YLP)?