MEXT Scholarship for Nepali Students (2026) Eligibility, Benefits, Application and Selection Process

Last updated: 22 July 2026

The MEXT scholarship is Japan’s fully funded government scholarship covering 100 percent of tuition, a monthly living stipend of JPY 117,000 for undergraduate and diploma students or JPY 143,000 to JPY 145,000 for master’s and PhD students, and round trip economy airfare between Nepal and Japan. Nepali students have been eligible since 1957. Applications for most Nepali applicants go through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu and involve document screening, a written examination, and an interview before final selection by MEXT in Tokyo. There is no application fee and no requirement for IELTS or JLPT at the time of application, though classes in Japan are primarily in Japanese and willingness to learn Japanese is required.

For our complete guide on studying in Japan from Nepal covering all degree levels, costs, and visa procedures, you can read our guide on study in Japan from Nepal.

What Is the MEXT Scholarship?

MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The MEXT scholarship, also called the Monbukagakusho Scholarship, is the Japanese government’s flagship program for funding international students to study at Japanese universities and specialized institutions. It covers every level from vocational diploma through to PhD.

The scholarship is managed by MEXT in Japan and delivered in Nepal through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu. The Embassy announces the annual competition, conducts local selection procedures including the written examination and interview, and forwards recommended candidates to MEXT in Tokyo for final approval.

Nepal has participated in the MEXT scholarship since 1957. Recent years see approximately 10 to 20 Nepali students selected across all categories annually, reflecting both ongoing demand and a genuinely limited number of available slots that make the competition serious and meaningful.

Who Offers the MEXT Scholarship?

The scholarship is offered by the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). In Nepal, the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu is the sole official application channel for the Embassy Recommendation route. No private organization, consultancy, or agent has any official role in the MEXT selection process. There is no application fee. Any person or organization claiming to charge a fee for MEXT application assistance should be treated with caution.

Why Choose the MEXT Scholarship?

MEXT stands apart from most other scholarships because it is genuinely comprehensive. Full tuition, monthly living stipend, round trip airfare, Japanese language training, and National Health Insurance support come as a complete package. You do not need to combine multiple smaller awards to cover your study costs.

The scholarship also places you at accredited Japanese national universities and specialized colleges, giving you access to Japan’s research facilities, faculty networks, and technology sectors in engineering, science, healthcare, and design.

For Nepali students who qualify, MEXT represents one of the few pathways to a completely funded degree abroad without needing to demonstrate large personal or family financial capacity.

Types of MEXT Scholarships Available to Nepali Students

Undergraduate Scholarship

The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is a 5 year program (7 years for medicine and dentistry) covering a full Japanese national university bachelor’s degree, including one year of Japanese language preparatory education before degree coursework begins.

Eligible Nepali applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2002 (age under 25 for the 2027 intake), have completed 12 years of schooling outside Japan (SEE plus Plus 2), and have achieved at least 75 percent marks (approximately GPA 3.5) for Natural Sciences or 65 percent marks (approximately GPA 2.9) for Humanities and Social Sciences, averaged across SEE and Plus 2.

Monthly stipend is approximately JPY 117,000. All undergraduate courses are taught in Japanese. Fields of study span both Natural Sciences and Humanities and Social Sciences as defined in each year’s MEXT field list.

Specialized Training College Scholarship

The Specialized Training College Scholarship, also called the Diploma Scholarship, funds 3 years at a Japanese Senmon Gakkou (specialized vocational training college), including one year of Japanese language preparation.

Fields available include Technology, Personal Care and Nutrition, Education and Welfare, Business, Fashion and Home Economics, and Culture and General Education.

Eligibility requires being a Nepali citizen, born on or after April 2, 2002, having completed 12 years of schooling, and achieving at least 65 percent marks (approximately GPA 2.9) averaged across SEE and Plus 2.

Monthly stipend is approximately JPY 117,000. All courses are in Japanese.

For detailed information on diploma programs in Japan, you can read our guide on study diploma in Japan from Nepal.

Master’s Scholarship (Research Student)

The MEXT Research Scholarship for master’s level funds 2 years of graduate study at a Japanese university, extendable for the duration of the program.

