Japan Osaka University MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) for Bachelors, Masters, and PhD Programs

The University of Osaka is inviting international students to apply for the prestigious MEXT Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship program sponsored by the Japanese Government. The scholarship provides an outstanding opportunity for students from around the world to pursue undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies in Japan at one of the country's leading research universities.

Funded by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the scholarship supports talented students through both Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation pathways, covering major educational and living expenses throughout the study period.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Japan
• Host University: University of Osaka
• Funded By: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Degree Level: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• Eligible Nationalities: International Students
• Application Route: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation
• Study Location: Osaka, Japan
• Letter of Acceptance Deadline (Graduate Applicants): 1 September

1. Full tuition coverage
2. Monthly stipend
3. Round-trip airfare
4. Japanese language training
5. Support with accommodation

Open to international students of all nationalities.

To be eligible for the MEXT Scholarship at Osaka University, you must:

1. Nationality:
2. Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
3. Age Requirement:
4. Be under 25 years old for undergraduate programs.
5. Be under 35 years old for graduate (Master's/PhD) programs.
6. (As of April 1 of the year of arrival in Japan.)
7. Academic Background:
8. For undergraduate programs: Must have completed 12 years of school education (or expected to graduate before arrival in Japan).
9. For Master’s programs: Must hold a bachelor's degree (or expected to graduate).
10. For Doctoral programs: Must hold a Master’s degree (or expected to graduate).
11. Health Condition:
12. Must be physically and mentally fit to study in Japan.
13. Language Proficiency:
14. No specific requirement for Japanese language proficiency for English-taught programs.
15. Japanese-taught programs may require Japanese ability.
16. IELTS/TOEFL scores may be required for English-taught programs.
17. Willingness to Learn Japanese:
18. Applicants must be willing to learn Japanese and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
19. Visa Requirement:
20. Must obtain a student visa (留学 “ryūgaku”) before arriving in Japan.
21. Non-receipt of Other Scholarships:
22. Must not be receiving any other scholarships that cover the same expenses during the study period in Japan.

Additional Requirements by Application Route

A) Embassy Recommendation

1. Pass the first screening conducted by the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country (includes document review, written exams, and interview).
2. For graduate programs, applicants must then obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Osaka University via their AAD system.

B) University Recommendation

1. Must be affiliated with a partner university or institution with which Osaka University has a formal agreement.
2. Pass the relevant entrance examination or selection process at Osaka University.

Types of MEXT Scholarships at Osaka University

1. Undergraduate Level

There are two routes:

A) Embassy Recommendation

1. Apply via the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your home country.
2. Initial screening includes a document review, written exam, and interview.
3. Selected students take a one-year Japanese language course at Osaka University before beginning their degree.
4. Students who pass the entrance exam proceed to the undergraduate program.

B) University Recommendation

You must first pass the entrance exam for one of the international undergraduate programs:

1. Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program (HUS)
2. Email: [email protected]
3. International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS)
4. Email: [email protected]

2. Graduate Level (Master’s & Doctoral Programs)

A) Embassy Recommendation

1. Apply through your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate General.
2. Students may begin with a 6–12 month research student phase, which includes language training if needed.
3. After passing the graduate entrance exam, students can enter a full Master’s or Doctoral program.

Important Deadlines for Embassy Recommendation:

1. February–March 2025: Application to Japanese Embassy or Consulate General
2. May–July 2025: First screening (documents, exam, interview)
3. August 2025: Request letter of acceptance from Osaka University via AAD
4. September 1, 2025 (Japan Time): Final deadline for AAD submission
5. February 2026: Scholarship award notification
6. April or October 2026: Arrival in Japan

How to Apply for a Letter of Acceptance (LOA):

After passing the first screening, apply through the Osaka University AAD System. Submit all required documents (in PDF format), including:

1. Application form
2. Field of Study and Research Plan
3. Academic transcripts
4. Degree certificates
5. Recommendation letter(s)
6. Medical certificate
7. Proof of embassy screening pass

Refer to Osaka University's official site for full application instructions and document labeling requirements.

B) University Recommendation

1. Open to students from partner universities or institutions with active research collaboration.
2. Students must be selected and recommended by Osaka University.
3. Arrival in Japan is in October 2026.

Key Deadlines for University Recommendation:

1. November 2025–January 2026: Applications accepted
2. End of May 2026: Final selection by MEXT
3. October 2026: Arrival in Japan

Conclusion

Applying for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 at Osaka University offers a unique chance to study in Japan’s academic and innovation capital. Start early by preparing your documents, researching potential supervisors, and following the correct application process. Always confirm the latest updates on Osaka University’s official website and through your local embassy or consulate.