MEXT Scholarship 2026
Ministry of Education Culture Sports Science and Technology Japan
What is the MEXT Scholarship?
The MEXT Monbukagakusho Scholarship is Japan's most prestigious government scholarship, fully funded by the Japanese government. It covers full tuition fees, monthly living stipend of 143,000-145,000 Yen, return airfare, and research expenses.
Every year, Nepal receives a limited number of MEXT slots. Competition is intense, but Nepali students with strong academic backgrounds and research proposals have an excellent chance.
MEXT Scholarship Categories
Research Students
For those pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree. Most popular category for Nepali students.
Undergraduate Students
For high school graduates wishing to pursue a Bachelor's degree at a Japanese national university.
Teacher Training
For school teachers who want to study advanced teaching methods in Japan for 1-1.5 years.
College of Technology
For technical education at Japanese National Colleges of Technology Kosen.
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Nepali citizen and permanent resident of Nepal
- Age: Under 35 years for Research Students, under 25 for Undergraduate
- Academic: Minimum GPA 2.3 out of 3.0 or equivalent 60% or above
- Health: Physically and mentally fit to pursue graduate studies in Japan
- Language: Must be willing to learn Japanese language during study
- Previous: Must not have previously received a MEXT scholarship
Application Timeline 2026
Announcement
Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu announces the MEXT scholarship. Follow Oxford International blog for updates.
Document Submission
Submit application form, academic transcripts, research proposal, and documents to the Japanese Embassy.
Primary Screening
Embassy shortlists candidates based on documents and calls them for written tests.
Written Tests and Interview
Tests on Japanese optional, Math, Science, or related field. Interview conducted by Embassy officials.
Embassy Recommendation
Embassy nominates successful candidates and forwards applications to Japanese Ministry of Education.
Final Selection and Placement
MEXT informs students of final acceptance and university placement. Students arrive in Japan the following April.
Pro Tip from Our Japan Specialist
The Research Proposal is the most critical document in your MEXT application. It must be specific, original, and aligned with a professor's research at a Japanese university. Sita Gurung at Oxford International has helped 40+ students win MEXT scholarships through personalized coaching.
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