Japan is renowned for its high-quality education, attracting students from all over the world. Among the various scholarships offered to international students, the MEXT Scholarship stands out. This prestigious scholarship enables students to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo without tuition fees. The scholarship covers a two-year Master’s program and a three-year Ph.D. program.
Understanding the MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship, also known as MECSST (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology), has been awarded by the Japanese government since 1954. It aims to foster international relationships by encouraging students from about 160 countries to study in Japan. This scholarship is highly prestigious, and recipients have “Govt. Scholar” marked on their visas.
Application Process
Applications for the MEXT Scholarship are open for 2024. This scholarship covers various programs, including postgraduate research, undergraduate studies, college of Technology, and specialized training programs.
Selection Criteria
- Research Level (Master’s and Ph.D.): 30 candidates
- Undergraduate Level: 25 candidates
- College of Technology Program: 15 candidates
- Specialized Training College: 5 candidates
Selected candidates must participate in written and oral tests conducted at the Japanese Embassy.
Benefits of the MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship provides several benefits that set it apart from other scholarships:
- No Tuition or Admission Fees: Recipients are exempt from paying educational fees.
- No Application Fee: Applying for the scholarship is free.
- Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive a monthly stipend.
- Round-Trip Airfare: The scholarship covers travel expenses to and from Japan.
- Language Requirements: IELTS or TOEFL scores are not mandatory if previous education was in English.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MEXT Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be an international student from a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age:
- Master’s and Ph.D. Applicants: Must be born after April 2, 1990.
- Undergraduate Program Applicants: Must be born after April 2, 2000, and have completed Higher Secondary or equivalent examinations.
- Training College Program Applicants: Must be born after April 2, 2000, and have completed Higher Secondary or equivalent examinations.
- Language Proficiency: While not mandatory, proficiency in English or Japanese is considered. Applicants must prove their previous studies and exams were conducted in English if not submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply for only one program to avoid disqualification. The application process requires submitting necessary documents such as certificates, mark sheets, passport or national ID card, police clearance, and language proficiency certificates.
Key Dates
- Online Application Deadline: May 5, 2024, at 3:30 PM
- Hard Copy Submission Deadline: May 6, 2024, at 3:30 PM (Submission location: Reception room adjacent to the 2nd gate of the secretariat)
Required Documentation
- Completed application form
- Attested copies of relevant certificates and mark sheets
- Passport or national identity card
- Police clearance
- IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if applicable)
- All other relevant documents
Submit hard copies in the designated box in the reception room from 9 am to 3:30 pm by May 6.
Available Fields of Study
The MEXT Scholarship covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- System and Control Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Information and Communication Engineering
- Industrial Engineering and Economics
- Material Science and Engineering
- Chemical Science and Engineering
- Mathematics and Computing Science
- Life Science and Technology
For more details, visit the MEXT website.
