Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship 2026

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho) is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive fully funded scholarship programmes available to Nigerian students. Offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the MEXT Scholarship provides full funding for Nigerians to study undergraduate, Masters, and PhD programmes at top Japanese universities. About the MEXT Scholarship The MEXT Scholarship has been offered by the Japanese government since 1954 as part of Japan commitment to international educational exchange and development cooperation. Each year the Japanese Embassy in Abuja selects a limited number of outstanding Nigerian students to study in Japan fully funded by the Japanese government. The scholarship is highly competitive but offers one of the most generous funding packages of any international scholarship available to Nigerians. What the Scholarship Covers The MEXT Scholarship is truly fully funded and covers every aspect of your study and living costs in Japan. This includes full tuition fees at your chosen Japanese university with no additional charges. Monthly stipend of JPY 117,000 for undergraduate students, JPY 144,000 for Masters students, and JPY 145,000 for PhD students — approximately $800 to $1,000 per month which is sufficient to cover living costs in Japan. Return economy class airfare from Nigeria to Japan at the start of your scholarship and back to Nigeria at the end. Housing support through university accommodation or housing allowance. Comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout your studies. Japanese language training for up to two years before you begin your main degree programme. Available Scholarship Categories Research Students (Graduate Level): For applicants who want to pursue Masters or PhD research at Japanese universities. Applicants first spend 6 to 18 months as Research Students under a supervising professor before being admitted to the formal degree programme. Undergraduate Students: For applicants who want to pursue a full undergraduate degree in Japan. This is a 5-year programme including one year of Japanese language and cultural studies. College of Technology Students: For applicants interested in technical and vocational education at Japanese National Colleges of Technology. Specialised Training College Students: For applicants interested in professional vocational training in Japan. Top Japanese Universities Successful MEXT Scholarship recipients study at some of Japan and the world top universities including the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, Nagoya University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Keio University, and Waseda University — all of which are ranked among the best universities in the world. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the MEXT Scholarship applicants must be Nigerian citizens. For Research Students you must hold a Bachelor degree with strong academic results. For Undergraduate Students you must have completed secondary school (WAEC/NECO) with excellent grades and must be between 17 and 25 years old at the time of application. Applicants must be in good health. Previous MEXT Scholarship recipients are not eligible to reapply. Application Process Applications are submitted through the Japanese Embassy in Abuja. The process involves submitting a detailed application form, academic certificates and transcripts, a research plan or study plan, letters of recommendation, and health certificate. Shortlisted candidates are invited for written examinations in subjects relevant to their field of study followed by a personal interview at the Japanese Embassy. Successful candidates are then recommended to Japanese universities. Application Deadline June 2026. Check the Japanese Embassy Nigeria website for the exact opening date of applications. Life in Japan Japan is a safe, clean, and technologically advanced country with a rich culture and history. Nigerian students in Japan consistently report high satisfaction with their studies and quality of life. Japan is also a global leader in engineering, technology, medicine, and scientific research, making MEXT particularly valuable for students in these fields. Visit micrise.com.ng daily for more fully funded international scholarships and opportunities for Nigerians.