Japan now lets people apply for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommendation – General Program) through the Graduate School of Medicine at Kyoto University. This scholarship is for smart, qualified people from outside of Japan who want to come to Japan as research students in October 2026, with the goal of eventually getting full graduate degrees.
Kyoto University Japan MEXT Scholarship, This university-nominated route is very competitive and shows that Japan is still putting money into studying talent around the world.
What the Scholarship Covers:
The MEXT Scholarship is one of Japan’s largest government-funded programs, and it lets students focus only on studies and research:
- Monthly stipend: JPY 143,000 for graduate-level research students
- Tuition & admission fees: Fully waived
- International travel: Round-trip airfare to and from Japan included
- Scholarship period: October 2026 – March 2028
- Enrollment status: Admission as a Research Student, with possible extension for full degree programs
Who Should Apply?
Kyoto University seeks academically strong candidates who are ready to work under a host laboratory:
- Applicants from outside of Japan who want to start graduate school in October 2026
- At least a 2.30 academic success coefficient in the most recent program
- Tests well enough in English or Japanese (JLPT N2+ or CEFR B2 / IELTS 5.5+ or similar)
- Research area at Kyoto University that is linked to medicine or a related field
- First time registering as a research student
- Nationality must come from one of the countries that MEXT lists.
Benefits of Kyoto University Japan MEXT Scholarship:
- Fully Funded Tuition and Fees: Pays for all tuition and fees, so scholars can do study without worrying about money.
- Generous Monthly Stipend: Gives graduate students doing study 143,000 yen a month, making sure they can live comfortably in Japan.
- Round-Trip Airfare Included: This covers foreign travel to and from Japan, so you don’t have to worry about expensive flights.
- Access to cutting-edge labs and top-notch teachers at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Medicine for a wide range of research opportunities.
- Pathway to Full Graduate Degrees: You can start as a research student and then move on to a master’s or doctoral school if you want to.
- Cultural and Academic Immersion: The chance to live in Japan, learn the language and culture, and make connections with experts from around the world.
- Focused Academic Support: Close supervision from host lab supervisors, making sure that there is individualized mentoring and job growth.
- High Global Recognition: Being a MEXT scholar at Kyoto University greatly improves your academic standing and job chances in the future.
- Fully Competitive Selection: The strict method universities use to choose scholars makes sure they are among the smartest people in their field, creating an esteemed group of peers.
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Application Process for Kyoto University MEXT Scholarship (2026)
The scholarship follows a university-recommendation pathway, meaning all applications start at the academic level, not through a public portal. Follow these steps carefully:
Identify a Host Laboratory
- Research the Graduate School of Medicine at Kyoto University.
- Contact a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your field.
- Secure their agreement to support your application. https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en
Prepare Required Documents
- Certificates and papers from school
- Research plan that fits with the lab where you’ll be working
- Proof of language skills (JLPT N2+, CEFR B2, or IELTS 5.5+)
- Recommended letters of writing (if needed)
- Other papers that the lab or Kyoto University asked for
Submit Documents Through the Host Laboratory
- The laboratory submits your application to Kyoto University for internal screening.
Internal Screening by Kyoto University
- The university evaluates candidates based on academic performance, research proposal, and eligibility.
Nomination to MEXT
- Selected candidates are forwarded to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for final approval.
Final Results & Arrival
- Scholarship results are expected by June 2026.
- Successful applicants plan to arrive in Japan in September–October 2026 for enrollment as research students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the eligibility for Kyoto University MEXT Scholarship?
International applicants with strong academic records, JLPT N2 or CEFR B2/IELTS 5.5+, research alignment in medicine, and admission as research students are eligible for this fully funded scholarship starting October 2026.
How much monthly stipend does MEXT Scholarship provide?
The scholarship offers a generous monthly stipend of JPY 143,000 for graduate-level research students, ensuring comfortable living expenses in Japan while allowing full focus on academic research and studies at Kyoto University.
When is the application deadline for Kyoto University MEXT Scholarship?
Applications follow the university-recommendation pathway through Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, with internal selection completed before June 2026, and scholarship recipients are expected to arrive in Japan in September–October 2026.
