Are you ready to take your graduate studies global? The Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), has officially opened applications for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 for Research Students. This highly competitive program welcomes international scholars — particularly from countries like the Solomon Islands — to pursue graduate-level research in Japan under a fully funded scheme.
This is more than just a scholarship — it’s a prestigious opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan’s academic excellence, cultural richness, and global innovation landscape.
About the MEXT Research Students Program
The MEXT Research Students Scholarship is designed for international students aiming to pursue Master’s or Doctoral studies in Japan. Applicants may initially begin as non-regular students with the possibility of progressing into full-time degree programs based on academic performance and university recommendations.
Fields of study must be relevant to the applicant’s previous academic background and should be within areas offered by Japanese graduate schools. Practical training in disciplines like traditional Japanese arts or clinical medical practice is excluded unless proper licensing is achieved.
Who Is Eligible for MEXT 2026 Plan?
To qualify for the MEXT Research Students 2026 intake, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (e.g., Solomon Islands).
- Be born on or after April 2, 1991 (with few exceptions).
- Hold an academic degree suitable for entry into a Japanese Master’s or Doctoral course.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to life and research in Japan.
- Be able to arrive in Japan either:
- Between April 1–7, 2026 (April term), or
- Two weeks before or after the fall academic term (September/October 2026).
Note: Dual nationals with Japanese citizenship must renounce their Japanese nationality before arriving in Japan.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Selected students will receive:
- Monthly Allowance:
- ¥143,000 for non-regular students
- ¥144,000 for Master’s students
- ¥145,000 for Doctoral students
- Plus: an additional regional stipend of ¥2,000–¥3,000 for students in certain areas.
- Full tuition coverage: including entrance exams, matriculation, and course fees.
- Round-trip airfare: From the applicant’s home country to Japan (and back upon program completion).
Available Degree Programs
Students may apply to any graduate-level research program at Japanese universities, provided it aligns with their academic background. Fields range from engineering, sciences, and social sciences to economics, agriculture, and more — with each application requiring a Field of Study and Research Plan.
The scholarship supports various academic pathways:
- Start as a non-regular research student, then transition to a regular Master’s or Doctoral course.
- Direct admission into regular courses is also possible based on acceptance letters.
️ MEXT 2026 Scholarship New Application Deadlines
For the MEXT 2026 Scholarship for Research Students, all applicants must ensure that their complete application, including all required documents, is submitted to the Embassy of Japan in the Solomon Islands no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, 16 May 2026.
The first screening, which includes a written examination and interview, is scheduled to take place in early June 2026. Applicants who pass this stage can expect the announcement of primary selection results by mid-June 2026. Final selection results and university placements will be announced in January or February 2027.
List of Documents Required Alongside MEXT 2026 Application
Applicants must submit:
- Official application form (2026 version) https://www.sb.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100829724.pdf
- Research plan
- Transcripts and certificates
- Medical certificate
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language ability (if applicable)
- Portfolio (for Fine Arts/Music applicants)
Only shortlisted applicants will proceed to the interview and written exams in English and Japanese and past exam papers are available for practice at:
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/examination.html
Apply: https://www.sb.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00462.html.
The last date to apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 for Research Students is Friday, 16 May 2026.
