On April 20, 2026, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) announced the recruitment for the 2027 “MEXT Scholarship for International Students” through embassy recommendation.
The MEXT Scholarship program aims to promote international exchange and friendship, foster talented individuals from abroad, advance the internationalization of Japanese universities, and thereby enhance Japan’s educational and research capacity. Ultimately, it contributes to the internationalization and revitalization of society, benefiting both Japan and the world. Successful applicants receive support such as exemption from tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and travel expenses, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial concerns.
This year’s recruitment covers three categories: “Undergraduate Students,” “College of Technology Students,” and “Specialized Training College Students.” For undergraduate applicants, eligibility requires being born on or after April 2, 2002, holding the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan, and having completed (or expecting to complete) 12 years of school education.
For undergraduate students, the scholarship period is generally five years, including one year of preparatory education. For medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and six-year pharmacy programs, the period is seven years. The first year is spent at designated institutions (such as Osaka University or ABK College) studying Japanese language, Japanese affairs, and basic subjects. Applicants with sufficient language ability may be admitted directly to university without preparatory education.
There is also a system called “direct placement,” which allows applicants with adequate Japanese proficiency—or those applying to universities that do not require Japanese—to skip the preparatory year and enter university directly.
In other words, it is possible to study at a Japanese university as a MEXT scholar even without prior Japanese language ability. Of course, motivation to learn Japanese is essential for a fulfilling student life, but the key point is that Japanese proficiency is not an absolute requirement for selection. Many students mistakenly believe it is mandatory and refrain from applying, which is a missed opportunity.
All application procedures are handled through Japanese embassies or consulates abroad, or through universities in Japan. Applicants should contact the Japanese embassy (or consulate general, depending on the country) or the university they wish to attend for details.
Applications are free of charge. Any organization or individual demanding fees or deposits has no connection with the Government of Japan, so applicants should be cautious.
(Source: MEXT, April 20, 2026)
・Caution from MEXT
・APPLICATION GUIDELINES JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2027 (UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS) (EMBASSY RECOMMENDATION)
・2027 DIRECT PLACEMENT PREFERENCE FORM FOR JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP (UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS)
Global University in Japan view:
Many visitors to the Global University in Japan website may not have Japanese language ability. For those students, the fact that they can apply for the MEXT Scholarship and still have a chance to be accepted—even without Japanese proficiency—is truly encouraging news. Since the application process is free of charge, we strongly encourage them to apply for the scholarship and seize this valuable opportunity.
