Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships

2025/4/28
 

The application window for the 2026 MEXT Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for UK nationals is now open. All applications must be emailed to the scholarship office by Monday 26 May 2025, 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.

 

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 26 May 2025, 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. 2026 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.
 
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 now scheduled at the Embassy in London on 26 June (Humanities & Social Science) and 15 July (Natural Science & Engineering) 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in June of the date and time. There will be no option for online or alternative location for the exam and interview regardless of candidates’ place of residence.

Application Timetable for the 2026 programme

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

 

MEXT Alumni Personal Experiences

 

Alumni Association in the UK

 

Information on Safety and Disaster Management

Earthquake information is available in English on NHK World website.

 

Promotional Material

Back to Top