The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded program offered to international students aiming to study at Osaka University, Japan. It supports both undergraduate and graduate students who seek to pursue degrees in a wide range of academic fields. The scholarship fosters global talent development and strengthens international ties between Japan and the scholars’ home countries.
Osaka University welcomes MEXT scholarship students through two main recommendation pathways: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation. Both undergraduates and graduate applicants are eligible under these pathways, with specific application procedures and timelines.
This scholarship covers tuition, monthly stipends, and travel expenses, including round-trip airfare to Japan. It also provides preparatory Japanese language education to help students adapt academically and culturally.
The 2026 academic year application deadline is September 1, 2025 (Japan Time). Applications after August 10 will not be accepted, emphasizing the importance of early preparation and submission.
Quick Overview of the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship at Osaka University
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Osaka University
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Japan Time)
- Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate (Master’s and Doctoral courses)
- Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend (¥143,000–¥145,000), travel expenses (round-trip airfare)
- Eligibility:
- International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Must meet academic and health requirements
- Arrival Terms: April 2025 or October 2025
- Application Types: Embassy Recommendation, University Recommendation
Perks of the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
- Full tuition coverage (entrance exam, matriculation, and tuition fees)
- Monthly stipend ranging from ¥143,000 to ¥145,000 depending on course level
- Economy-class round-trip airfare to and from Japan
- Intensive Japanese language courses before or during studies if needed
- Access to Osaka University’s world-class research facilities and academic environment
- Opportunity to be part of a vibrant international student community
- Support with accommodation options, including university dormitories and private housing
- Enrollment in Japan’s National Health Insurance upon arrival
Benefits of Studying at Osaka University with MEXT
- Study in one of Japan’s top research universities with diverse academic programs
- Build a global network through academic and cultural exchange
- Gain Japanese language proficiency alongside academic training
- Increase career opportunities internationally through a degree recognized worldwide
- Receive mentorship and research guidance from expert faculty
- Access to resources for smooth cultural adaptation and student life support
Exclusions and Important Conditions of the Undergraduate Scholarships
- Applicants currently holding Japanese nationality are not eligible
- Scholarship payments may be suspended or cancelled for disciplinary reasons, health issues, or failure to meet academic requirements
- Dependents’ accommodation is not covered; students should arrive alone initially to arrange housing
- Travel insurance and some travel-related expenses outside of airfare are the student’s responsibility
- Multiple scholarship applications under the MEXT umbrella simultaneously are prohibited
- Applicants must obtain and maintain a “Student” visa status in Japan
Eligibility & Conditions for the Undergraduate, Graduate, and Postgraduate Scholarships in Japan
- Nationality of a country having diplomatic relations with Japan (except those holding Japanese nationality)
- Born on or after April 2, 1990 (exceptions apply under specific circumstances)
- Must have the required academic background for admission to Osaka University graduate or undergraduate programs
- Willingness to learn Japanese and adapt to life and study in Japan
- Good physical and mental health, certified by a medical certificate
- No military affiliation at the time of arrival and during the scholarship period
- Not currently enrolled as a privately financed international student in Japan
- Must arrive within designated arrival periods (April or October 2025)
How to Apply to the Osaka University MEXT Scholarships
- Confirm you meet nationality, age, academic, and health requirements.
- Apply with all required documents by the embassy’s deadline.
- Complete written exams (Japanese and English), document review, and interviews at the embassy.
- If passed, contact Osaka University’s international student office by August 9, 2024, for a letter of acceptance.
- To your Japanese diplomatic mission, listing preferred universities.
- MEXT will select scholarship recipients and assign universities.
- Receive final acceptance and placement details via the embassy.
- Arrange visa, accommodation, and finances for travel to Japan in April or October 2025.
Required Documents for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
- Application Form (2025 version)
- Placement Preference Application Form
- Field of Study and Research Plan
- Academic Transcripts (all years)
- Certificate of Graduation or Prospective Graduation
- Recommendation Letter (from university president/dean or academic advisor)
- Medical Certificate (2025 version)
- Abstracts of theses (if any)
- Language proficiency certificates (Japanese/English, if any)
- Recommendation letter from current employer (if applicable)
- Art/music works (if applicable)
- Passing Certificate of First Screening issued by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate
Note: Documents must be in Japanese or English, or translated accordingly.
Important Deadlines for the Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 (Japan Time)
Contacts & Further Information for Osaka University’s MEXT Scholarship
- Undergraduate University Recommendation
- Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program (HUS): englishprogram@hus.osaka-u.ac.jp
- International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS): internationalcollege@office.osaka-u.ac.jp
- Graduate Embassy Recommendation
- International Affairs Division, Dept. of International Affairs, Osaka University
- Email: study@ml.office.osaka-u.ac.jp
- Application Assistance Desk (AAD) for Letter of Acceptance (graduate level)
- Osaka University AAD System (online portal)
- Useful Websites for Supervisors & Research:
- Researcher Directory
- Researchmap
