Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships 2027 for Teacher Training Students (Fully Funded to Japan)

Applications are now open for the 2027 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships. The program is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue postgraduate study and research at Japanese universities. The 2027 intake targets research students seeking to undertake master’s, doctoral, or non-degree research programmes in Japan.

This scholarship is designed to strengthen international academic exchange while developing researchers who contribute to global knowledge production and foster long-term cooperation between Japan and their home countries.

Research Students

The programme defines “research students” as individuals engaged in one of the following:

• Enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or professional graduate programmes

• Conducting research at undergraduate departments, graduate schools, or university-affiliated institutes

• Undertaking preparatory Japanese language or academic training before formal university placement

• Pursuing either degree or non-degree research pathways

Certain applied or vocational training fields, such as traditional performing arts or factory-based technical training, are excluded.

Fields of Study

Applicants are expected to apply within fields aligned with their previous academic background. Research must be feasible within Japanese university graduate programmes.

Key requirements include:

• Fields must relate to prior university studies or professional expertise

• Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct research in Japan

• Clinical training in medicine, dentistry, or related fields is restricted until licensing requirements are met under Japanese law

• Some fields may be restricted depending on embassy guidelines

Applicants are advised to confirm eligibility with the Japanese diplomatic mission in their country.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet strict academic, nationality, and personal requirements.

Nationality

• Must hold citizenship of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan

• Dual nationals with Japanese citizenship must renounce Japanese nationality before arrival

Age

• Must be born on or after 2 April 1992

• Exceptions are rare and granted only under special national circumstances

Academic Background

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Completed 16 years of formal education (master’s eligibility)

• Completed a bachelor’s degree equivalent programme of at least 3 years

• Hold a master’s degree (for doctoral entry)

• Have equivalent academic research experience recognised by Japanese institutions

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Willingness to learn Japanese language and adapt to life in Japan

• Strong physical and mental health confirmed by a medical certificate

• Commitment to arriving in Japan within specified timelines (April or October intake)

• Ability to obtain a student visa before entry

Failure to meet arrival or visa requirements may result in withdrawal of the scholarship offer.

Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship is fully funded and includes the following support:

Monthly Allowance

• Research or non-regular students: ¥143,000

• Master’s or professional students: ¥144,000

• Doctoral students: ¥145,000

• Additional regional allowance (¥2,000–¥3,000) may apply

Tuition Coverage

• Full exemption from entrance examination fees

• Full waiver of tuition fees

• Matriculation fees are covered by MEXT

Travel Support

• Economy-class airfare to Japan from the applicant’s country

• Return airfare upon completion of studies

• Travel costs within home country and transit expenses are not covered

Duration of Scholarship

The scholarship period depends on the study pathway:

• Non-degree research students: Up to 2 years (including Japanese language preparation)

• Master’s or doctoral students: Duration equivalent to standard degree completion period

• Arrival intake determines start date (April or October 2027 cohorts)

Preparatory Japanese language training may be included for up to six months.

Scholarship Extension

Students may apply for an extension if they:

• Successfully progress to a higher degree programme

• Demonstrate strong academic performance

• Secure admission into a regular degree programme in Japan

Extensions are not automatic and require formal approval from MEXT.

Visa and Residency Conditions

Applicants must:

• Obtain a Student visa before entering Japan

• Maintain student residence status throughout the programme

• Reapply for status if already residing in Japan under a different visa category

Failure to maintain correct visa status may result in suspension of scholarship payments.

Non-Eligibility Conditions

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Are active military personnel

• Hold multiple concurrent MEXT scholarships

• Are already enrolled in a Japanese university as privately financed students

• Intend to engage in long-term research outside Japan during the scholarship period

• Do not intend to complete a degree programme in Japan

• Have previously received MEXT funding (with limited exceptions)

Application Expectations and Responsibilities

Successful candidates are expected to:

• Actively engage in academic and cultural exchange activities

• Contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and their home country

• Maintain strong academic performance throughout the programme

• Cooperate with post-study surveys and alumni engagement initiatives