If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Japan—immersed in one of the most advanced and culturally rich countries in the world—this might just be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Japanese Government (MEXT) has officially announced the Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Embassy Recommendation) with Direct Placement options for eligible candidates with sufficient Japanese or English proficiency.
This prestigious fully funded program allows international students from countries with diplomatic ties to Japan to pursue Bachelor’s degrees at Japanese national universities, with full support for tuition, monthly stipend, and international travel.
What is MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship (Direct Placement Track)?
Direct placement means that, if you already have strong Japanese or English language skills, you can skip the one-year preparatory education and head straight to a Japanese university—saving you time and fast-tracking your degree.
Candidates accepted through direct placement may begin their studies in April or September/October 2026, depending on the university’s calendar. MEXT coordinates placement directly with Japanese universities based on your preferences, academic background, and language ability.
MEXT Undergrad Scholarship Sponsorship Pack
- Monthly Allowance: ¥117,000 + up to ¥3,000 regional allowance
- Tuition & Enrollment Fees: Fully waived
- Round-Trip International Airfare: Provided by MEXT
- University Placement: Managed by MEXT based on your preferences and eligibility.
Eligible Fields of Study
You can choose from a wide range of majors under the following categories:
Social Sciences & Humanities
-
- Course A: Law, Politics, Literature, History, Sociology, Japanese Language, Pedagogy, etc.
- Course B: Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Financial Economics, etc.
Natural Sciences
-
- Course A: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.), Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology
- Course B: Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biology
- Course C: Medicine and Dentistry.
Note: Direct placement is more common for Social Sciences and Humanities, but applicants in Natural Sciences may also request it if their target university allows.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this direct placement route under the 2026 intake, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Be born on or after April 2, 2001 (exceptions apply in limited cases).
- Have completed or be set to complete 12 years of formal education by March or August 2026 (depending on intake session).
- Have sufficient proficiency in Japanese or English to follow university-level coursework (JLPT or TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required).
- Be physically and mentally fit for study abroad, confirmed through a health certificate.
Not Eligible If: You hold dual Japanese nationality and will not renounce it, are a current or past MEXT scholar, or plan to receive another government-funded scholarship during the same period.
Duration of Scholarship
- Direct Placement Students: 4 years (or 6 years for medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy)
- Students requiring preparatory education: 5 years total (or 7 years for long courses)
Arrival Timeline
- Spring intake: Must arrive between April 1–7, 2026
- Autumn intake (Direct Placement): Arrival in September or October 2026 as per university schedule.
⚠️ Final Notes for Applicants
- First screening dates and submission deadlines vary by country. Contact your nearest Japanese embassy for local deadlines and instructions.
- Direct placement is competitive and language test scores may be required.
- You cannot change your selected major or university after acceptance, so choose carefully.
How to Apply?
Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country (https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/_mt/2025/04/2026_Guidelines_Undergraduate_E.pdf) to download the official application forms and confirm submission deadlines.
Don’t wait! Application periods generally open between April and June 2025, depending on your location.
