Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) via the Embassy of Japan in Thailand
MEXT Scholarship, Research Students (Japanese Government, Embassy Recommendation)
The Japanese Government's main graduate scholarship for Thai citizens, selected by the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok. You usually start as a research student (with up to six months of Japanese if needed), then sit the entrance exam for a master's or doctoral course, and the scholarship runs for the length of the degree.
Application round
For the 2027 round, the complete application had to reach the Embassy of Japan in Bangkok or the Consulate-General in Chiang Mai by post by Tuesday 2 June 2026 (hand delivery not accepted). The written exam was held on Saturday 27 June 2026 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Songkhla, with interviews at the embassy in late July and early August and first-screening results on 6 August 2026. MEXT announces the final placements in early 2027.
Next round
The 2028 round should follow the same pattern: forms published on the embassy website around April 2027, a postal deadline around late May or early June 2027, and the written exam in late June. Original English-language transcripts and certificates take time to obtain, so request them early in 2027.
The IELTS requirement
MEXT does not ask for an IELTS score. The embassy's first screening uses its own written exams in English and Japanese (everyone sits both) plus an interview in English or Japanese. IELTS only comes in two places: 5.5 overall (CEFR B2) lets you apply with a GPAX of 3.00-3.24, with a certificate no older than two years, and English-taught master's or PhD programmes in Japan set their own entry score, often 6.5. If you plan to study in English, work towards 6.5 before you apply so the placement goes smoothly.
Where is your IELTS score now?
Your university sets the IELTS score for this scholarship. Take the free level test to get an estimated band for each skill before you apply.
What it covers
- A monthly stipend of 143,000 yen as a research student, 144,000 yen on a master's course and 145,000 yen on a doctoral course (plus 2,000-3,000 yen in some regions)
- Entrance examination, matriculation and tuition fees at the university
- An economy-class air ticket to Japan
- No bond: there is no obligation to work for the Japanese or Thai government afterwards
Who can apply
- Thai citizen, born on or after 2 April 1992 (under 35 on 1 April 2027)
- A bachelor's degree (16 years of education) completed or expected before you arrive in Japan
- Bachelor's GPAX of at least 3.25; or 3.00-3.24 with JLPT N1/N2, EJU Japanese 200+, CEFR B2 English (IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72 or TOEIC 785), or a degree taught in English or Japanese
- Master's graduates: master's GPAX of at least 3.50 and bachelor's GPAX of at least 3.00
- A research plan and a preferred university and supervisor in Japan (recommendation letters are only asked for after the first screening)
- Not military personnel, not a previous MEXT scholar, and not already studying in Japan as a privately financed student
Key facts
- Provider
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) via the Embassy of Japan in Thailand
- Where you study
- Japan
- Study level
- Master's, PhD
- Funding
- Fully funded
- Application round
- Closes June 2, 2026
Already know your score?
Build an IELTS plan for this scholarship
We've preselected 6.5, a typical requirement for this scholarship's courses. Check your own course and press Next to keep it, or choose a different score.
Step 1 of 6
What band do you need?
Your overall IELTS target.
We checked these details against the provider's official page on November 1, 2026. Rules and dates change every round, so confirm them there before you apply.
Official pageOther scholarships
All scholarships →- Closing soonPartly funded
New Zealand · Master's
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
25% off one year of tuition for new international master's students at the University of Auckland. Semester One 2027 offer holders are invited; forms due 4 November 2026.
- IELTS needed
- –
- Set by your university
- Applications
- Closes Nov 4, 2026
- Accepting applications
- Closing soonPartly funded
Canada · Bachelor's
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
Four years of tuition, books, fees and residence for about 37 international undergraduates at the University of Toronto. Your school nominates you; admission needs IELTS 6.5.
- IELTS needed
- –
- Set by your university
- Applications
- Closes Nov 6, 2026
- Accepting applications
- Closing soonPartly funded
Canada · Bachelor's
UBC International Scholars Program (University of British Columbia)
Need-based awards for international school leavers starting a first degree at UBC, including the Karen McKellin and Wehrung awards. Apply by 15 November; IELTS 6.5 by 31 January.
- IELTS needed
- –
- Set by your university
- Applications
- Closes Nov 15, 2026
- Accepting applications