Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships, Embassy Recommendation

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship funds international students to study in Japan, with most Ugandan applicants applying through the Embassy Recommendation route administered by the Embassy of Japan in Uganda.

## About this scholarship MEXT (the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) funds several categories of study in Japan, including Research Students, undergraduate students, teacher training, Japanese studies, college of technology, and specialized training college. Under Embassy Recommendation, the Embassy of Japan in Uganda runs its own local screening before forwarding successful candidates to MEXT.

## Who can apply - For the Research Student category, applicants must be university graduates holding at least an Upper Second Class honours degree, or a Master's degree. - Applicants must secure acceptance from a Japanese university; MEXT rejects Embassy Recommendation applicants whose university placement is not confirmed by 14 August of the intake year. - Specific age, subject and language requirements vary by category (Research Student, undergraduate, teacher training, Japanese studies, technical/specialized college) and are set out in each year's embassy notice.

## What it covers - Full tuition and examination fees, once the student has progressed into a formal degree programme. - A monthly stipend (around JPY 143,000-145,000 for Research Students). - Round-trip airfare, in most cases. - Health insurance.

## How to apply For the Research Student category, applications are submitted physically at the Embassy of Japan in Uganda. Required documents include the MEXT application form; a field-of-study and research plan; a certificate of health; a recommendation letter; certified copies of academic documents; a form of ID (national ID, driving permit, company ID or school ID); a passport bio-data page; and a birth certificate. Shortlisted candidates sit a written exam followed by an interview.

## Key dates (most recent cycle, Research Student category) - Application deadline: 20 May 2026, at the Embassy of Japan in Uganda. - Written exams: June 2026. - Interviews: July 2026. - University placement confirmation deadline: 14 August 2026.

No fees are ever required to apply for this scholarship. Contact the Embassy of Japan in Uganda directly with questions.