MEXT, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is accepting applications or full undergraduate scholarships in Japan. The scholarships are to study an undergraduate program starting in April 2025, at a Japanese university. And they include a Japanese language preparatory course! Registration closes until June 28th.
The MEXT-chosen fellowship winners will be also free from their graduation academic fees. They will also be paid with the amount of 117, 000 yen- or something worth R$3.950- as a stipend for staying in Japan every month. Maybe a little more, this amount depends on where the student will spend the graduation term. The scholarship also pays for the round trip flight to Japan.
Who can apply?
To apply for full undergraduate scholarships in Japan, you must be born after April 2, 2000 and have already completed high school (or be in your final year). Advanced knowledge of English or Japanese is required.
Speaking Japanese is not a requirement in order to apply for scholarships. On the other hand, applicants who receive a zero on the Japanese language exam will be eliminated. Therefore, even if you only use Duolingo for a few weeks, it is still vital to know anything.
The scholarship selection process includes several parts. The first of these is the analysis of the documents required in the application (which will be mentioned below). Next, the candidate will need to take written tests on specific subjects, English and Japanese. Finally, there will be interviews with the best placed.
How to apply for full undergraduate scholarships in Japan?
The following documents are required to apply for full undergraduate scholarships in Japan at MEXT:
- Registration form completed in English
- 3×4 photos (color, white background, clear and recent; 1 photo pasted or scanned on the form and 1 separate photo for the registration card)
- Certified copy of ID;
- Handwritten writing in the original language (30 to 40 lines, Arial 12 font, A4 size, typed), explaining the reason for wanting to graduate in Japan, the desired course, the reasons for choosing the course and the professional activity you intend develop in the future. The title and name of the candidate must be included in the essay;
- For those who have already completed high school but have not started higher education: school transcripts and high school completion certificate (copy certified by a notary);
- For those who have not yet completed high school: Enrollment certificate (original) and simple copies of the report cards for the 1st, 2nd year and 1st two months of the 3rd year of high school;
- For those already studying: academic record and declaration of regular higher education student (original from the institution or copy certified by a notary);
- Letter of recommendation from the last school attended (high school, college or cram school). It must be in English, on the institution’s letterhead, with the stamp and signature of the person responsible. The format is free, but you can follow the questions in this model
- g) Certified copy of the document/certificate proving qualifications in Japanese (JLPT, etc.) and English (TOEFL, IETLS, etc.) and Olympiads (mathematics, chemistry, physics, etc.), if applicable.
- h) Simple copy of the result(s) of the ENEM (National Secondary Education Examination), PAS (Serial Assessment Program) or other assessment method for entry into higher education, if applicable .
Conclusion
MEXT offers a comprehensive scholarship for students to pursue undergraduate studies in Japan starting April 2025. This opportunity includes tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare. Applicants must be born after April 2, 2000, and have completed high school, with proficiency in English or Japanese. The selection process involves document submission, written tests, and interviews. Necessary application documents include personal identification, academic records, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency. This scholarship not only supports academic endeavors but also facilitates cultural immersion through a Japanese language preparatory course. Applications close on June 28th.