Nepali applicants must be a Nepali citizen, under 35 years old (born on or after April 2, 1992 for the 2027 intake), have completed at least 16 years of formal education (a completed 4 year bachelor’s degree), and have achieved approximately 70 percent marks (GPA 3.1) for Natural Sciences or 60 percent marks (GPA 2.5) for Humanities and Social Sciences.

Monthly stipend is approximately JPY 143,000 to JPY 144,000. The field of study must relate to your previous academic background.

For the complete guide on master’s degree study in Japan, you can read our guide on study master’s in Japan from Nepal.

PhD Scholarship

The MEXT Research Scholarship for doctoral level funds 3 years of PhD study at a Japanese university.

Eligibility mirrors the master’s requirements with the addition that applicants must have completed at least 18 years of formal education, meaning a completed master’s degree, by the program start date. Age limit is under 35.

Monthly stipend is approximately JPY 145,000. Like the master’s scholarship, this is formally called a Research Student scholarship at the doctoral level.

For the full guide on PhD study in Japan, you can read our guide on study PhD in Japan from Nepal.

College of Technology Scholarship

The College of Technology Scholarship (Kosen Scholarship) supports transfer entry into the third year of a 5 year Japanese College of Technology program in engineering fields, with approximately 3 years of total support. This is a less commonly known MEXT category. Eligibility requires completing 12 years of schooling with approximately 65 percent average marks and being born on or after April 2, 2002.

MEXT Scholarship Benefits

Full Tuition Coverage

MEXT fully waives entrance examination fees, matriculation fees, and university tuition fees for the entire scholarship duration. Recipients pay absolutely nothing in tuition or enrollment fees. Japan’s government pays these directly to the host institution.

Monthly Living Allowance

Monthly stipends by category are as follows. Undergraduate and Specialized Training College students receive approximately JPY 117,000 per month. Research Students enrolled in master’s programs receive approximately JPY 143,000 to JPY 144,000 per month. Research Students enrolled in doctoral programs receive approximately JPY 145,000 per month.

A small regional supplement of approximately JPY 2,000 to 3,000 per month applies to students studying in specially designated regions of Japan.

Based on JASSO national survey data, average monthly living costs for international students in Japan are approximately JPY 105,000 nationally and approximately JPY 130,000 in Tokyo. The MEXT stipend at graduate level is sufficient to cover average living costs across most Japanese cities, including rent, food, utilities, transport, and health insurance premiums.

Round Trip Airfare

MEXT provides economy class airfare from Nepal to Japan at the start of the scholarship period and return airfare from Japan to Nepal at the end. Travel must follow MEXT’s approved schedule. Students who arrive outside the specified period or depart earlier than the official end date may not receive full airfare coverage.

Japanese Language Training

For undergraduate and specialized training college students, a one year preparatory Japanese language course is included before degree coursework begins. This is fully funded as part of the scholarship and ensures students can manage academic study in Japanese.

For master’s and PhD students, the language preparation period is not fixed at one year but basic Japanese orientation is typically provided. Graduate students are expected to be willing to learn Japanese alongside their English medium or Japanese medium research.

Other Benefits

Students are enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) which covers 70 percent of most medical costs. Students pay the remaining 30 percent as a copayment when visiting a clinic or hospital.

MEXT does not provide additional family or dependent allowances. If you plan to bring family members to Japan, you will need to arrange dependent visas separately after arriving, which is a logistical and financial consideration to plan for before accepting the scholarship.

Graduation fees and academic record processing fees are also typically covered. No application fee is charged at any stage of the MEXT application process.

Eligibility Requirements

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be Nepali citizens. Dual citizens who hold Japanese nationality alongside Nepali citizenship are not eligible for the MEXT scholarship unless they formally renounce their Japanese nationality before arriving in Japan. Nepali citizens who are currently living or studying abroad must apply through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu, not through a Japanese embassy in another country.

Academic Requirements

Academic requirements are specific to each scholarship category and to whether your background is in Natural Sciences or Humanities and Social Sciences.

