How To Study in Japan for Free! All You Need to Know About the Japan MEXT Scholarship

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to study in Japan? Well, guess what? Studying in Japan might not be as out of reach as you think! The MEXT Scholarship, funded by the Japanese government itself, could be your key to studying in Japan completely FREE! This article How To Study in Japan for Free! All You Need to Know About the Japan MEXT Scholarship is here to be your best friend, explaining everything about the MEXT Scholarship in plain English. We’ll cover what it is, who can apply, and some insider tips to help you write an application that seriously stands out.

MEXT scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for students internationally. This scholarship programme is available for undergraduate, masters, PhD studies. MEXT scholarship will also cover tuition fee, accommodation, monthly living allowance and also round airfare travel expenses from your own country to Japan.

The ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarship to international student that wishes to study at Japanese university

This article will guide you through on the requirements to apply for this scholarships

MEXT Scholarship requirement

To apply for the Mext scholarship you must be;

• Fluent in English
• You must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
• If you are with Japanese nationality at that time of application you’re not eligible.

MEXT Scholarship Benefits

Did you successfully landed yourself a spot in the prestigious MEXT Scholarship program? Congratulations! You’re about to start an incredible educational journey in Japan, and the best part? The MEXT Scholarship has got you covered with lots of benefits to ease your financial worries and focus on your studies. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect:

Living Expenses:

• Monthly Allowance:  You’ll receive a monthly stipend of 117,000 yen (subject to change) to cover your living costs in Japan. That’s enough to take care of your rent, groceries, transportation, and maybe even some fun exploring!
• Regional Allowance: Thinking about studying in a specific area? Depending on where you’ll be located, you might be eligible for an additional regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month! This extra boost can be particularly helpful in areas with potentially higher living costs.

Travel Expenses:

• Roundtrip Airfare: No need to worry about sky-high flight prices! The MEXT Scholarship covers your roundtrip airfare from your home country to Japan. So, pack your bags and get ready for your exciting Japanese adventure!

Educational Expenses:

• Say Goodbye to Tuition Fees: Leave the money worries about university costs behind! The MEXT Scholarship takes care of all your tuition fees, including entrance exam fees and matriculation fees. This means you can focus on excelling in your studies without any financial stress.

In Conclusion:

1. Allowance: 117,000 yen per month, a regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month will also be added to the monthly scholarship amount for the those studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.
2. Travelling expenses: Roundtrip airfare will be provided to the selected students.
3. Educational fees: fees for the entrance exam, matriculation, and tuition fee will be paid by MEXT.

 How to apply for MEXT scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity to study in Japan, but navigating through the application process can seem daunting. Here’s a breakdown of the two main application routes for international students who reside outside of Japan:

1. Recommendation from the Japanese Embassy:

This is the most common path for MEXT Scholarship applicants. The Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country will handle the initial screening and application process. However, keep in mind that specific procedures can vary depending on the location of the embassy.

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

• Contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate: This is your first point of contact! Reach out to them well in advance to inquire about application deadlines, required documents, and any specific procedures they follow.
• Gather your application materials: The embassy will provide details on what documents you need to submit. This might typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a research proposal (for research students), a personal statement, and proof of English language proficiency.
• Submit your application: Once you have all the required documents, follow the embassy’s instructions for submission. This may involve online submission portals, physical mailings, or in-person appointments.

2. Recommendation from a Japanese University:

This route is primarily for research students and Japanese language and culture students participating in exchange programs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Connect with a Japanese University: Research the universities in Japan that offer programs aligned with your academic interests. Universities often have dedicated international student offices or websites with information on applying for the MEXT Scholarship through their institution.
• University Application and Nomination: Follow the specific application process outlined by the university you’ve chosen. If selected by the university, they will then nominate you for the MEXT Scholarship.

Important Note:

While this breakdown provides a general overview, remember that specific details and requirements might differ depending on your chosen application route and the programs you’re applying to. Always refer to the official MEXT Scholarship website and the relevant Japanese embassy or university for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The Japanese government scholarship students who stay outside of Japan are recruited and selected in two ways.

1. Recommendation from the Embassy: recipients are recruited and firstly screened by a Japanese embassy, the application process differs according to the country that the Japanese embassy is located.
2. Recommendations from the University: Research students and Japanese students who will be studying in Japan as exchange students based on inter- University student exchange agreement can be  accessed through the national, private or public Japanese University involved as a candidate for a Japanese scholarship.

MEXT scholarship undergraduate admission

This scholarship is for new high school graduates who wants to start schooling in Japan.

Requirements:

• You must be between 17 and 22 years old
• You must have finished 12 years of education or High school diploma
• If you are yet to graduate, wait to apply until the year you’re expected to graduate.

How to apply for MEXT scholarship

There are 10 steps to follow in order to apply for the scholarship, which also takes into account the application process and requirements

1. Have a  passport
2. Be between the age of 17 and 35 years: depending on the scholarship you decide to go for
3. Be a citizen of the country you stay in and be sure that the country has a diplomatic relations with Japan
4. Get a Japanese student visa
5. Be aware of important dates related to applying
6. Select the University in Japan that you want to study in and send an application to the school ahead of time.
7. Study past questions to improve your chances of getting a scholarship
8. Fill an application online by the agreed deadline
9. Submit all application material to an embassy
10. Have at least an elementary level of Japanese before you apply

Conclusion

This article covered everything you need to know about the Japan MEXT Scholarship – the numerous benefits, who can apply, and the two ways you can actually get your application in. With this info in your pocket, you’re ready to take the first step towards studying in Japan with the MEXT Scholarship helping you out. Don’t forget to check the official websites for any updates, and good luck with your application! We’re rooting for you!