Japanese Government (MEXT) Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 – Embassy Recommendation (Direct Placement Available)

Applications are now open for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Embassy Recommendation), one of the most prestigious fully funded international scholarships. Designed to support high-achieving students from countries with diplomatic ties to Japan, this scholarship offers a gateway to earn a bachelor’s degree from a top Japanese national university.

Whether you're passionate about social sciences, engineering, medicine, or language studies, the MEXT scholarship provides financial security and academic opportunity to thrive in Japan. Let's dig into details.

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📝 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Japan

• Host Institution: Japanese National Universities (assigned by MEXT)

• Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)

• Target Group: International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan

• Funding: Fully Funded

• Duration: 5 years including preparatory education (7 years for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine); 4 or 6 years for direct placement students (depending on the program)

• Application Deadline: Varies by country – typically April to June 2025

• Start Date: April or September/October 2026

• Eligible to: High school graduates (or soon to graduate), under 25, in good health, proficient in English or Japanese.

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🎓 Scholarship Overview

The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded through the Japanese Embassy in each eligible country. It supports international students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in Japan. The program typically begins with one year of preparatory education in Japanese language and relevant subjects. However, highly qualified applicants may be eligible for direct placement, allowing them to begin their degree program immediately—saving time and accelerating their studies.

Students are placed in universities by MEXT based on academic background, language proficiency, preferences, and university availability. All programs are taught in Japanese, but some universities also offer English-taught tracks for international students.

📚 Study Fields

• Social Sciences & Humanitie: Law, Politics, Literature, History, Economics, Business Administration, etc.

• Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Engineering, Biology, Agriculture, Medicine, etc.

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🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: ¥117,000 with additional regional allowance (¥2,000–¥3,000)

• Full Tuition Waiver: Covers all entrance, matriculation, and tuition fees

• Airfare: Economy-class round-trip ticket between home country and Japan

• University Placement: Managed by MEXT according to your preferences and eligibility

• Visa Sponsorship: Full assistance for obtaining a “Student” visa

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship (Embassy Recommendation), applicants must:

1. Be a national of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan

2. Be born on or after April 2, 2001

3. Have completed 12 years of formal education by March 2026 (or August 2026 for autumn enrollment)

4. Be in good physical and mental health

5. Be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to Japanese academic and social life

6. Not currently hold Japanese nationality or a dual nationality that is not renounced by arrival

7. Not currently receiving another Japanese government-funded scholarship

Direct Placement Requirements:

1. High language proficiency in English or Japanese

2. University must allow direct entry without preparatory course

3. Good academic standing with relevant subject background

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📝 Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country. The process includes document screening, written exams, and interviews.

📂 Key documents include:

1. Application Form (2026 version)

2. Academic Transcripts

3. Certificate of Graduation or Prospective Graduation

4. Letter of Recommendation

5. Medical Certificate (prescribed format)

6. Language Proficiency Proof (JLPT/TOEFL/IELTS if available)

7. Direct Placement Preference Form*(for eligible candidates)

⚠️ Applicants must submit two sets: one with original documents and one with copies.

🗓️ Timeline & Selection Process

• Application Period: Varies by country (typically April–June 2025)

• First Screening: Conducted by Japanese Embassies (documents + exams + interviews)

• Second Screening: Final selection by MEXT in Japan

• Notification of Results: January–February 2026

• Arrival in Japan: April 1–7, 2026 for spring intake; September/October 2026 for autumn

🗒️ Important Notes

• Applicants cannot change their field of study or university after selection.

• First installment of the scholarship is paid 1–1.5 months after arrival—carry at least USD $2,000 for initial expenses.

• Health certificate must confirm no conditions preventing study.

• Direct placement is competitive and typically offered for social sciences and humanities, but available in other fields depending on university policy.

How to Apply?

1. Visit your country’s Japanese embassy website for official instructions and deadlines.

2. Download the application form and guidelines: [2026 Official Guidelines PDF]

3. Prepare all documents and submit them to the embassy before the local deadline.

4. Prepare for the written exam in subjects like Japanese, English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology based on your major.

📂ℹ️ For Detailed information, download the 2026 Official Guidelines PDF

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