For Undergraduate and Specialized Training College programs, Nepali students need their SEE and Plus 2 marks. Natural Sciences undergraduates need at least 75 percent marks (GPA 3.5) averaged across SEE and Plus 2. Humanities undergraduates and all Specialized Training College applicants need at least 65 percent marks (GPA 2.9).

For Research (master’s and PhD) programs, your marks from your bachelor’s degree (and master’s for PhD) are what matter. Natural Sciences applicants need at least 70 percent (GPA 3.1). Humanities applicants need at least 60 percent (GPA 2.5).

Final year students who have not yet graduated may apply with a certificate of expected graduation, submitting their final certificate before program enrollment.

Age Requirements

Undergraduate and Specialized Training College applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2002 for the 2027 intake, meaning under 25 years old as of April 1, 2027.

Research Student (Master’s and PhD) applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1992 for the 2027 intake, meaning under 35 years old as of April 1, 2027.

Age limits are strictly enforced. Students who are even one day outside the eligible birth date range are ineligible regardless of any other qualifications.

Language Requirements

There is no mandatory IELTS, TOEFL, or JLPT certificate required to apply for MEXT through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu. English proficiency is assessed through the written examination conducted by the Embassy during selection. If you have IELTS, TOEFL, or JLPT certificates, you can include them as supplementary documents but they are not required.

All MEXT scholarship programs expect students to be willing to learn Japanese and to study or work in Japanese. Undergraduate and diploma programs are entirely in Japanese. Graduate programs vary, with some conducted in Japanese and some in English depending on the university and department.

For the complete guide on studying in Japan with or without Japanese or English tests, you can read our guide on can you study in Japan without IELTS.

Health Requirements

Applicants must be in good physical and mental health. A formal Medical Certificate using the MEXT specific health form is required and must be completed by a licensed physician. This is submitted after passing the interview stage, not at the initial application. The physician must confirm the applicant is fit to study. A chest X-ray completed within 6 months before the examination is part of the medical form. Any active infectious conditions must be fully treated before departure.

Required Documents

Application Form

Use the official MEXT Application Form specific to your category, downloaded from the Embassy of Japan in Nepal website or the Study in Japan portal. Fill it in completely, either typed or neatly handwritten as specified. Follow the email subject line format exactly as instructed in the annual guidelines. For the 2027 intake the email address for applications was education@km.mofa.go.jp and the subject line format was for example MEXT: research followed by your surname and given name.

Academic Transcripts and Certificates

Attested (notarized by a Notary Public) copies of all relevant academic transcripts and graduation certificates. For undergraduate and diploma applicants this means SEE marksheet and certificate plus Plus 2 marksheet and certificate. For graduate applicants this also includes bachelor’s degree transcript and certificate, and for PhD applicants master’s degree transcript and certificate.

All documents originally in Nepali must be accompanied by certified English or Japanese translations. Translations should be done by an official translation service, not self translated.

Recommendation Letter

One letter for undergraduate and specialized training college applicants from a class teacher or principal of your last attended school. This should be on official school letterhead, signed, sealed in an envelope with the referee’s signature across the seal.

Two letters for research (master’s and PhD) applicants. One from your university’s president, dean, or academic supervisor who directly knows your academic work. A second from an employer if you are currently working.

Letters from family friends or personal contacts outside the academic or professional relationship are not accepted. The letter should speak specifically to your academic ability, research potential, and character.

Study Plan or Research Proposal

For undergraduate and diploma applicants, a personal statement or motivation letter explaining your field interest and why Japan is required by many but not all embassy application processes. Follow the specific instructions in the current year’s Embassy announcement.

For research students applying for master’s or PhD programs, MEXT provides a specific Field of Study and Research Plan form limited to 2 pages. This is the most heavily evaluated document in your application. It must describe your past academic background and current research experience, your specific proposed research topic and objectives in Japan, your methodology, why Japan and this specific university or supervisor, a rough timeline, and expected outcomes.

A research plan that says you want to study technology in Japan broadly is consistently evaluated poorly. A research plan that names a specific Japanese professor whose 2024 publication on a specific topic directly informs your proposed methodology is evaluated positively. The difference matters significantly for selection.

