Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships
(Applications CLOSED Now)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan offers scholarships to New Zealand students and professionals who pursue to study or conduct research at Japanese universities.
To date, some 65,000 students from approximately 160 countries and regions around the world have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship programme established in 1954.
These programmes align with the Japanese government's efforts to strengthen ties with other nations through educational and cultural exchanges. By offering opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to study and conduct research in Japan, the programs aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, promote cross-cultural understanding, and foster long-lasting friendships between Japan and other countries.
Through these programmes, participants have the chance to gain a deeper understanding of Japan's culture, society, and academic landscape, which can contribute to their personal growth and professional development. Additionally, they can share their own unique perspectives and experiences with the local community, creating a mutual learning experience that benefits both the individuals involved and the broader society.
Overall, these programmes play a vital role in promoting global cooperation and understanding, and can have a lasting impact on the lives and careers of participants, as well as the relationships between nations.
Warning: In some countries there are fraudulent organisations that offer to help students apply for these Japanese Government scholarships in return for a deposit. The only ways to apply for a Japanese Government scholarships are through the Embassy of Japan in your home country, or through a participating Japanese university. You will not be asked to pay a deposit to apply for the scholarships.
Study In Japan Promotional Video
Reference
"Student Guide to Japan" is an essential book for international students planning to study in Japan.
Study & Work in Japan on JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation) website is also useful for further reference.
Contact Details
Please submit your application to the office where you intend to sit examinations and be interviewed. For further enquiries, please contact one of the three offices below.
Information Session:
WHEN: Tuesday, 16th May 5:30pm - 6:30pm
WHERE: Embassy of Japan in New Zealand - 18F Majestic Centre, 100 Willis Street,
Wellington
ONLINE: to register to watch the session remotely, follow this link: https://forms.office.com/r/arTHFEarN3
We will hold an information session at the Embassy of Japan (based in Wellington) to talk about the scholarships in more detail. If you want to hear more about the application process, or want to hear what it's like to study in Japan as a MEXT Scholar, come along, or join us online! To join online, make sure to register at the above link, so we can send you the link to join closer to the day.
Scholarship programmes
There are three Embassy-recommended scholarships. Please click on the respective programme below for more information.
This scholarship is open to students who want to undertake research or a graduate degree in Japan. Course fees for the entirety of the scholarship will be covered, along with flights to and from Japan, and a monthly stipend for living costs.
Applicants must:
- Be a New Zealand, Cook Islands or Niue citizen
(Note: Residents of Cook Islands are required to complete exams and interviews in New Zealand) - Be born on or after 2 April 1989
- Have either an undergraduate degree, or the same or a higher level of academic ability as that of a university graduate.
- Have intention to obtain a degree in Japan
- be interested in Japan and willing to learn Japanese
The term of scholarship is in principle, 18 months to two years (including Japanese language studies where applicable), however the scholarship may be extended for a maximum of seven years depending on study. The area of study must be the same field or in a related field to what the applicant studied previously.
Application Guidelines and Forms
- Please refer to https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-research.html
*Submitted documents cannot be returned.
**Applicants MUST read through the Application Guidelines. - Note 1: Please submit your application or enquire to
the office where you intend to sit examinations and be interviewed. For
further
enquiries, please contact
your
closest office.
Please note that applications will only be accepted in physical form, handed in or sent by post. Applications sent by email will NOT be considered. - Note 2: Academic transcript must be certified, my eQuals print outs are NOT accepted without the online document being shared through the portal.
- Note 3: The Certificate of Health is not necessary at the application stage. Please fill out the Self-Assessment Medical Report instead. This is a temporary alternative form to the Certificate of Health, which successful applicants will be required to submit at a later date.
To select universities and courses you want to study in Japan, the following URLs may be helpful:
- http://researchmap.jp/?lang=en Researchmap developed by the National Institute of Informatics in Japan. It allows researchers to create personal profiles, showcase their research achievements, and connect with other researchers.
- http://jglobal.jst.go.jp/en/ J-GLOBAL is a web-based integrated database service provided by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). It offers a comprehensive search engine for various types of information related to science and technology, including academic papers, patents, research projects, and organizations in Japan and around the world.
