Hi friends! Over the next months, it’ll be that time of year again: the season for applying to the prestigious Government of Japan (MEXT) Scholarship! If you’re considering studying in Japan and aiming for this highly competitive scholarship via the university-recommended path, this GNote is for you. It may also be helpful for those interested in applying through the Embassy-recommended path, as some insights may overlap.
For those who don’t know me, welcome to my website! My name is G. I pursued both my MA and PhD at Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS) under the MEXT scholarship program. I first moved to Japan from the Philippines in September 2019 as an MA student, successfully extended my scholarship for my PhD, and finally completed my graduate studies journey in September 2024.
Understanding the MEXT Scholarship
What is MEXT?
MEXT stands for Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (Monbukagakusho 文部科学省 in Japanese). The scholarship was originally introduced as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), with the expectation that recipients would return to their home countries after completing their studies. However, in recent years, Japan has shifted its policies, seeing the program as a way to attract skilled foreign professionals, fill labor gaps, and enhance Japan’s global reputation in higher education.
As of 2025, MEXT covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (as of 2023: ¥147,000 for MA, ¥148,000 for PhD in Tokyo)
- Roundtrip airfare to and from Japan
Important tip on stipends: Your first stipend requires you to open a Japanese bank account, which can take up to a month. Be sure to bring at least $1,000 to cover your first month’s expenses.
Two Paths to the MEXT Scholarship
Japan’s MEXT Scholarship has two main application paths:
- Embassy-Recommended Path – Administered by the Japanese Embassy in your home country.
- University-Recommended Path – Administered directly by the university of your choice.
I applied through the university-recommended path, but I’ll briefly cover the embassy-recommended process for context.
Embassy-Recommended Path
As the name suggests, this path is managed by the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. The application period varies by country, so check their official website or social media pages for announcements. In the Philippines, applications usually open from April to May.
Unlike the university-recommended path, embassy-recommended scholars typically start as research students (kenkyuusei 研究生), meaning they spend their first year focusing on Japanese language studies and finding a university. You may shorten this period if you prefer to take entrance exams and enroll as a graduate student sooner.
Embassy Path Process (Based on My Filipino Friends’ Experiences):
- Document Screening
- Written Test & Interview at the Embassy
- Nomination by the Embassy
- Research Student Status in Japan
- Japanese Language Study (Optional)
- University Selection & Entrance Exam
- Graduate Student Status
Embassy-recommended scholars are typically given two (2) years to remain as a research student before they must officially enroll in a graduate program.
University-Recommended Path
This path is administered by your chosen university. Unlike the embassy path, you can only apply to one university under this program. Since there’s no written test, the selection process is generally shorter but highly competitive.
To qualify, your target university must explicitly state that they offer the MEXT Scholarship through university recommendation. If a university does not mention MEXT in its application guidelines, it means you’ll have to apply for admission without scholarship support.
University Path Timeline:
The university-recommended process usually takes around six to seven months from application to final results. The cycle generally follows this pattern:
- November–December: Applications open
- February-March: Document screening and interview screening results are released
- June–July: Results are released
- September–April: Enrollment begins (varies by university)
Since each university sets its own MEXT application deadline, check their official websites for updates.
Tips on How to Get the MEXT Scholarship
1. Create an Application Checklist
MEXT applications can feel overwhelming, but organizing your materials early can help. Here’s what I recommend:
- Check the Call for Applications on your chosen university’s website.
- Read the requirements and guidelines carefully at least three times to ensure you don’t miss anything.
- Download and start filling out easier sections first (e.g., personal details).
- Break down complex sections, such as essay-type responses, into bits of manageable parts.
- Set realistic timeframes for each task.
2. Ultimate Tip for Writing Your Research Plan: The ‘Why-Power’
Your research plan is one of the most important parts of your application. It’s where you articulate your academic goals, relevance to Japan, and potential impact. As of 2025, MEXT requires the research plan (English) to be written within 800 words.
Before writing, ask yourself:
- Why am I applying for this scholarship?
- Why do I want to pursue this specific field?
- Why is Japan the best place for my research?
Your research topic should align with your personal passions, advocacy, and expertise, but it’s even more strategic to tailor it to the university’s research themes. For example, if your target university focuses on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), find ways to connect your research to global sustainability efforts. This strengthens your proposal and increases your chances of acceptance.
3. Maintain Good Relationships With Past Professors and Supervisors
You’ll need strong recommendation letters for your application. Choose referees who:
- Know your academic or professional work well.
- Can provide genuine insights about your skills and potential.
- Understand the MEXT Scholarship or Japanese higher education (if possible).
Your best choices are:
- Your previous thesis supervisor (for academic credibility).
- A past employer or professor who can highlight your work ethic and leadership skills.
Since the MEXT application period is usually short, inform your referees as early as possible so they have enough time to write strong recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Applying for the MEXT Scholarship requires patience, strategic planning, and persistence. Whether you go through the embassy-recommended or university-recommended path, the key is to be well-prepared, clearly define your research goals, and stay organized.
As application processes evolve, I’ll continue updating this blog with the latest insights and tips. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Best of luck on your MEXT journey!