Medical Certificate

The MEXT Medical Certificate form must be completed by a licensed physician. This document is required but submitted after passing the interview stage, not with the initial application. Do not submit an old or unrelated health report. Use the specific form provided by MEXT and complete it within 6 months before the exam.

Language Proficiency Documents

Any JLPT, TOEFL, IELTS, or other English or Japanese proficiency certificates you hold can be included as supplementary documents but are not mandatory at the application stage.

Other Supporting Documents

Attested copy of Nepali citizenship certificate. Passport style photographs as specified by the current year’s guidelines, typically 4.5 by 3.5 cm on a white background. Certificate of current enrollment if you are still studying. For fine arts and music applicants, photographs or digital media of creative work. For teacher training category applicants, certificate of employment and proof of at least 5 years of teaching service.

Always cross check your document list against the official current year Embassy announcement before submission. Requirements can be updated each cycle.

Embassy Recommendation vs University Recommendation

Embassy Recommendation Route

The Embassy Recommendation route is the primary and most common pathway for Nepali students applying for MEXT. You submit your application to the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu by the announced deadline. The Embassy reviews documents, conducts the written examination, and interviews shortlisted candidates. The Embassy then nominates its selected candidates to MEXT in Tokyo for final approval.

This route is open to all eligible Nepali applicants in all MEXT categories without needing any prior connection to a Japanese university. You do not need to contact professors or secure a university placement before applying. The Embassy handles the initial selection and MEXT handles university placement after you are selected.

The Embassy Recommendation route typically leads to April enrollment in the following year.

University Recommendation Route

The University Recommendation route is primarily available for graduate students (master’s and PhD) who have already established contact with a specific Japanese university and professor willing to nominate them to MEXT.

In this route, you first contact a Japanese university whose faculty research aligns with your proposed work. If a professor agrees to supervise you and the university has a MEXT quota for international students, the university nominates you to MEXT directly. Applications go through the university, not the Embassy, and you do not sit the Embassy written examination.

University recommended scholars often start in September or October rather than April. Timelines and requirements vary by university since each institution manages its own process.

Which Route Is Right for You?

For most Nepali applicants who do not yet have established contact with a Japanese professor or university, the Embassy Recommendation route is the clear and practical starting point. The application process is standardized, the timeline is predictable, and the requirements are publicly announced by the Embassy each year.

For graduate students who have already been in contact with a potential Japanese supervisor through prior research correspondence, or who completed their undergraduate or master’s research on a topic that directly connects to a specific Japanese lab’s work, pursuing the University Recommendation alongside or instead of the Embassy route may be worth exploring.

In practice, graduate applicants can explore both routes simultaneously since they operate independently. Successfully securing a professor’s interest through the University route and also preparing a strong Embassy Recommendation application gives you two pathways toward the same goal.

MEXT Scholarship Selection Process

Document Screening

After the application deadline, Embassy staff review all submitted applications for eligibility and completeness. Applications missing any required document, with incorrect attestation, or not meeting the basic eligibility criteria (nationality, age, academic background) are rejected at this stage without proceeding to the examination.

Applications that pass document screening receive an examination number and invitation to the written test. In recent years, notification of screening results came approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the submission deadline.

Written Examination

All categories sit a written examination in Kathmandu at the Embassy. The examination is approximately 3 hours total across two papers.

Undergraduate and specialized training college applicants take papers in Japanese language, English language, and Mathematics, plus a subject specific test in Science (for Natural Sciences applicants) or a Humanities subject. The difficulty level is approximately equivalent to strong Plus 2 performance.

Research (master’s and PhD) applicants take papers in English language and a subject relevant to their proposed field. The English paper is approximately TOEFL iBT 70 to 80 level in difficulty, covering reading comprehension and a short essay.

Past examination papers from previous years are available through the Study in Japan portal and are one of the most effective preparation resources since question formats and difficulty patterns repeat year to year.

Interview

Candidates who pass the written examination are invited to an Embassy interview. Interviews are typically 15 to 30 minutes long and conducted in English by a panel of 2 to 4 people including Embassy education officers and sometimes visiting Japanese academic faculty.