- http://www.jasso.go.jp/en/study_j/search/index.html Search for Schools
- http://www.jpss.jp/en/search/ Japan Study Support - Information for international students
- https://tgu.mext.go.jp/en/index.html Top Global University Japan
Research (Postgraduate) Students Scholarship Timeline
| April 2023 | Applications open |
| 5pm, 6 June 2023 |
Applications close |
|
15 June 2023 |
Applicants are notified whether they will be invited for exams |
|
19 June 2023 |
Examinations |
|
21 June 2023 |
Interviews [WELLINGTON] Interview date will vary by office |
|
1 July - 25 August 2023 |
Applicants contact their preferred universities to request Provisional Acceptance |
|
27 September 2023 |
University deadline for Provisional Acceptance Response |
|
October - November 2023 |
Secondary Screening |
|
Late January - February 2024 |
Secondary Screening decision (MEXT side) notification |
|
February/March OR |
Visa Issuance, Pre-Departure Orientation |
| Early April OR September/October 2024 |
Departure for Japan |
Previous Exams
Previous exam papers for the scholarship exams are available
online for
reference.
Previous MEXT Scholarship Exams
This scholarship is available to applicants who want to undertake their undergraduate degree in a Japanese university. Course fees for the entirety of the scholarship will be covered, along with flights to and from Japan, and a monthly stipend for living costs.
Applicants must:
- Be a New Zealand, Cook Islands or Niue
citizen
(Note: Residents of Cook Islands are required to complete exams and interviews in New Zealand) - Be born on or after 2 April 1999
- Be 18 years old or over at time of entering university course
- Completed 12 years of school education by March 2024 OR have equivalent to high school completion
A five-year scholarship is offered beginning in April OR September/October 2024; the first year in Japanese language training, and the following four years being study towards a degree in the field of your choice. For those majoring in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or a six-year pharmaceutical course, the term of scholarship is seven years, including the first year in Japanese language training.
Application Guidelines and Forms
- Please refer to https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-undergraduate.html
*Submitted documents cannot be returned.
**Applicants MUST read through the Application Guidelines. - Note 1: Please submit your application or enquire to the office where you
intend to sit
examinations and be interviewed. For further enquiries, please
contact your
closest office.
Please note that applications will only be accepted in physical form, handed in or sent by post. Applications sent by email will NOT be considered. - Note 2: The Certificate of Health is not necessary at the application stage. Please fill out Self-Assessment Medical Report instead. This is a temporary alternative form to Certificate of Health and successful applicants will be required to submit a Certificate of Health.
- Note 3: Academic transcript must be issued by your school or the Government, and show an official signature or stamp to prove this; personal print outs are NOT accepted.
Undergraduate Student Scholarship Time line
| April 2023 | Applications open |
| 5pm, 6 June 2023 | Applications close |
| 15 June 2023 | Applicants are notified whether they will be invited for exams |
| 19 June 2023 | Examinations |
| 21 June 2023 | Interviews [WELLINGTON] Interview date will vary by office |
| October - November 2023 | Secondary Screening |
| November 2023 | Secondary Screening decision (MEXT side) notification |
| December 2023 - February 2024 | University Placements finalised |
| February/March OR August/September 2024 |
Visa Issuance, Pre-Departure Orientation |
| Early April OR September/October 2024 |
Departure for Japan |
Previous Exams
Previous exam papers for scholarship exams are available online
for
reference.
Previous MEXT Scholarship Exams
Fully funded scholarship for a one year exchange to Japan, to learn Japanese language/culture at University!
This scholarship is available to those wishing to study abroad for a year in a Japanese university to learn about Japanese language and culture. Flights, university fees and a monthly allowance (From 117,000 to 120,000 yen) are provided by the Japanese Government (MEXT).
Applicants must:
- Be New Zealand citizens from 18 to 30 years old at time of application (born between 2nd April 1993 and 1st April 2005).
- Have been enrolled for at least one year as an undergraduate student majoring in Japanese language or culture at a university outside of Japan, as of 1st September 2024.
- Have Japanese abilities of a level at which the student can participate in university lessons.
- Return to their home institution upon completion of the scholarship.
If you are interested in living and studying in Japan, improving your Japanese language skills, and having a fully funded overseas exchange experience, this scholarship is for you! Take a look at the guidelines linked below and apply!
Application Guidelines and Forms
Please be sure to thoroughly read through the Application Guidelines first. Please submit necessary documents to the office where you intend to take your examination and interview. (Refer to Contact Details above for your closest office)
The application deadline is by 5pm on Monday 20 February 2023.
*INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE READ GUIDELINES CAREFULLY
Previous Exams (Subject: Japanese)
Available at via the "Application Guidelines and Forms" link above.
Japanese Studies Students Scholarship Time line
| 17 January 2023 | Applications open |
| 20 February 2023 (Monday) | Applications close |
| Mid-late February 2023 | Examination and Interview announced |
| 27 February 2023 (Monday) | Written examination (subject: Japanese) and interview |
| Mid March 2023 | First Screening Decision (Embassy Side) notification |
| July/August 2023 | University Placement notification, Pre-departure orientation etc. |
| September/October 2023 | Departure to Japan |
Voices from the current scholars
