Embassy of Japan in the United States of America

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for U.S. Citizens

The Japanese Government's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has provided scholarships since 1954 to assist students interested in studying at Japanese universities. As of 2015, approximately 102,000 students from 160 countries have studied in Japan through this program. The scholarship offers four types of awards for U.S. citizens: Research Student Scholarship (for college graduates under 35), Undergraduate Student Scholarship (for high school graduates generally under 24), Specialized Training College Student Scholarship (ages 17-22 with 12 years of education), and Japanese Studies Scholarship (ages 18-30 for students majoring in Japanese language/culture). Applications are processed through regional Japanese consulates based on applicant jurisdiction.