The interview assesses your study or research plan in depth, your motivation for choosing Japan and your specific field, which Japanese universities and professors you want to work with and why, how you will contribute to Nepal after returning, and your readiness to live and work in Japan.

The most common interview questions and how to answer them effectively are covered in detail in our separate application guide on how to apply for MEXT scholarship from Nepal.

Final Selection

After the Embassy interview, the Embassy forwards its recommended candidates’ full application files to MEXT in Tokyo. MEXT conducts a second and final review. This process typically takes several months. Final MEXT approval and university placement notifications are usually issued in late November to January for April enrollment the following year.

After final selection, scholars receive their scholarship award certificate, guidance on visa procedures, and begin the COE and student visa process through the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.

For the Japan student visa process after receiving your MEXT award, you can read our guide on Japan student visa for Nepali students.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Incomplete Documents

Missing a single required document or submitting an improperly attested copy causes rejection at the document screening stage without any opportunity to resubmit that cycle. Applicants most commonly forget the second side of their citizenship certificate, submit uncertified translations, or fail to get transcripts notarized by a Notary Public rather than just stamped by the issuing institution.

Weak Study or Research Plan

For graduate applicants, a vague, generic, or unconvincing Research Plan is one of the most consistent reasons well qualified candidates do not advance past the interview. Stating that you want to study Japan’s advanced technology without naming a specific research question, methodology, or professor reads as unserious. MEXT evaluators see hundreds of applications and the ones that stand out are specific, demonstrate prior reading of relevant Japanese faculty publications, and connect the research clearly to Nepal’s actual development needs.

Not Meeting Eligibility Requirements

Applying despite being even one day outside the age limit, having marks slightly below the percentage threshold, or having a field of study that does not match your previous academic background for research applications causes immediate rejection. These are non negotiable hard rules, not soft guidelines.

Poor Interview Performance

Strong academic records and a good written test score do not compensate for vague or unconvincing performance in the interview. The most common interview weaknesses are inability to explain your research plan in specific terms, giving generic answers about why Japan such as I love Japanese culture or anime, not knowing which specific professor or lab at your preferred universities you want to work with, and not having a concrete answer about how you will apply your Japan trained skills back in Nepal after graduation.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Maintain Strong Academic Performance

Your marks from SEE and Plus 2 (for undergraduate applicants) or from your bachelor’s degree (for graduate applicants) are the primary academic filter. Aim clearly above the stated minimums. Many successful MEXT scholars from Nepal have Plus 2 marks of 80 percent or above for science applicants and 70 percent or above for humanities. Strong marks in the subjects most relevant to your proposed field are noticed by evaluators.

Prepare a Clear Study or Research Plan

For research applicants, start writing your Research Plan 3 to 4 months before the application deadline. Look up 5 to 10 papers published by potential Japanese supervisors in your field in the last 3 years. Choose 2 to 3 professors whose current research directly connects to the question you want to work on. Name them in your Research Plan and explain specifically how their work informs your proposed approach. This level of specificity is the single biggest differentiator between strong and weak graduate MEXT applications.

For undergraduate applicants, a clear personal statement explaining your academic motivations and your genuine interest in Japan beyond its popular culture, connected to a specific field of study, reads significantly better than generic praise of Japan.

Submit Complete Documents

Use the official document checklist from the current year’s Embassy announcement as your primary guide. Get transcripts and certificates notarized by a Notary Public in Nepal, not just stamped or signed by the issuing institution. Ensure certified English translations accompany all Nepali language documents. Check the email submission format and file size limits specified in the current year’s announcement before sending.

Prepare Well for the Interview

Practice answering core interview questions out loud, not just in your head. Silent mental rehearsal does not build the actual speaking fluency you need in the room. Common questions to prepare for include explaining your research plan in 3 minutes, naming which specific professors at your preferred universities work on your research topic and why, what you will do if MEXT places you at a university other than your first choice, and how your Japan trained skills will directly address a specific problem in Nepal after you return.

Starting Japanese language study before applying, even reaching JLPT N4 or N3, shows genuine commitment to Japan and is noticed positively by interview panels.

Frequently Asked Questions