University of Osaka MEXT Scholarship 2026 – Japanese Government Scholarship for International Students

Scholarship Description

The University of Osaka MEXT Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered by the Japanese Government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology – MEXT) to international students wishing to study at the University of Osaka. The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, a monthly allowance, and travel expenses to support outstanding students from around the world.

The University of Osaka (formerly Osaka University) is one of Japan's leading national universities, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The university accepts MEXT scholarship students at both undergraduate and graduate levels through two application routes: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation. Successful applicants typically enroll as research students before progressing to degree programs.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Osaka in Osaka, Japan. The university has multiple campuses across the Osaka metropolitan area, offering world-class research and educational facilities.

Scholarship Deadlines

Deadlines vary depending on the application route and level of study.

Host Institution

The University of Osaka (UOsaka) – one of Japan's most prestigious national universities. It is a leading research university with a long history of academic excellence and international collaboration. The university offers a wide range of programs across humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, and more.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Undergraduate (Bachelor's) and Graduate (Master's and Doctoral).

Fields: All academic fields offered at the University of Osaka are eligible. The scholarship supports studies across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and more.

Undergraduate programs with University Recommendation:

• Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program (HUS)
• International Undergraduate Program in Science (IUPS)

Graduate programs: All graduate schools at the University of Osaka are eligible.

Target Group

The MEXT scholarship targets international students from all countries who wish to study at the University of Osaka. Applicants are recruited through:

• Embassy Recommendation: Students apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
• University Recommendation: Students are recommended by the University of Osaka to MEXT, typically from partner universities or research institutes.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Scholarship benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage – tuition fees are fully covered by MEXT
• Monthly allowance – for living expenses (amount varies by level)
• Travel expenses – round-trip airfare between home country and Japan
• Research and academic support – access to world-class research facilities

Duration:

• Undergraduate: Typically 5 years (including 1 year of Japanese language training)
• Graduate (Master's): Typically 2 years
• Graduate (PhD): Typically 3 years
• Research students: 6–12 months before entering degree program

Japanese language training: Scholarship recipients may receive Japanese language training at the Center for Japanese Language and Culture (undergraduate) or the International Student Center (graduate) before starting their degree program.

Scholarship Eligibility

General eligibility (varies by program and route):

• Nationality: Must be an international student (non-Japanese).
• Academic background: Must have completed secondary education (undergraduate) or hold a bachelor's degree (graduate).
• Language proficiency: Japanese language skills are required for undergraduate programs (students take Japanese language lessons for one year). English proficiency may be required for English-taught programs.
• Age: Typically under 25 for undergraduate and under 35 for graduate programs (varies by program).

For Embassy Recommendation (Graduate):

• Applicants must pass the first screening by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in their home country.
• Applicants must obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from a prospective supervisor at the University of Osaka.

For University Recommendation:

• Students from universities with which UOsaka has exchange agreements.
• Students from research institutes with joint research projects with UOsaka.

Application Procedure

For Embassy Recommendation (Graduate):

1. Apply to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate – Submit your application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country by the deadline (typically mid-April).
2. Pass the first screening – Complete the documentary examination, written examination, and interview.
3. Request a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) – After passing the first screening, apply through the Admissions Assistance Desk (AAD) System to request a Letter of Acceptance from the University of Osaka. The deadline for LoA applications is September 1, 2026.
4. Submit required documents to AAD – Upload the following documents to the AAD System:
   • Application Form
   • Field of Study and Research Plan
   • Academic transcripts
   • Certificate of graduation/degree
   • Recommendation letter
   • Medical certificate
   • Copy of Passing Certificate of the First Screening
   • Other supporting documents as required
5. Complete additional procedures – After receiving AAD approval, complete additional procedures including an interview and screening by the prospective supervisor to obtain the Letter of Acceptance.
6. Second screening – MEXT conducts a second screening (consultation between MEXT and the university).
7. Notification – Successful applicants are notified in March of the following year.
8. Arrive in Japan – Scholarship recipients arrive in Japan in April or October.

For Embassy Recommendation (Undergraduate):

1. Apply to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your home country (February–March).
2. Pass the first screening (May–July).
3. Receive the scholarship award notification (February of the following year).
4. Take Japanese language lessons at the Center for Japanese Language and Culture for one year.
5. Pass the entrance exam to enroll in an undergraduate course.

For University Recommendation:

1. Apply to the University of Osaka through the partner university or research institute (November–January).
2. Submit required documents (application form, research proposal, language certificates, transcripts, recommendation letter).
3. Selected by MEXT (around the end of May).
4. Arrive in Japan in October.

Important notes: All applications for the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) must be submitted through the AAD System. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For specific program requirements, contact the relevant administrative office.

Official Website & Application Links

University of Osaka – MEXT Scholarship Official Page

Admissions Assistance Desk (AAD) System: Available on the University of Osaka website

Graduate Inquiries: International Affairs Division, [email protected]

Undergraduate HUS Program: [email protected]

Undergraduate IUPS Program: [email protected]

JASSO Website: For University Recommendation applicants