Every year, the Japanese government gives international students the chance to study and live in the country for free via the Ministry of Education's MEXT scholarship, which can be divided into seven categories:
Undergraduate Scholarship
A high school diploma is required to participate. Candidates must be between 17 and 21 years old to get this scholarship. They can enroll in the humanities, sciences, and medicine degree programs.
Studies last for seven years for medical courses and five years for the others. This period includes a year of preparatory Japanese language courses.
The scholarship is around ¥117,000 per month.
Scholarship for Masters and Ph.D. Students
Candidates must have a college degree and be at least 35 years old. Instruction lasts for two years, including the time spent studying Japanese.
The scholarship amount starts from ¥143,000.
Scholarship for Pedagogical Majors
Candidates must have a teaching degree and 5 years of experience and not be older than 35.
Instruction lasts for 18 months, including the time spent studying Japanese.
The scholarship amount starts from ¥143,000.
Scholarships for Japanese Studies Students
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 29 who are already enrolled in higher or specialized education institutions outside of Japan can apply. They're encouraged to study in the country for a year and return to their home university.
The scholarship amount starts from ¥117,000.
Scholarship for Specialized Preparatory Programs
Candidates should be aged between 17 and 21 and have completed their high school education.
Instruction lasts for three years, including the time spent studying Japanese.
The scholarship amount starts from ¥117,000.
Scholarship for Technology Majors
Candidates should be aged between 17 and 21 and have completed their high school education.
Instruction lasts for four years, including the time spent studying Japanese.
The scholarship amount starts from ¥117,000.
Scholarship for Young Leaders
Candidates under 40 years of age and involved in public administration, law, municipal and medical administration or under 35 years of age and involved in business administration are considered for this scholarship. Management experience is important.
The program lasts for one year.
The scholarship amount starts from ¥240,000.