Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships

2026/4/20
 

The application window for the 2027 MEXT Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for UK nationals is now open. All applications must be emailed to the scholarship office by Monday 1 June 2026, 17:00 (BST).

Past exams can be viewed here.

 

Table of Contents

 

Application Documents

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 / PDF)
    *Candidates may submit this form initially. However, all shortlisted candidates will be required to submit an official Certificate of Health by 28 August 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors well in advance of submitting the application to make sure that they are available during the year of your studies in Japan and that your study plans match their research field. This process is important in order for you to secure a placement and to carry out your studies in Japan as planned.

 

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.

 

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by Monday 1 June 2026, 17:00 (BST), by the following method.
  • Application documents should be saved in two PDF files ((1) and (3)-(11) in a file with (2) separately). Self-Assessment Medical Report must be saved as a separate file.
  • Photograph must be a 4.5cm x 3.5cm printed ID photo or digitally inserted on the application form.
  • All shortlisted candidates will have to submit original hard copies by a later date.
  • (4) Academic transcript and (5) degree certificate/certificate of prospective graduation (either digital or in print) must hold original signature or university stamp on the headed university letter pad.
  • (4), (5), (6) and (10) can be emailed directly from the university and referees to the Embassy.
  • Email subject must include the programme name (e.g. 2027 MEXT Postgraduate Scholarship application).
  • The size of each email should not exceed 10 MB otherwise it cannot be received.
  • We cannot send acknowledgement of receipt of application to applicants.
 
All applications and enquiries should be emailed to:

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

A Japanese language exam and interviews are scheduled to be held at the Embassy in London on 9 and 10 July 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in the late June of the date and time. There will be no option for online or alternative locations for the exam and interview, regardless of candidate’s place of residence.

 

Application Timetable for the 2027 programme

Application deadline 1 June 2026
UK exams and interviews 9 and 10 July 2026
Results of primary screening in the UK* Late July 2026
Secondary screening in Tokyo November 2026
FINAL RESULTS with placement by Tokyo January 2027
Pre-departure orientation March 2027
Departure for Japan April or September/October 2027
 

*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

 

MEXT Alumni Personal Experiences

 

Alumni Association in the UK

 

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Earthquake information is available in English on NHK World website.

 

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