The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Research Student Scholarship for students who wish to study at Japanese universities as research or post-graduate students.

The scholarship covers:

1. Full tuition
   2. Monthly allowance
   3. Round-trip flight between Japan and Canada

The Research Student Scholarship is aimed at university graduates, born on or after April 2, 1991 (for the 2026 scholarship year). The area of research or post-grad study should be in the same or related field that the applicant has previously studied.

Application guides and forms are available through the links on the Consulate General of Japan website: 

https://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/mext_en.html. Application deadline for the 2026 scholarship year: May 23, 2025.

Generally, application forms are available in April or May each year with a deadline in May. Interested applicants can enter their Email address on our website to be notified of the opening of the next application period.

Applicants who successfully pass the written application screening are required to undertake an interview and examination (English and Japanese language) to be held on a designated date in early to mid-July. Interviews and examinations must be conducted in-person at the Consulate General of Japan’s offices. Please note that fluency in Japanese is not necessarily required, but dependent on the nature of the university and study program as selected by the scholarship candidate.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to 604.684.5868, x397 or by email at jet@vc.mofa.go.jp.