The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for 2026, now open for applications starting April 2025, is a fully funded opportunity for international students to study at top Japanese universities.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), it supports undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and specialized training programs.
The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipends (approx. ¥117,000–¥145,000, or KES 100,620–124,700), round-trip airfare, and preparatory Japanese language training.
Aimed at fostering global leaders and cultural exchange, applications are typically submitted through Japanese embassies or universities, with deadlines varying by country (e.g., May–June 2025 for many regions).
Eligible applicants from countries with diplomatic ties to Japan can apply, with no mandatory IELTS/TOEFL or Japanese language requirements.
HOW TO APPLY
You do not need to have knowledge in Japanese language. This is because when you get to Japan for your studies, your course work covers the language course, which will be done in the first few months.
Learning the Japanese language will also be important in your communication in the foreign country.
Specialised Training College Students
This scholarship is open to students from Kenya. It is for those who are interested in undertaking practical vocational training in Japan.
Note: Professional Training College Certificates are comparable to non-degree “Diplomas”
Qualifications
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
- Applicant must have been born on or after April 02, 2001 and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission to a specialised training college in Japan.
- Meets KCSE mean grade criteria
Duration of Study
A three-year scholarship is offered (first year in Japanese language training). Courses are undertaken in specialised training schools.
The application documents may be hand delivered, delivered by courier or posted but must be received at the Embassy of Japan in Kenya no later than 4:30pm on Friday, May 16, 2025.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
| Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Applications Open |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | Applications close |
| Thursday, June 26, 2025 | Examinations held |
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Interviews held |
| Early-Mid July, 2025 | Results of Primary Screening |
| October to November 2025 | Secondary Screening in Tokyo |
| January 2026 | Final Results with placement by Tokyo |
| March 2026 | Pre-departure orientation |
| April or September 2026 | Departure to Japan |
Apply For MEXT Specialised Training College Students Scholarship
College of Technology Students
This scholarship is open to students from Kenya. It is for those who are interested in undertaking technology and engineering courses in Japan.
Note: College of Technology certificates are comparable to non-degree “Higher Diplomas”
Qualifications
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
- Applicant must have been born on or after April 02, 2001 and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission to a university in Japan.
- Meets KCSE mean grade criteria
Duration of Study
A four-year scholarship is offered (first year in Japanese language training). Courses are undertaken in college of technology schools.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
| Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Applications Open |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | Applications close |
| Thursday, June 26, 2025 | Examinations held |
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Interviews held |
| Early-Mid July, 2025 | Results of Primary Screening |
| October to November 2025 | Secondary Screening in Tokyo |
| January 2026 | Final Results with placement by Tokyo |
| March 2026 | Pre-departure orientation |
| April or September 2026 | Departure to Japan |
Apply For College of Technology Students Scholarship
Undergraduate Students
This scholarship is open to students from Kenya. It is for those who are interested in undertaking undergraduate courses in Japan.
Qualifications
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
- Applicant must have been born on or after April 02, 2001 and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission to a university in Japan.
- Meets KCSE mean grade required
Duration of Study
A five-year scholarship is offered, including the first year in Japanese language training, beginning in April 2026. For those majoring in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or a six-year course in pharmacy, the term of scholarship is seven years, including the first year in Japanese language training.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
| Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Applications Open |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | Applications close |
| Thursday, June 26, 2025 | Examinations held |
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Interviews held |
| Early-Mid July, 2025 | Results of Primary Screening |
| October to November 2025 | Secondary Screening in Tokyo |
| January 2026 | Final Results with placement by Tokyo |
| March 2026 | Pre-departure orientation |
| April or September 2026 | Departure to Japan |
Apply For Undergraduate Students Scholarship
Research Scholarship
This scholarship is open to students from Kenya. It is for those who are interested in admission to either a master’s or doctoral course at a Japanese graduate school.
Qualifications
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens.
- Applicants must have been born on or after April 2, 1991
- Applicants must have either an undergraduate degree (minimum second class upper division) or a Master’s degree.
Duration of Study
The term of scholarship is either 18 months or two years (including 6 months of Japanese language studies). The area of study must be the same field that the applicant has studied or a related field.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
| Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Applications Open |
| Friday, May 16, 2025 | Applications close |
| Friday, June 27, 2025 | Examinations held |
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Interviews held |
| Early-Mid July, 2025 | Results of Primary Screening in Kenya |
| October to November 2025 | Secondary Screening in Tokyo |
| January 2026 | Final Results with placement by Tokyo |
| March 2026 | Pre-departure orientation |
| April or September 2026 | Departure to Japan |
Apply for Research Scholarship
