The 2026 Japanese Government MEXT Teacher Training Students Scholarship is a fully funded program designed for international educators to conduct research on school education at designated Japanese universities. The scholarship offers comprehensive benefits, including a monthly stipend of 143,000 to 146,000 yen, full tuition coverage, and round-trip airfare. Eligible candidates must have at least five years of teaching experience, be born on or after April 2, 1991, and hold a degree from a teacher training college or university. The application process is managed through Japanese embassies and consulates, with a primary deadline of January 31, 2026, depending on the country of origin.
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Japan |
| Funding Body | Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) |
| Monthly Stipend | 143,000 – 146,000 Yen |
| Program Level | Teacher Training / Postgraduate |
| Teaching Experience | Minimum 5 Years Required |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 (Varies by Embassy) |
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship Program Overview
The Japanese Government MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Teacher Training Scholarship is a prestigious initiative designed for international primary and secondary school teachers.
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This program offers educators the unique opportunity to conduct specialized research in school education, educational administration, and pedagogical methods at designated Japanese universities. The primary goal is to foster “human bridges” between Japan and the global community, allowing participants to bring advanced Japanese educational insights back to their home countries. The scholarship is comprehensive, covering all essential costs from living stipends to health insurance and international travel.
Fully Funded MEXT Teacher Training Students Scholarship 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Up to 146,000 Yen Monthly)
- Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive 143,000 yen per month, with an additional supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 or 3,000 yen for specific research locations.
- Full Tuition Waiver: MEXT pays for all entrance examination fees, matriculation, and tuition at the assigned Japanese university.
Tier 2: Travel and Logistic Support
- International Airfare: The scholarship provides round-trip economy class airfare from the grantee’s home country to Japan.
- Settlement Support: Includes assistance with “Student” visa processing and initial arrival logistics through the local Japanese Embassy.
Tier 3: Language and Cultural Integration
- Japanese Language Training: Includes a preparatory course in the Japanese language for those who require it to facilitate their research and daily life in Japan.
Eligibility Requirements for Japanese Government MEXT Teacher Training Scholarship [2026]
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be graduates of a university or teacher training college and have at least five years of active teaching experience as of April 1, 2026.
- Study Status: Must be willing to carry out research on school education at a Japanese university and return to their home country to resume teaching immediately after the program.
- Visa Status: Candidates must be nationals of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan and obtain a “Student” visa before arrival.
- Program Admission: Candidates must be born on or after April 2, 1991, and be medically fit as certified by a health professional.
Documents for Japanese Government MEXT Teacher Training Scholarship Application
| Application Guidelines |
|---|
Application Guidelines for Teacher Training Students |
| Application Guidelines for Teacher Training Students (in Japanese) |
Course Guide of Teacher Training Program（MEXT Site） |
| Application Forms |
|---|
| Application Form for FY2026 |
| Placement Preference Application Form for FY2026 |
| Certificate of Health Note: Certificate of Health must be filled in by a professional medical doctor. |
| Recommendation Letter Sample Note: This is a sample. Any form/style of letter is to be accepted. |
How to Apply for Japanese Government MEXT Teacher Training Scholarships [2026] (Step by Step)
- Review Guidelines & Prepare Documents: Visit the official Japanese Embassy website in your country to download the 2026 Application Form, Placement Preference Form, and Medical Certificate template.
- Submit to Japanese Embassy: Submit your completed application package, including certified transcripts, diplomas, and your certificate of employment, to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country of origin.
- Examination & Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to undergo a written examination (primarily Japanese and English) and a formal interview conducted by the Embassy.
- Final Selection & Placement: Following the Embassy’s recommendation, MEXT performs a final review and assigns the candidate to a suitable Japanese university for their research.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a degree-granting program?
No, the Teacher Training program is a non-degree research course. You will receive a certificate of completion but not a Master’s or PhD.
2. Can I apply if I have only 3 years of teaching experience?
No, the program strictly requires a minimum of five years of professional teaching experience at the primary or secondary level by April 1, 2026.
3. What subjects can I research in Japan?
You can research various aspects of school education, including educational administration, teaching methods, specialized subject research, and school management.
4. Do I need to be fluent in Japanese before applying?
While fluency is not required, you must have a strong willingness to learn the language, as most training and daily life will be in Japanese.
5. Does the scholarship cover my family’s travel?
No, the MEXT scholarship only provides travel expenses for the grantee. Family members’ expenses must be covered privately.
6. Can university professors apply for this scholarship?
Generally, this program is intended for primary and secondary school teachers. University-level instructors are usually not eligible unless they teach at a teacher training facility.
7. What happens if I cannot arrive during the designated period?
Grantees must arrive in Japan during the period designated by MEXT (usually October). Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the scholarship.
8. Is there an application fee?
No, the application for the Japanese Government MEXT scholarship is completely free of charge.
9. Can I choose which university I attend in Japan?
You can state your preferences in the “Placement Preference Application Form,” but the final decision is made by MEXT based on university capacity.
10. Am I allowed to work part-time while on the scholarship?
Scholarship recipients are generally expected to focus on their research, but part-time work may be permitted under specific conditions with university approval.
