MEXT Scholarships 2026 for Ethiopian Students – By Japanese Government; April 23, 2025
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Introduction to MEXT Scholarships 2026
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship schemes in the world, offering full financial support to international students who aspire to study in Japan. Managed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this initiative aims to foster international cooperation and promote cultural exchange by welcoming students from around the globe. Ethiopian students are encouraged to apply through the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, which is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year.
Application Deadline and General Notes
- Application Submission Deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025
- Mode of Submission: Only postal submissions are accepted.
- Address:
Embassy of Japan Cultural and Press Division (MEXT Scholarship) P.O. Box 5650 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Do Not Submit By: Email or hand delivery.
- Important Notices:
- Due to high volume, receipts of applications are not acknowledged.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for written exams and interviews.
- Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will be rejected without review.
- No inquiries regarding reasons for non-selection will be accepted.
Programs Available for Ethiopian Applicants
1. Research Students Program
Overview
This program is for students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD), or to conduct research (non-degree) in Japan.
Eligibility
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Must apply for a research area related to their undergraduate or postgraduate field of study.
- Submit a research plan, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts.
Duration
- Non-Degree Research: Up to 2 years, including 6-month Japanese language training if necessary.
- Degree Students: Duration of Master’s (typically 2 years) or PhD (3–4 years).
Benefits
- Monthly stipend: ¥143,000–¥145,000
- Full tuition and admission fee waiver
- Round-trip airfare
- Access to a preparatory Japanese language course (if required)
Selection Process
- First Screening: Application review, written exams, and interview by the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia.
- University Placement: Applicants who pass the first screening must seek provisional acceptance from Japanese universities.
- Second Screening: Final selection and university placement by MEXT in Tokyo.
2. Undergraduate Students Program
Overview
This scholarship is for students who want to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Japan.
Eligibility
- Must be born on or after April 2, 2001.
- Must have completed 12 years of school education or equivalent by March 2026.
Fields of Study
- Social Sciences and Humanities (A): Law, Politics, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language, etc.
- Social Sciences and Humanities (B): Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, etc.
- Natural Sciences (A, B, C): Engineering, Agriculture, Biology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, etc.
Duration
- 5 years (including 1-year preparatory education)
- 7 years for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, or 6-year Pharmacy courses
Benefits
- Monthly stipend: ¥117,000
- Full waiver of entrance exam, tuition, and admission fees
- Round-trip airfare
Direct Placement Option
Available for students with advanced proficiency in Japanese or English. No preparatory education is required.
3. College of Technology (KOSEN) Students Program
Overview
This program targets students wishing to pursue a technical or associate-level diploma at Japanese national institutes of technology (KOSEN).
Eligibility
- Must be born on or after April 2, 2001.
- Must have completed at least 11 years of schooling.
Fields of Study
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Network and Communication Engineering
- Materials, Civil, and Maritime Engineering
- Architecture
- Management and International Communication (under “Other Fields”)
Duration
- 4 years including 1 year preparatory education
- 4.5 years for Maritime Engineering majors
Benefits
- Monthly stipend: ¥117,000
- Full tuition and examination fee coverage
- Round-trip airfare
Full College of Technology Guidelines
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Confirm nationality, age, and academic background requirements per program.
Step 2: Download and Complete Application Forms
Visit the program-specific pages to download the necessary forms such as application, research plan, health certificate, etc.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts with original stamps
- Certificates of graduation or prospective graduation
- Recommendation letters (typed and signed)
- Health certificate signed by a physician
- Passport-size photo (glued)
- Language proficiency certificates (if available)
Step 4: Submit by Postal Mail
Send your application to the Embassy address ensuring it arrives before the deadline.
Examination and Interview Schedule
- Document Screening: Completeness and eligibility check
- Written Examination (June 2025): Subjects depend on the program and field
- Interview (July 2025): For those who pass the written exam
- Passing Certificate Issuance (Late July 2025): Enables application to Japanese universities
- Secondary Screening: Conducted by MEXT in Tokyo
Why Choose MEXT Scholarship?
- Complete financial support including tuition, stipend, and airfare
- Access to globally ranked universities
- Immersion in Japan’s rich culture and language
- Networking and career-building opportunities
Don’t forget to
- Read the official guidelines thoroughly
- Prepare documents early and ensure accuracy
- Write a focused research/study plan
- Stay updated via the official website
Final Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
Download Application Forms and Detailed Official Guides Here
View On Source (Original Announcement by Japan Embassy)
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