MEXT Scholarship for Ethiopian Students — Study in Japan
Japanese Government MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship — fully funded undergraduate, research, and college of technology programs in Japan for Ethiopian students. Tuition + monthly stipend + round-trip airfare + one year of Japanese language training. Administered by the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia.
- Provider
- Government of Japan (MEXT)
- Deadline
- Funding type
- Full Funding
- Host country
- Japan
- Award
- Full tuition + monthly stipend (~JPY 120k–150k) + round-trip airfare + up to 1 year Japanese language training
Eligibility
- Ethiopian citizenship — non-Ethiopian nationals must apply through the Japanese Embassy in their own country
- Age: under 25 for undergraduate (born on or after April 2, 2002); under 35 for research students (born on or after April 2, 1992)
- GPA of 2.3/3.0 or higher on the MEXT scale, with academic credentials matching the level applied for
- Field of study aligned with previous studies — unrelated fields require strong justification in the research plan
- