Guidelines for 2027 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Applications: Undergraduate, Specialized Training College, and Research Students (PhD and Master’s Degree)
2026/4/23
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships to outstanding international students who wish to study at Japanese universities. The Embassy of Japan in Riyadh is now accepting applications for Undergraduate Students, Specialized Training College Students and Research Students (PhD and Master’s Degree) as outlined below.
【Selection Schedule for the 2027 Scholarship】
*The schedule is subject to change without notice
【Important information】
https://www.ye.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/00_000019.html
【The Email Address of the Embassy of Japan】
Email address: info@rd.mofa.go.jp
（Note: Applications are accepted by email only.）
【Guidelines】
Please check the links below to read the guidelines.
ALL necessary application forms are available via the following links.
・Undergraduate Students
General Information and Application Forms
・Specialized Training College Students
General Information and Application Forms
・Research Students (PhD and Master’s Degree)
General Information and Application Forms
【Frequently Asked Questions】
1. Do I have to submit the photos with my application?
Yes. Under any circumstances, the submission of your photos is mandatory. You may wear a hijab, shmagh or ghutra in the photos.
2. Do I have to take Japanese exam? I have never studied Japanese before.
Yes. It is mandatory for you to take the Japanese exam to be considered for selection. Past examinations are available from the following link.
(https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarship/application/examination/)
3. I do not have Saudi Nationality but I was born and reside in Saudi Arabia. Am I eligible to apply?
No, Only Saudi nationals are eligible to apply for the Embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship Program through the Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, as of today, we do not plan to accept MEXT scholarship applications from non-Saudi citizens and there are no exceptions. We recommend that you contact the Embassy of Japan in your country of citizenship to inquire about their application process.
4. I live in Jeddah. Can I take the exams and interview at Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah?
No. The exams and interviews for will be held only at the Embassy of Japan in Riyadh with NO exception. Application forms must also be sent to the Embassy of Japan in Riyadh.
5. I would like to bring my family member to Japan. Is it possible?
Please note that under the MEXT scholarship program, the allowance and airfare are covered only for the scholarship recipient. The Japanese government will not cover visa fees, allowances or airfare for family members. Visa processing times and necessary documents may vary depending on how you are related to the family member who wishes to go to Japan with you.
For further information, please contact the Cultural Section: info@rd.mofa.go.jp
【Selection Schedule for the 2027 Scholarship】
*The schedule is subject to change without notice
- June 18 (Thu), 2026: Application deadline (Submission by email (PDF File) only)
- By June 23 (Tue), 2026: Announcement of application screening results via email
- June 28 (Sun), 2026: Written exams for Undergraduate Students and Specialized Training College Students at the Embassy in Riyadh (only for those who pass the application screening)
- June 29 (Mon), 2026: Interviews for Undergraduate Students and Specialized Training College Students at the Embassy in Riyadh (only for those who pass the written exams)
- June 29 (Mon), 2026: Written exams and interviews for Research Students (PhD and Master’s Degree) at the Embassy in Riyadh (only for those who pass the application screening)
- Only those who pass the exams and interview will be recommended to MEXT, and MEXT will conduct the second screening. The final result will be announced around January - March 2027.
【Important information】
- Applicants must have Saudi nationality. (Those who have other nationalities should contact the Embassy of Japan in their respective countries.)
https://www.ye.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/00_000019.html
- Those who apply for the scholarship must read the guidelines carefully and send all required documents via email to the Embassy of Japan in Riyadh by June 18 (Thu) 2026.
- All Application documents must be combined into a single PDF file and total file size should be less than 10 MB. (Hard copies are not required at this stage.)
- Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
- Late applications will NOT be considered.
【The Email Address of the Embassy of Japan】
Email address: info@rd.mofa.go.jp
（Note: Applications are accepted by email only.）
【Guidelines】
Please check the links below to read the guidelines.
ALL necessary application forms are available via the following links.
・Undergraduate Students
General Information and Application Forms
・Specialized Training College Students
General Information and Application Forms
・Research Students (PhD and Master’s Degree)
General Information and Application Forms
【Frequently Asked Questions】
1. Do I have to submit the photos with my application?
Yes. Under any circumstances, the submission of your photos is mandatory. You may wear a hijab, shmagh or ghutra in the photos.
2. Do I have to take Japanese exam? I have never studied Japanese before.
Yes. It is mandatory for you to take the Japanese exam to be considered for selection. Past examinations are available from the following link.
(https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarship/application/examination/)
3. I do not have Saudi Nationality but I was born and reside in Saudi Arabia. Am I eligible to apply?
No, Only Saudi nationals are eligible to apply for the Embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship Program through the Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, as of today, we do not plan to accept MEXT scholarship applications from non-Saudi citizens and there are no exceptions. We recommend that you contact the Embassy of Japan in your country of citizenship to inquire about their application process.
4. I live in Jeddah. Can I take the exams and interview at Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah?
No. The exams and interviews for will be held only at the Embassy of Japan in Riyadh with NO exception. Application forms must also be sent to the Embassy of Japan in Riyadh.
5. I would like to bring my family member to Japan. Is it possible?
Please note that under the MEXT scholarship program, the allowance and airfare are covered only for the scholarship recipient. The Japanese government will not cover visa fees, allowances or airfare for family members. Visa processing times and necessary documents may vary depending on how you are related to the family member who wishes to go to Japan with you.
For further information, please contact the Cultural Section: info@rd.mofa.go.jp