MEXT FAQ: The Questions Everyone Asks
We collected the most common questions from Reddit threads, Quora answers, embassy forums and hundreds of applicant emails. Here are honest, direct answers without the bureaucratic runaround.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Eligibility
No. Most programmes include Japanese language training for those who need it. But never leave the exam section blank. See the full guide.
The Embassy track has no official minimum; University-track calls ask for at least 2.30 on MEXT’s 3-point scale. By our estimate, competitive applicants have 3.0+/4.0 for the Embassy track and 3.5+ for the University track. See the eligibility details.
Research students must be born on or after 2 April 1992 (under 35); undergraduates on or after 2 April 2002 (under 25). Japanese Studies is 18–29 and YLP under 40. See Eligibility.
Application
No, not at the same time. Try one track one year and the other the next. See the track comparison.
Embassy: 12–14 months. University: 6–10 months. Start early. See the full timeline.
The 2027 Embassy call opened around mid-April 2026 and has closed. You may still find University Recommendation intakes for autumn 2027, whose deadlines often fall between late autumn and winter. The next Embassy call, for 2028, is expected around April 2027. Teacher Training and Japanese Studies calls for October 2027 arrival are expected between December 2026 and February 2027. See the deadline guide.
Life in Japan
Tight in Tokyo (about ¥13K left each month). Comfortable in Sendai or Fukuoka (about ¥57K–61K left). See the city comparison.
Only with permission. The maximum is 28 hours a week during term, and poor academics can cost you your scholarship. See the work rules.
You have the answers — now it's time to begin. Our step-by-step guide walks you through every stage, or check eligibility first.