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MEXT Deadline and Timeline: The 12–18 Month Process

There is no single global MEXT deadline. Each embassy and each university sets its own. Here are the official FY2027 dates, where the cycle stands now and when the next call is expected.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 2 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

Where we are (October 2026)

The FY2027 Embassy Recommendation round (arrival April or September/October 2027) opened around mid-April 2026 and has finished its first screening. Results are due between January and early March 2027. The next Embassy call, for 2028 arrival, is expected around mid-April 2027, based on the 2027 schedule — MEXT has not published it yet, so watch your embassy's website. Teacher Training and Japanese Studies follow a separate cycle: recruitment for October arrival runs from December to February, so their FY2027 calls are expected between December 2026 and February 2027 (Study in Japan).

Embassy track timeline

The official FY2027 schedule for research students, from the MEXT application guidelines. Exact deadlines vary by embassy.

1
February–March
Start preparation
Contact the embassy and begin your research plan.
2
Around mid-April 2026
Embassy call opens
Each Japanese embassy or consulate opens its call and sets its own submission deadline, typically in April or May.
3
Early May–late July 2026
First screening
Document review, written exams and the interview.
4
Until 1 September 2026
Request provisional acceptance
Research students who passed contact universities for letters of provisional acceptance. Requests made on 2 September or later are not allowed.
5
Mid-September–early October 2026
Placement Preference Application Form
Submitted to the embassy by its own deadline.
6
From November 2026
Second screening and placement
Months of silence. Do not email asking for updates.
7
January–early March 2027
Final results
Notified through the embassy (undergraduate results come after February 2027). Visa preparation follows.
8
1–7 April 2027, or September/October 2027
Arrive in Japan
The April term window is 1–7 April 2027; autumn arrivals come within two weeks of the university's term start.

University track timeline

1
6–12 months before
Contact professors
Find a supervisor at a university that holds a MEXT recommendation quota.
2
Often October–January
University deadlines
Each university sets its own deadline. For example, Ritsumeikan plans to release its guidelines for September 2027 entry between November and December 2026 (Ritsumeikan).
3
Several months later
MEXT approval
Each university tells you when to expect MEXT’s decision. We estimate 85–95% of nominees are approved. Most university-recommended scholars arrive in September or October.

Planning for the 2028 Embassy call

If you missed the 2027 round, use the next six months well. Based on the 2027 schedule, expect the call around mid-April 2027, first screening from May to July 2027 and arrival in April or autumn 2028. Treat these as expected dates until your embassy publishes the 2028 guidelines.

Now–January: confirm eligibility and draft your research plan.
February–March: request transcripts and your recommendation letter; book the medical check.
April: check your embassy's website weekly and submit before its deadline.

The best time to start preparing was 18 months ago. The second best time is today.

Ready? Follow the step-by-step application guide or choose your track first.