What the funding covers
- University tuition, enrollment and entrance examination fees.
- A monthly allowance of ¥143,000 as a non-degree research student, ¥144,000 in a master's course and ¥145,000 in a doctoral course (2027 rates, which can change with Japan's budget).
- An economy-class flight to Japan at the start, booked by MEXT.
Who can apply
- Citizens of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan, applying from that country.
- Born on or after 2 April 1992 for the 2027 round, so under 35.
- A university degree, or 16 years of school education, in a field related to your planned study.
- Willingness to learn Japanese and to study in the language your university requires.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality except citizens of Japan.
How to apply
- Watch your Japanese embassy's website from about April; each embassy publishes its own call and deadline.
- Send the application form, research plan and documents to the embassy by its deadline, usually in May or June.
- Sit the embassy's written tests and interview, usually over the summer.
- If the embassy recommends you, ask Japanese universities for a letter of provisional acceptance for the second screening.
Before you apply: things to know
- The 2027 embassy round closed in May and June 2026; the next round is for entry in 2028.
- Some Japanese universities also nominate students directly, with their own deadlines.
- Flights home, airport taxes, travel insurance and domestic travel are not covered.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (≈ May 31, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Mar 8, 2027Research the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Mar 22, 2027Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Apr 5, 2027Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Apr 19, 2027Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
May 3, 2027Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
May 17, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
May 24, 2027Submit, but never on the last day
May 31, 2027Typical deadline