The Kyoto University MEXT Scholarship 2026 for International Research Students (University Recommendation – General Program) is a fully funded opportunity offered by the Japanese government through Kyoto University. This scholarship is intended for students with excellent academic records who will be newly coming from overseas to enrol as international students at graduate schools in Japan.
Applicants who apply through the university recommendation process may receive inquiries regarding eligibility from prospective host professors via email or online interviews and must respond carefully. All required documents must be submitted by the designated deadline, as instructed by the prospective host professor.
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly salary
- Research students: JPY 143,000 per month
- Master’s/Professional/early doctoral years: JPY 144,000 per month
- Doctoral (later years): JPY 145,000 per month
- Additional location allowances:
- +3,000 yen (Yoshida, Katsura, Otsu)
- +2,000 yen (Uji, Inuyama)
- Travel expenses to Japan
Eligibility for Kyoto University MEXT Scholarship 2026
- Open for all (Japanese nationals are generally not eligible)
- Applicants must have excellent academic records.
- Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1991
- Language requirements: Applicants must meet one of the following language qualifications in Japanese or English.
- Applicants must be recognized by Kyoto University as physically and mentally healthy enough to study in Japan.
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements
- Must be the same as or related to the applicant’s previous field of study
- Check details there
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommendation)?
The MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommendation) is a fully funded scholarship provided by the Japanese Government for international students who are recommended by a Japanese university, such as Kyoto University, to pursue research or graduate-level studies in Japan.
Who can apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 under the university recommendation route?
Applicants must be international students with excellent academic records who will newly come from overseas to enroll in a graduate school in Japan. Applicants must meet academic, nationality, age, language, and health requirements specified by MEXT and Kyoto University.
What is meant by “excellent academic records”?
“Excellent academic records” means having an academic performance coefficient of 2.30 or higher, calculated based on the applicant’s academic transcript. Applicants are also expected to maintain this level of academic performance during the scholarship period.
Are joint or double-degree program students eligible?
Yes. Students in joint or double-degree programs are eligible if:
– Their research period outside Japan does not exceed half of the scholarship period, and
– They stay in Japan for at least the first six months and conduct research at a Japanese university.
Scholarship payments are not provided for periods spent outside Japan.
What nationalities are eligible for the MEXT Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must be nationals of countries designated by MEXT. Japanese nationals are generally not eligible. Applicants with dual nationality, including Japanese nationality, may apply if they reside overseas and renounce their Japanese nationality before arriving in Japan.
Is there an age limit for the MEXT Scholarship 2026?
Yes. Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1991, in principle. Exceptions may be granted by MEXT for reasons such as mandatory military service or loss of educational opportunities due to war, but not for personal reasons.
What level of education is required to apply?
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for a master’s, professional, doctoral, or five-year doctoral program at a Japanese university. Applicants who are expected to meet these requirements by the time of admission are also eligible.
What language proficiency is required for the scholarship?
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either Japanese or English.
For Japanese:
– JLPT N2 or higher, or
– Completion of education primarily conducted in Japanese, or
– Recognition by Kyoto University as having equivalent proficiency.
For English:
– CEFR B2 level or higher (e.g., IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL iBT 72+), or
– Completion of education primarily conducted in English, or
– Recognition by Kyoto University as having equivalent proficiency.
When must successful applicants arrive in Japan?
Successful applicants must arrive in Japan between September 17 and October 15, 2026, which is within two weeks before or after the start of the second semester at Kyoto University. Applicants who cannot arrive by October 15 must decline the scholarship unless MEXT determines unavoidable circumstances.
What type of visa is required for MEXT Scholarship recipients?
Recipients must obtain a “Student” visa from a Japanese diplomatic mission prior to departure and must enter Japan with student residence status. Certain exceptions apply for applicants already residing in Japan under a different status.
Does the MEXT Scholarship cover tuition and fees?
Yes. MEXT Scholarship recipients are exempt from application fees, admission fees, and tuition fees during the scholarship period.
How much is the monthly stipend under the MEXT Scholarship?
– Research students: JPY 143,000 per month
– Master’s, professional, and early-stage doctoral students: JPY 144,000 per month
– Doctoral students (later years): JPY 145,000 per month
Additional allowances are provided depending on the campus location.
What is the application deadline for the MEXT Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline is January 30, 2026.
Can applicants apply through more than one university?
No. Applicants recommended by one university cannot be selected as candidates for a MEXT scholarship from another university. If selected by two universities, both applications will be rejected.
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