Japanese Government (MEXT) Undergraduate Scholarships in Japanese Studies

2025/12/23

The application window for the 2026 MEXT Undergraduate Japanese Studies Scholarship Programme is now open. The application deadline is Thursday 12 February 2026, at 5pm (GMT).

Application Documents
General Outline
Application Timetable
MEXT Alumni Personal Experiences
Alumni Association in the UK
Information on Safety and Disaster Management

Application Documents

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

Application documents for download
*The photograph must be a 4.5cm x 3.5cm photo, printed or digitally inserted in the application form.
*The academic transcript and certificate of university enrolment (either printed or digital) must be on paper with a letterhead featuring the university logo, original signature and/or university stamp.

Self-Assessment Medical Report (Word)
*Temporary alternative form to Certificate of Health which shortlisted candidates must submit by 16 March 2026. No delay can be accepted and we encourage the candidates to book an appointment with a physician well in advance.

2026年度日本語・日本文化研修留学生コースガイド Course Guide of Japanese Studies Program 2026

General Outline

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships to UK undergraduates who wish to pursue Japanese Studies in Japan for one year as part of their degree.

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, UK nationals, and registered as full-time students both when they leave for Japan and when they return to the UK. Successful candidates desirably have a level of Japanese ability equivalent to JLPT N2 but it is not essential.

The scholarship is tenable for one year at a university decided by the Japanese Education Ministry, Monbukagakusho (MEXT). However, candidates can state their preference from a selection of universities in their application.

Students will take courses in the Japanese language and participate in all aspects of university life – attending lectures, joining sports clubs, etc. The programme offers an excellent opportunity for participants to integrate fully into the Japanese community as well as to secure a solid knowledge of the Japanese language and culture.

The Japanese Government provides living expenses, university fees and return air fare.

NOTE: 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 application documents must arrive as hard copies to the following address by the deadline.

MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship
Japan Information and Cultural Centre
Embassy of Japan
101-104 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7JT

Enquiries should be directed to:
E-mail: scholarship@ld.mofa.go.jp

*The Scholarship office is closed between 5 and 16 January 2026.

Application Timetable for 2026

Application deadline	12 February
UK interviews and exams	24 February
Results of primary screening in the UK*	Late February
Secondary screening in Tokyo	Early June
FINAL RESULTS with placement by Tokyo	July to mid-August
Pre-departure orientation	Late August
Departure for Japan	September/October

*Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the details by email. The selection results will be emailed to all applicants.

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