Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship Students

The MEXT Government-Sponsored International Student Program

This program enables students to study in Japan with a scholarship from MEXT.
For details, be sure to refer to the Application Guideline corresponding to the year for which you are applying.

About the Government-Sponsored International Student Program (MEXT)
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/06032818.htm

The MEXT Government-Sponsored International Students at TUFS

1. Category

The government-sponsored international students accepted by TUFS are as follows.

1）Undergraduate Students
2）Research Students
3）Japanese Studies Students
TUFS Japanese Studies Students Course Guide for 2026 (Japanese only)
4）Teacher-Training Students
TUFS will not accept Teacher-Training Students in 2026.

※Japanese Language Center for International Students, which offered a preparatory program, closed in March 2026.

2. Application Method

There are two ways to apply. As a general rule, you must apply before coming to Japan.

1）Recommendation by the Embassy

Process: Applications for this category are made directly through Japanese embassies or consulate generals outside Japan. Because the application process differs according to the country in which the Japanese embassy or consulate general is located, please inquire at the Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country for details.
Applicable Programs: Undergraduate Students / Research Students / Japanese Studies Students / Teacher-Training Students
Contact: The Japanese embassy or consulate general in your country

Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions (MOFA)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/zaigai/list/index.html
2）Recommendation by the University

Process: Applications for this category involve TUFS selecting candidates who have been officially recommended by overseas universities with which TUSF has student exchange agreements, and then recommending them to MEXT.
Applicable Programs (Application Period): Research Students (around December) / Japanese Studies Students (around March)
Contact: International exchange coordinators at overseas universities with which TUFS has signed student exchange agreements

List of Partner Institutions for Student Exchange Programs (TUFS)
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/student/studyabroad/schools/

※Regarding university recommendations under the “Special Selection,” applicants for the relevant majors will be notified separately.

For those who wish to enter TUFS under the Research Students Program (Recommendation by the Embassy)

Applicants wishing to enter TUFS under the Research Students Program (Recommendation by the Embassy) must pass the primary screening conducted by the embassy or consulate general, obtain a “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” from TUFS, and then proceed to the secondary screening at the embassy or consulate general.

After passing the primary screening conducted by the embassy or consulate general, please follow the steps below to apply for provisional acceptance.
※Please plan ahead when submitting your application, as it typically takes about one month to issue a “Letter of Provisional Acceptance.”

Step 1	Pass the primary screening conducted by the embassy or consulate general 　※Please contact the embassy or consulate general for details regarding the primary screening.
Step 2	Select a Research Advisor Please refer to the “List of Research Advisors and Acceptance Criteria” below to find a Research Advisor whose research field matches your interests and whoes acceptance criteria you can meet. 　※Please do not contact the Research Advisors directly. [MEXT funded / Privately Financed International Research Students] List of Research Advisors and Acceptance Criteria 　※The list is typically updated in early August each year. Until then, please refer to the previous year’s list. Faculty and Researcher Information (TUFS) Undergraduate program School of Language and Culture Studies School of International and Area Studies School of Japan Studies Postgraduate Program Master's Program Doctoral Program Researchers list
Step 3	Submit a Provisional Acceptance Request via the Web Form Please submit your application using the web form below. https://business.form-mailer.jp/fms/cefdf2d4145949 　※This web form is only valid during the application period. 　※If you are unable to submit your application via the web form, please contact us by email using the contact information provided below. The following documents are required for your application. Please have them ready. The following documents you have submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general of your home country ① Copy of a Passing Certificate of the Primary Screening issued by the Japanese embassy or consulate general ② Application Form for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship ③ Field of Study and Research Plan ④ Academic transcript for all academic year of university attended ⑤ Certificate of graduation or degree certificate of the university attended ⑥ Recommendation letter from the president/dean or the academic advisor at the current or last university attended ⑦ Abstracts of theses (Only if submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general) ⑧ Certificate of language proficiency (Only if submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general) ⑨ Recommendation letter from the present employer (*Only if submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general) ⑩ Medical Certificate　 Other documents required by the TUFS professor to whom you are applying as a condition for acceptance (If any)
Step 4	Obtain the “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” If you are accepted, TUFS will prepare a “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” and send it to you via email. 　※Please allow approximately one month for a response.
Step 5	Submit the “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” to the embassy or consulate general Please submit the “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” sent by TUFS to the embassy or consulate general and undergo the secondary screening.

Contact

Global Admissions Office (GAO)
Email address: gao[at]tufs.ac.jp
　※Please replace [at] with @ before sending.