The Japanese Government’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships for academic study in Japan to foreign students interested in deepening their understanding of the Japanese language, Japanese affairs and Japanese culture. The purpose of these scholarships is to promote mutual understanding and  deepening friendly ties between Japan and other countries through the application of advanced knowledge regarding Japan’s language and culture.

Available to university graduates, the Research Student Scholarship covers a one-and-a-half year to two-year period of graduate research at Japanese universities. The study area must be in the same field as the applicant studied or is now studying, or a related one. Recipients may enter Master's or Ph.D. program after passing the entrance examination given by the university concerned. Includes a half-year of Japanese language training for those who need Japanese language training.

Scholarship Details
Research Student Scholarship:

• For university graduates under 35 years of age.
• Covers 1 ½ - 2 year period of graduate research at a Japanese university (may also cover a degree program for students who pass entrance exam during scholarship period).
• May be in any field of study that the student has background in.
• May include a half year of Japanese language training for those who need it.

To apply through the Seattle Consulate-General of Japan:

Applicants must be U.S. citizens living in Washington, Montana, and Northern Idaho States. Please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your area if you do not reside in our jurisdiction.

If you possess and maintain dual citizenship with Japan and the U.S. you are not eligible to apply for the Japanese Government Scholarship unless you renounce your Japanese citizenship.

Those who will be graduating from a university by March or September of the application year may apply.

The study area must be in the same field as the applicant studied or is now studying, or a related one.

Applicants need to be less than 35 years of age and must be university graduates.

• senior
• graduate

• US Citizen

Application forms and information is available at: https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/scholarship.html 

Scholarship Benefits

• Exemption from school fees (tuition/examinations/matriculation)
• Travel expenses to and from Japan
• Monthly stipend