Studying in Japan 2026
MEXT scholarships fund 6,500 international students yearly with full tuition + ¥143,000/month
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship is one of the world’s most generous fully-funded programs—and one of the most accessible. Japan needs international students and is actively recruiting.
MEXT Scholarship at a Glance
| Track | Monthly Stipend | Duration | Annual Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Student | ¥143,000-¥145,000 | 1.5-3 years | ~3,500 |
| Undergraduate | ¥117,000 | 5 years (incl. 1 yr Japanese) | ~500 |
| Specialized Training | ¥117,000 | 3 years | ~200 |
| Teacher Training | ¥143,000 | 1.5 years | ~150 |
| Japanese Studies | ¥117,000 | 1 year | ~200 |
Real Living Costs in Tokyo vs Osaka vs Sendai
The MEXT stipend assumes Tokyo prices, which means students outside the capital save substantially. Average international student spend: Tokyo ¥130,000/month, Osaka ¥98,000, Sendai ¥75,000. With MEXT covering ¥143,000, students outside Tokyo save ¥45,000-¥68,000/month.
Top Universities Accepting MEXT Students
University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tohoku University, Tokyo Tech, Nagoya University, Hokkaido University, and Kyushu University collectively receive ~70% of MEXT placements. Tokyo Tech and Osaka have the highest English-medium program count—critical if your Japanese is below N2.