MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship
Full 5-year funding for Bachelor's degree in Japan including Japanese language training
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship provides full funding for Nepali students who have completed +2 (higher secondary education) to pursue a Bachelor's degree at a Japanese university. This is a 5-year scholarship: the first year is dedicated to intensive Japanese language and preparatory education at a designated preparatory school, followed by 4 years of undergraduate study at a Japanese university. It is the longest and one of the most comprehensive MEXT scholarship categories.
Get Free MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship Counseling
No obligation. Or call +977-9849998031
Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship program.
University of Tokyo
QS #28Tokyo
Japan's premier university. Undergraduate programs in all faculties. Liberal arts focus in early years.
Kyoto University
QS #50Kyoto
Known for academic freedom. Strong undergraduate programs in science, engineering, and humanities.
Osaka University
QS #68Osaka
Excellent for engineering, medicine, and sciences. More affordable city than Tokyo.
Hokkaido University
QS #141Sapporo
Beautiful campus. Strong in environmental science, agriculture, and veterinary science.
Kyushu University
QS #135Fukuoka
Leading university in Kyushu. Known for engineering, energy research, and international programs.
Tsukuba University
QS #355Tsukuba
Science city near Tokyo. Strong research university with excellent support for international students.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Nepali citizen (must not hold Japanese citizenship)
- Born on or after April 2, 2001 (under 25 years old as of April 2026)
- Completed 12 years of schooling: SLC/SEE + 2 years of higher secondary (+2) or equivalent
- Strong academic record — competitive candidates have 70%+ in +2 examinations
- Must be willing to learn Japanese (you will study in Japanese after the preparatory year)
- Must be physically and mentally healthy (medical certificate required)
- Must be willing to study in Japan for the full 5-year scholarship period
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Submit Application to Embassy
Application forms are available from the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu starting April. Submit the completed application with academic transcripts (SLC/SEE and +2), graduation certificate, recommendation letter from school principal, passport photos, and medical certificate. Deadline is mid-April.
Written Examinations
Take Embassy exams in May-June. The undergraduate exam includes: Mathematics (two levels — choose based on your intended field), English, Japanese (basic level), and one or two additional subjects depending on your stream (physics, chemistry, biology, or social studies). These exams are rigorous — preparation is essential.
Embassy Interview
Candidates who pass the written exams are interviewed in June-July. The panel evaluates your motivation, maturity, academic goals, willingness to learn Japanese, and adaptability. Since you will be living in Japan for 5 years starting at a young age, the panel assesses whether you are ready for this commitment.
Embassy Nomination
The Embassy selects primary and alternate candidates and nominates them to MEXT Tokyo by August. You indicate your preferred field of study (natural sciences, social sciences, or humanities) which determines your preparatory school and university options.
Placement at Preparatory School
MEXT places scholars at one of several designated preparatory schools across Japan (September-January). These schools provide intensive Japanese language training plus academic subjects (math, physics, chemistry, etc.) to prepare you for university entrance.
Preparatory Year & University Entrance
Arrive in Japan in April. Spend 1 year at the preparatory school learning Japanese (target: JLPT N2) and academic subjects. At the end of the year, you are placed at a Japanese university based on your preparatory school performance and preferences. Begin your 4-year undergraduate degree the following April.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
Tuition at the preparatory school and the university are both fully covered. National university tuition of JPY 535,800/year x 4 years = JPY 2,143,200, plus preparatory school fees — all paid by MEXT.
The undergraduate stipend is lower than the research category but still covers living expenses. Many preparatory schools and universities offer dormitories at JPY 10,000-30,000/month. With careful budgeting: dormitory JPY 10,000-30,000, food JPY 30,000-35,000, transport JPY 5,000-10,000, personal JPY 10,000-20,000. Most scholars manage well within the stipend.
The total value of the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship over 5 years exceeds JPY 10,000,000 (approximately NPR 95 lakh), making it one of the most valuable undergraduate scholarships available to Nepali students globally.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
The MEXT undergraduate experience begins with an immersive preparatory year where you learn Japanese alongside other MEXT scholars from around the world. This year is intense but rewarding — by the end, you will be able to communicate in Japanese and attend lectures. Many scholars describe this year as one of the most formative experiences of their lives.
Japanese undergraduate education emphasizes breadth in the first two years (liberal arts and general education) before specializing in years 3 and 4. University clubs (bukatsu) and circles are central to student life — join sports clubs, cultural clubs, or academic societies to make Japanese friends and build your network.
Living in Japan for 5 years gives you a deep understanding of Japanese culture, fluent Japanese language ability, and a strong professional network. After graduation, you have excellent employment prospects in Japan — many MEXT undergraduate alumni are recruited by top Japanese companies like Toyota, Sony, Honda, Mitsubishi, and others. Some continue to Masters or PhD programs, often with continued MEXT funding.
MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship — Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult are the MEXT undergraduate exams?
Can I choose my university and field of study?
Is 5 years too long to commit?
What subjects should I prepare for the exam?
What happens after I graduate?
Ready to MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship?
Get free, expert counseling from StudyJapan Nepal. We will help you with university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processing. Call +977-9849998031 or book online.