MEXT Scholarship 2026: Complete Official Guide

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding international students, including Bangladeshi applicants, under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program. The scholarship is available through Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation routes and supports Research Students (Master’s/PhD) and Undergraduate programs.

The scholarship covers full tuition, provides a monthly stipend ranging from ¥117,000 to ¥145,000, and includes round-trip economy airfare (airfare not applicable for domestic recommenders).

1. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic merit and meet the following criteria:

• Minimum Academic Requirement: A cumulative GPA of 2.30 or higher (or equivalent) in the most recent academic program.
• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan. Dual nationals holding Japanese citizenship must renounce it before arrival in Japan.
• Age Limit:
• 
  
• Research Students: Born on or after 2 April 1991
• Undergraduate Students: Born on or after 2 April 2001
• (Exceptions apply only under special national circumstances such as compulsory military service.)
• Academic Background:
• 
  
• Research Students: Eligible for admission to a Master’s or Doctoral program at a Japanese graduate school
• Undergraduate Students: Completion of 12 years of formal education or equivalent
• Health Condition: Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to pursue full-time study in Japan.
• Language Proficiency:
• 
  
• Japanese: JLPT N2 or higher (if applicable)
• English: CEFR B2 equivalent (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) or university-recognized proof

Note: For domestic (Japan-based) recommenders, nominations are limited to 40% of total university nominees.

2. Scholarship Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship offers generous financial assistance to international students studying in Japan.

All amounts are subject to annual Japanese government budget adjustments.

Undergraduate Program

💰 Monthly Stipend: ¥117,000

🌏 Regional Allowance: ¥2,000–¥3,000 (if applicable)

Master’s / Professional Program

💰 Monthly Stipend: ¥144,000

🎓 Tuition & Admission: Fully waived

Doctoral Program

💰 Monthly Stipend: ¥145,000

✈️ Travel: Round-trip economy airfare

Additional Coverage:

• Education Fees: Entrance examination fees, admission fees, enrollment fees, and tuition are fully waived.
• Travel: Economy-class round-trip airfare from the nearest international airport to Japan (excluding domestic travel, excess baggage fees, insurance, and airport taxes).
• Important Notes:
• 
  
• The first stipend is usually paid 1–1.5 months after arrival in Japan.
• Students are advised to bring approximately USD 2,000 to cover initial living expenses.
• Monthly payments may be suspended during extended absences from Japan.

3. Scholarship Duration

The scholarship covers the standard duration required to complete the academic program, starting from the month of enrollment. Extensions may be granted for students advancing to higher degrees, subject to MEXT approval.

Arrival Periods:

• April Intake: 1–7 April 2026
• October Intake: Within two weeks of the official university term start date

4. Application Routes for Bangladeshi Students

Embassy Recommendation (Primary Route)

Applications are submitted through the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka.

Tentative Timeline for 2026 Intake:

• Application Opens: April–May 2025
• Written Examinations & Interviews: June–July 2025
• First Screening Results: July 2025
• Final MEXT Results: December 2025 – January 2026
• Departure to Japan: April or October 2026

University Recommendation (Special Selection)

Applicants apply directly to Japanese universities participating in the MEXT program.

Arrival Term

Application Period

Result Notification

April 2026

5–15 January 2026

End of February 2026

October (Research)

20 Feb – 3 Mar 2026

Mid-June 2026

October (Undergraduate)

19–26 May 2026

End of July 2026

Universities conduct initial screening and submit selected candidates to MEXT for final approval.

5. Required Documents

All documents must be submitted in English or Japanese, printed on A4-sized paper. Submitted documents are not returned.

Core Documents:

• MEXT Application Form (with a 4.5 × 3.5 cm photograph taken within the last 6 months)
• Academic Transcripts
• Graduation Certificates or Diplomas
• Recommendation Letters (2–3, issued by academic supervisors or department heads)
• Research Proposal or Study Plan
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Copy of Passport
• Medical Certificate

Additional Documents (if required by the university):

• GPA or class-ranking evidence (top 30% if GPA is not stated)
• Thesis or research abstracts (for research applicants)

6. Selection Process and Obligations

Selection Process:

• Initial screening by the Embassy or universities (document review, written exams, and interviews)
• Final evaluation and approval by MEXT
• Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.30 throughout the program to continue receiving the scholarship

Visa Requirement:

• Scholars must enter Japan with a “Student” visa status. Domestic applicants must change their visa status before enrollment.

Ineligible Applicants:

• Active military personnel or civilian military employees
• Former MEXT scholars (unless a minimum 3-year gap has passed)
• Applicants applying for multiple Japanese government scholarships simultaneously
• Applicants planning long-term research or study outside Japan

Scholar Obligations:

• Actively contribute to academic and cultural exchange between Japan and the home country
• Enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance system
• Refrain from receiving unapproved concurrent scholarships

7. Key Preparation Tips

• Secure provisional acceptance from a Japanese university, especially for research programs
• Acquire basic Japanese language skills; many programs include preparatory Japanese courses
• Prepare sufficient funds for initial settlement in Japan
• Ensure all documents are accurate and complete, as universities strictly verify submissions before forwarding them to MEXT

The MEXT Scholarship offers exceptional access to Japan’s world-class education system, advanced research facilities, and global academic networks—opening doors to lifelong opportunities while strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Japan.