Are you a teacher? You can further your studies in Japan through the MEXT scholarship. Read this post to find out what it is and how you can apply.

What is the MEXT scholarship?

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers a yearly scholarship programme to students or teachers who wish to undergo a teacher training programme by studying in one of the Japanese Universities.

This scholarship is courtesy of the Japanese Government. It is a fully-funded scholarship with lots of benefits.

The programme allows students to apply to undergraduate, masters and PhD levels of study and there are no academic restrictions.

Interested in joining the programme for the 2023/2024 session? Find out below if you are eligible for the programme.

Am I eligible?

There are some conditions that students or teachers must meet before they are considered for this programme. You need to make sure you are eligible before you apply, else you will not be considered. Below are some of the qualifications you need to satisfy.

  • You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. You can find out if your country has diplomatic relations with Japan by searching for the website of the Japanese embassy in your country.
  • There are age restrictions to this scholarship. You must be at least 17 years old and under 25 years to apply for an undergraduate position. For masters or PhD, you must be under the age of 35 to be eligible.
  • You must be willing to learn the Japanese language.
  • You must be of good health as you will be required to submit a signed document stating that you are in good physical and mental health.
  • You must arrive Japan two weeks before the start date of the course or else your travel expenses will not be paid.
  • You must apply for and obtain a student visa at the Japanese embassy in your country of nationality.
  • You must assure that by the end of your programme, you will return to your home country.

What would disqualify me?

If you fall under any of the categories below, know that you will not be considered for acceptance in this scholarship programme.

  • If you are a citizen of Japan. If you have a dual citizenship, you must renounce your Japanese citizenship before you can apply for this scholarship.
  • If you are military personnel.
  • If you are a beneficiary of previous MEXT scholarships in the past.
  • If you are found to have cheated any process.
  • Those who receive scholarship money from organisations other than MEXT.

What will I gain from the MEXT scholarship?

Before you apply for the MEXT scholarship, you should know the various benefits you stand to gain when you are selected as a grantee.

  1. You will receive a monthly allowance of 143,000 yen after you arrive in Japan.
  2. All your fees will be paid for by MEXT. The fees include entrance examination, tuition and matriculation fees.
  3. Your flight to Japan and back to your country will be paid for.
  4. There will be accommodation provided by the universities.

How can I apply?

Follow the following steps to apply for the MEXT scholarship.

  1. Find and visit the website of the Japanese embassy of your country. Under the scholarship tab, you will see MEXT scholarship.
  2. Download the application form and fill it.
  3. Submit the required documents to the Japanese embassy.
  4. If you have been shortlisted, you will be given a written test to take by the Japanese embassy.
  5. Interviews will be conducted, and successful candidates will be informed through email.

What are the required documents?

As part of your application, you are required to submit some documents alongside your application form to the Japanese embassy in your country. These documents are:

  • Preference form
  • Certified grade transcript for each academic year from the university attended
  • Diploma from the university/teacher training school attended
  • Certificate of employment (to be issued by present employer)
  • Recommendation letter from your immediate supervisor at work
  • Medical certificate
  • English Language Proficiency Document

Deadline for submission: Hurry! The deadline for the submission of the form is 31 January 2023.

Period of Scholarship: The course starts in October 2023 and runs to March 2025 inclusive.

This scholarship is a great way to gain more experience in the teaching field. It has many benefits for you, so ensure that you grab hold of the opportunity. Also, make sure to understand the criteria and have all necessary documents before you apply.

Â