Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships

 

The application window for the 2026 MEXT Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for UK nationals is now closed. The application window for the 2027 Scholarship is expected to open in April 2026.

Past exams can be viewed here.

 

Table of Contents

• Application Documents
• General Outline
• Application Timetable
• Useful Websites for University and Faculty Search
• MEXT Alumni Personal Experiences
• Alumni Association in the UK
• Information on Safety and Disaster Management
• Promotional Material

 

Past Application Documents (for reference)

Please be sure to thoroughly read through the Application Guidelines before submitting the necessary documents for your application.

• Application documents for download
   
• Self-Assessment Medical Report (Word)
  *Temporary alternative form to Certificate of Health which shortlisted candidates may submit by late August

 

General Outline

This award is offered on an annual basis to those with a minimum of a bachelor's degree, who are under the age of 35 and wish to continue their studies in Japan. The scholarship is offered for both research and taught postgraduate courses. With regard to a taught course, any additional entry requirements specified by each particular university must be met. No knowledge of the Japanese language is necessary for many subjects.

Grantees can pursue a postgraduate degree in any field as long as it is related to their area of expertise or previous study. It can be difficult, however, to place students who wish to study visual and performing arts. Candidates are encouraged to establish contacts with Japanese academics in their field when applying for the scholarship.

Scholarships are tenable from either April or September/October each year. Those leaving in April will hold their award for a minimum of two years, whilst those departing in September/October will hold theirs for a minimum of 18 months. The Japanese Government provides return air fare, school fees and a monthly grant of ¥143,000 (subject to change).

If you are not a UK citizen but wish to apply for a MEXT Scholarship, please contact the Embassy of Japan in your own country.

 
All enquiries should be emailed to:

MEXT Postgraduate Scholarship
Japan Information and Cultural Centre
Embassy of Japan
scholarship@ld.mofa.go.jp

Application Timetable for the 2026 programme (for reference)

Application deadline	26 May 2025
UK exams and interviews	June to July 2025
Results of primary screening in the UK*	Late July 2025
Secondary screening in Tokyo	November 2025
FINAL RESULTS with placement by Tokyo	January 2026
Pre-departure orientation	March 2026
Departure for Japan	April or September/October 2026

 

*Please note that, although candidates may be successful up until this point, the final result depends on confirmation of your university placement.
 

 

Useful Websites for University and Faculty Search

• researchmap
  A database for a researcher search launched by the National Institute of Informatics
• J-GLOBAL
  An online service for information on science and technology
• Japan Student Services Organisation’s Study in Japan
  Degree courses offered in English also can be found
• Japan Study Support
  Jointly operated by the Asian Students Cultural Association and Benesse Corporation
• Japanese College and University Portraits
  A data portal for the publication of educational information on national, public and private universities and colleges
• Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
  WISE Program (Doctoral Program for World-leading Innovative & Smart Education, Japanese page)
  Inter-University Exchange Project

 

MEXT Alumni Personal Experiences

• Kevin McMahon - Nanzan University
• Dr Alexander Rotard - Hitotsubashi University
• Marina Kovaleva - Tohoku University
• Vishal Gor - University of Tsukuba
• Dr Chris Seymour - Kobe University
• Matt Hitchmough - Tokyo University of the Arts
• Costas Kakouratos - Yokohama National University
• Nicholas Chapman - The International University of Japan
• Dr Ross Burns - Kagoshima University
• Thomas Dallyn - Hokkaido University
• Katherine Hampson - Tokyo University
• Dr William Hall - Kyoto City University of Arts
• Dr Paul Iliffe - Tokyo Institute of Technology
• Graham Healey - Waseda University
• Tom Bouquet - Kagoshima University
• Wuon-Gean Ho - Osaka University
• Susan Meehan - Kyoto University
• Alexandra Blum - Kyoto City University of Arts

 

Alumni Association in the UK

• British Association of MEXT Scholars

 

Information on Safety and Disaster Management

Earthquake information is available in English on NHK World website.

 

Promotional Material

• Promotional flyer (PDF)