The Japanese Ministery of Science - MONBUKAGAKUSHO-Grant of the Japanese Government for Students of the Japanese Language and Culture

What You Get

This scholarship from Japan's Ministry of Education (MEXT) gives you ¥117,000 per month to study Japanese language and culture at a designated Japanese university for one academic year (within 12 months). On top of the monthly stipend, the programme covers your full tuition fees and provides a return economy-class flight from the nearest international airport in your home country to Japan. A regional supplement of ¥2,000–¥3,000 per month may also apply depending on your placement.

At the end of the programme you receive a certificate of completion. This is not a degree programme — no academic qualification is awarded.

Who Can Apply

• Nationality: You hold citizenship of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals are not eligible (dual nationals may apply under specific conditions).
• Age: You were born between 2 April 1996 and 1 April 2008 (for the 2026 intake).
• Current enrolment: You are enrolled as an undergraduate student at a university outside Japan — both at the time you arrive in Japan and when you leave.
• Field of study: Your degree major is directly related to Japanese language and/or Japanese culture. Students majoring in other fields (e.g. engineering, economics) are not eligible.
• Study history: You have studied Japanese Studies at university level for at least one full year in total by 1 September of the scholarship year.
• Japanese language: Your Japanese is strong enough to follow university courses taught entirely in Japanese.
• Health: You can provide a medical certificate in the required format, signed by a doctor, confirming no conditions that would prevent you from studying in Japan.
• Return commitment: You agree to return to your home country and continue your studies at your home university after the programme ends. Failure to do so may require you to repay the full amount received.

You are not eligible if you are active military personnel, a previous MEXT scholarship recipient, already enrolled at a university in Japan, or applying for another Japanese government scholarship at the same time.

What You Study

You study at one of the universities listed in MEXT's official Course Guide for the Japanese Studies Programme. All teaching is in Japanese. There are two course types: one focuses on Japan and Japanese culture; the other focuses on improving Japanese language skills. MEXT decides which university you are placed at — you cannot appeal this decision.

How Selection Works

Applications go through a two-stage process via the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Stage 1 — Embassy screening: Your documents are reviewed, and you sit a written Japanese language test and attend an interview at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Stage 2 — MEXT selection: Candidates who pass Stage 1 are forwarded to MEXT, which makes the final decision and assigns you to a university.

Some Japanese universities also recruit candidates directly through bilateral exchange agreements (university recommendation route).

Documents Required

• Completed application form (current year's version)
• Placement Preference Application Form
• Official transcripts from your home university covering all years studied
• Proof of at least one year of Japanese Studies (if not already clear from transcripts)
• Current enrolment certificate from your home university
• Letter of recommendation from your university president or academic supervisor
• Medical certificate in the prescribed format
• Proof of Japanese language ability, e.g. JLPT result (only if you have one)

All documents must be in Japanese or English, or accompanied by a certified translation. Photos must be 4.5 × 3.5 cm and taken within the last six months.

Deadlines

Deadlines are set by the Japanese embassy in your home country and vary by location. Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate to confirm the exact date for your country.