MEXT Scholarship — Japan

Fully funded by the Japanese Government — tuition, stipend, and airfare

The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is the Japanese Government's flagship scholarship program for international students. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarships in the world, covering full tuition, a generous monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare. Nepal is one of the top recipient countries, with 20-30 students selected annually through the Embassy recommendation route. The scholarship is available for undergraduate, research (Masters/PhD), teacher training, and Japanese studies categories.

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Top Universities Available

Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our MEXT Scholarship — Japan program.

University of Tokyo

QS #28

Tokyo

Japan's top university. Excellent for all research fields, especially engineering, sciences, and humanities.

Kyoto University

QS #50

Kyoto

Second-ranked in Japan. Known for innovative research culture and Nobel Prize laureates.

Osaka University

QS #68

Osaka

Strong in medicine, engineering, and natural sciences with active international programs.

Tohoku University

QS #79

Sendai

Pioneer in accepting international students. Renowned for materials science and disaster research.

Tokyo Institute of Technology

QS #84

Tokyo

Japan's premier STEM university. Excellent for engineering, computing, and applied sciences.

Nagoya University

QS #112

Nagoya

Strong in physics, chemistry, and automotive engineering. Six Nobel Prize winners affiliated.

Eligibility Requirements

Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.

Nepali citizen (must not hold Japanese citizenship)
Research Students: Born on or after April 2, 1991 (under 35 years old as of April 2026)
Undergraduate Students: Born on or after April 2, 2001 (under 25 years old as of April 2026)
Minimum GPA of 2.3/3.0 (approximately 60%) — competitive applicants typically have 80%+
Must be willing to learn Japanese language and arrive in Japan by the designated date
Must be physically and mentally healthy (medical certificate required)
Must not be receiving other scholarships at the time of arrival in Japan

Application Process

We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.

Collect Application Materials

Obtain application forms from the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu (Panipokhari). Prepare your Field of Study and Research Plan (the most critical document), academic transcripts, graduation certificate, recommendation letters from two professors, passport photos, and medical certificate.

Submit Application to Embassy

Submit your complete application to the Embassy of Japan by mid-April. Ensure all documents are properly filled and signed. Incomplete applications are rejected without review.

Written Examinations

Selected applicants take written exams at the Embassy in May. Research students take English, Japanese, and a subject-specific exam. Undergraduate students take mathematics, English, Japanese, and subject exams. Past papers may be available at the Embassy.

Embassy Interview

Candidates who pass written exams are interviewed in June. The panel includes Embassy staff and may include Japanese professors. They evaluate your research plan, motivation, adaptability, and communication skills.

Embassy Nomination to MEXT

The Embassy selects primary and alternate candidates and forwards recommendations to MEXT in Tokyo by August. MEXT then reviews all nominations from embassies worldwide.

University Placement & Departure

MEXT places successful candidates at Japanese universities based on research interests (September-January). Final results are announced by February-March. Scholarship recipients depart for Japan in April.

Costs & Scholarships

Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.

Tuition Range

JPY 0 (fully covered)

All tuition fees are covered by the scholarship. National university tuition is JPY 535,800/year, and admission fees of JPY 282,000 are also waived. If placed at a private university, MEXT covers the equivalent of national university fees.

Key Info

Living Expenses

JPY 143,000-145,000/month (provided)

The monthly stipend of JPY 143,000-145,000 for research students (JPY 117,000 for undergraduates) is sufficient to cover rent, food, and daily expenses in most Japanese cities. Actual living costs: rent JPY 30,000-60,000 in shared housing, food JPY 30,000-40,000, utilities and phone JPY 10,000-15,000.

Scholarships

This IS the scholarship

MEXT is a fully funded government scholarship. No additional funding is needed. You can also work part-time (up to 28 hours/week) to supplement your stipend, earning JPY 1,000-1,200/hour.

Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.

Student Life

Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.

Life as a MEXT scholar in Japan is financially comfortable and academically stimulating. The stipend covers all basic needs, and many scholars save money each month. Japanese universities provide excellent research facilities, libraries, and laboratory equipment.

Japan has a large Nepali community of over 150,000 people. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya have Nepali restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural organizations. MEXT scholars often form study groups and support networks through the Nepali student associations at their universities.

With a student visa, you can work up to 28 hours per week. Common part-time jobs include convenience stores, restaurants, factory work, and tutoring. Part-time work not only supplements your income but also helps you practice Japanese and understand Japanese work culture.

MEXT Scholarship — Japan — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which university I go to with MEXT?

For the Embassy recommendation route, you can list up to three preferred universities on your application form. However, MEXT makes the final placement decision. If you have contacted a professor who has agreed to supervise you, mention this in your application — it significantly increases the chance of being placed at that university. For the University recommendation route, you apply directly to a specific university.

Do I need to know Japanese to apply for MEXT?

Japanese language ability is not strictly required for application, especially if you plan to study in English-taught programs. However, knowing basic Japanese (JLPT N5 or N4) strengthens your application and makes daily life in Japan much easier. MEXT undergraduate scholars receive 1 year of intensive Japanese language training before entering university. Research students may also receive 6 months of language training.

What is the difference between Embassy and University recommendation?

Embassy recommendation: You apply through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu. The Embassy screens candidates through exams and interviews, then nominates selected candidates to MEXT. This is the most common route for Nepali students. University recommendation: A Japanese university nominates you directly to MEXT. You need to contact a professor at the university first, get their agreement to supervise you, and the university applies on your behalf. Both routes lead to the same scholarship.

What happens if I fail the Embassy exams?

If you do not pass the written exams, you are eliminated from that year's selection. However, you can apply again the next year — there is no limit on the number of times you can apply, as long as you still meet the age requirement. Many successful MEXT scholars applied 2-3 times before being selected. Use the experience to identify weak areas and improve your preparation.

Can I extend my MEXT scholarship to pursue a PhD after Masters?

Yes. MEXT research scholars who complete a Masters degree can apply for a scholarship extension to continue to PhD. The extension is not automatic — you must apply through your university, and your academic supervisor's recommendation is crucial. Most MEXT scholars who maintain good academic standing and wish to continue are approved for extension. The total scholarship period for Masters + PhD can be up to 5 years.

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