Want to study in Japan without having to worry about money? The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship is still one of the best fully funded scholarships in the world. It gives foreign students the chance of a lifetime to study at Japan’s best universities. Hundreds of students from all over Japan will be chosen to go to colleges and universities for the 2026–2027 school year to study in bachelor, master’s, PhD, and research programs.
For those who have always wanted to go to The University of Tokyo or Kyoto University to do study, the MEXT Scholarship might be the way to get there. Look at the list of Japanese universities that you can apply to through the MEXT program. This could help you decide where to go to school in the future.
Why Japan and MEXT Scholarships?
Japan is more than just cartoons, cherry blossoms, and cutting-edge tech. It’s also a center for education around the world. International students can study without worrying about money because MEXT grants pay for their tuition, give them money every month, cover travel costs, and cover their living costs.
Besides getting money, students also benefit from Japan’s top-notch research facilities, strong academic networks, and opportunities to meet people from other countries. They also get to experience a society that combines tradition and modernity.
Japanese Universities Eligible for MEXT Scholarships in 2026:
This is a list of colleges that often offer the MEXT Scholarship. These are the best national, state, and private universities in Japan, which are spread out across the country:
- Toyama University
- Kanazawa University
- Kyushu University
- Ehime University
- Waseda University
- Obhiro University
- Oita University
- Sophia University
- Chuo University
- Hiroshima University
- Ritsumeikan University
- Shiga University
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Yamaguchi University
- Kagoshima University
- Shizuoka University
- Niigata University of Health and Welfare
- Tokyo Gakugei University of Arts
- ShinShu University
- Institute of Science Tokyo
- Chiba University
- Kumamoto University
- Aichi University of Education
- Akita International University
- Kwansei Gakuin University
- Nagoya University
- Hosei University
- Tsukuba University
- Nagaoka University of Technology
- Oita University
- The University of Tokyo
- Kumamoto Gakuen University
- Keio University
- Fukuoka University
- Kindai University
- Rikkyo University
- Okayama University
- Gifu University
- Kanagawa University
- Hiroshima Institute of Technology
- Ibaraki University
- Yokohama National University
- Kyoto University
- Toyo University
- Kobe University
- Nagoya City University
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology
- Saitama University
- Osaka University
- Niigata University
- Gunma University
- Hokkaido University
- Kyushu Institute of Technology
- Meiji University
- Shimane University
- Aoyama Gakuin University
- Tohoku University
- Nagasaki University
- Tokyo Metropolitan University
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How to Apply for MEXT Scholarships at these Universities:
- Step 1: Choose your university & program – Choose the university from the list above that best fits your school goals.
- Step 2: Embassy or University Recommendation – The most popular way to apply is through the Japanese Embassy in your country. You can also go straight to the university if they offer a MEXT slot that they recommend.
- Step 3: Prepare documents – These usually include your transcripts, a research proposal (if you are a graduate student), letters of reference, a statement of purpose, and proof that you can speak English or Japanese (depending on the program).
- Step 4: Selection process – Shortlisted candidates have to go through tests and interviews before MEXT gives its final approval.
Why This Matters for You?
With over 50 top universities on the list, you have a good chance of getting into one of them through MEXT if you plan ahead. Whether you want to study physics at Tokyo Institute of Technology, social sciences at Waseda, or medical research at Kyushu University, Japan’s schools have something for everyone.
MEXT Scholarship Acceptance Rate by Universities:
The MEXT grant acceptance rate changes based on the applicant’s country, the level of study, and the university. Many more people apply to Japan’s best universities, like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, and Tohoku University, but only a small number are accepted.
- Top-tier universities: Global competition has led to a lower acceptance rate.
- Regional universities: More likely to be accepted, especially for specialized research areas.
- Graduate programs: Due to the limited number of research jobs, it is often more competitive than for undergraduates.
Most of the time, the global MEXT acceptance rate is between 3% and 10%. However, applicants with good academic records and research proposals have much better odds.
Study in Japan with MEXT Scholarship:
International students who win a MEXT Scholarship to study in Japan can get a world-class education, use top-notch research centers, and learn about Japanese culture. Students can choose to study in areas like
- Engineering, IT, and Sciences.
- Business, Economics, and Law.
- Medicine and Healthcare.
- Arts, Culture, and Japanese Language Studies.
MEXT Scholarship Undergraduate and Graduate Programs:
People in both college and graduate school can apply for the scholarship:
- MEXT Undergraduate Programs: Cover bachelor’s degrees in certain areas with full tuition, a monthly stipend, and money for travel.
- MEXT Graduate Programs: Help master’s, doctoral, and research students by paying for their living costs, tuition, and study help.
A lot of universities also have MEXT research programs that are meant to help people from different countries work together.
Benefits of Studying at Japanese Universities with MEXT:
There are many good things about studying in Japan with the MEXT Scholarship:
- Full coverage for education and no fees for entrance exams.
- a monthly payment to help pay for food, housing, and other personal costs.
- Flights from home country to Japan and back.
- Japan’s cutting-edge study facilities are open to everyone.
- chances to network with scholars and experts from other countries.
- In one of the safest and most creative countries in the world, you can learn about other cultures.
Conclusion:
The MEXT Scholarship gives smart students the chance to study at top universities in Japan, which can change their lives. International students can get the most out of studying at Japanese universities with MEXT by learning about the application process, finding out how many universities accept MEXT scholarships, and learning about the undergraduate and graduate programs that are offered.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which Japanese universities offer MEXT scholarship?
The MEXT Scholarship lets students apply to any university that accepts MEXT scholars, whether it’s public, private, or a national university. The Japanese Embassy in your country and the Study in Japan website both list individual universities. The Japanese embassy in your country can usually help you find the suggested and participating universities.
What level of Japanese is needed for a MEXT scholarship?
Accepting colleges assume that applicants can speak and write English as well as or better than 1. Students in their first year: o In Japanese 1. People who want to apply must get at least a N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the time of the application.
Is IELTS required for the MEXT scholarship?
You don’t have to take IELTS to be eligible for all MEXT scholarships. It depends on the program and the university you’re going to. Even though the MEXT scholarship program might not need it, some Japanese schools or programs may need proof of English skills, like an IELTS score, for their specific classes. For the most up-to-date information, you should check the website of the university you’re interested in and the official MEXT scholarship rules for your chosen school and country.
