APPLICATION GUIDELINES - JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2025 - RESEARCH STUDENTS / UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (UNIVERSITY RECOMMENDATION) [SPECIAL SELECTION]

Oct 5, 2026

Provides application guidelines for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program (University Recommendation/Special Selection) for FY 2025 Research Students and Undergraduate Students. Defines eligibility for research and undergraduate levels, including required academic performance (GPA 2.30+), language proficiency criteria, and conditions tied to domestic recommender nomination. Specifies nationality restrictions, age requirements with limited exceptions, and minimum academic background requirements, including admission eligibility for graduate study and completion of equivalent schooling for undergraduates. Outlines major selection rules aligned with host universities’ study and research capability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Qualifications and Conditions

Eligibility

Nationality

Age

Academic Background

Majors

Language Proficiency

APPLICATION GUIDELINES JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MEXT) SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2025 RESEARCH STUDENTS / UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (UNIVERSITY RECOMMENDATION) [SPECIAL SELECTION] The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships to international students as Research Students and Undergraduate Students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program (University Recommendation/Special Selection) as follows. This scholarship program is adopted under a “Special Program that conducts priority placements for MEXT scholarship students (hereinafter referred to an “adopted program”),” and is intended for those with period of priority placements in FY 2025. 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS (1) Eligibility: Research Students: International students with outstanding academic achievements of graduate school level who enter Japan as new students or those already staying in Japan. Undergraduate Students: International students with outstanding academic achievements of undergraduate school level who enter Japan as new students and those already staying in Japan. * “International students with outstanding academic achievements” must have earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.30 or above in their degreed (for those who are employed) or currently enrolled courses, and be able to maintain that GPA while receiving the scholarship. Furthermore, applicants must meet any one of the language requirements stated in (6) Language Proficiency. * From the viewpoint of attracting the best international students, it is possible to nominate international students presently residing in Japan for priority placement (hereinafter referred to "domestic recommenders") . However, the number of domestic recommenders should not exceed 40% of total candidates. [Definition of "domestic recommenders"] ① Those who are staying in Japan with a medium-to long-term resident status at the time of application. Those who have their base of residence in Japan, not including tourists and short-term visitors who are staying in Japan for the purpose of taking entrance examinations, etc. It is irrelevant whether the applicant is residing in Japan from the time of after application to the start of scholarship payments. ② Applicants residing outside Japan at the time of application, but will come to Japan as a privately financed international students before the start of receiving scholarship payments. * If you are or will be in Japan as a privately financed international student, you must complete your program at the school you are enrolled or plan to enroll in before receiving scholarship payments. * Travel expenses will not be paid for domestic recommenders, regardless of the reasons stated in ① and ②. If applicants return to their country of nationality after applying under condition ①, however, there are no exceptions if students return to Japan before scholarship payments begin. (2) Nationality: Applicants must have the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants who have Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible. However, persons with dual nationality who hold Japanese nationality and whose place of residence at the time of application is outside of Japan are eligible to apply as long as they choose the nationality of the other country and renounce their Japanese nationality by the date of their arrival in Japan (the acquisition of student status) . (3) Age: Research Students: Applicants, in principle, must be born on or after April 2, 1990. Undergraduate Students: Applicants, in principle, must be born on or after April 2, 2000. Exceptions are limited to cases in which MEXT deems that the applicant could not apply within the eligible age limit due to the situation or circumstances of the applicant’s country (military service obligation, loss of educational opportunities due to disturbances of war, etc.) . Personal circumstances (financ

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the MEXT Scholarship for FY 2025 Research Students and Undergraduate Students?

Research Students are international students with outstanding graduate-level academic achievements entering Japan as new students or already staying in Japan. Undergraduate Students are international students with outstanding undergraduate-level academic achievements entering Japan as new students or already staying in Japan.

What GPA and language proficiency requirements must applicants meet?

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.30 or above and be able to maintain it while receiving the scholarship. Language proficiency can be proven by satisfying one of the conditions listed under Language Proficiency.

What are the nationality and age rules, and are there exceptions?

Applicants must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan and cannot hold Japanese nationality at the time of application. Age is generally April 2, 1990+ for Research Students and April 2, 2000+ for Undergraduate Students, with limited exceptions determined by MEXT and specific provisions for Young Leaders' Program graduates.

Oct 5, 2026

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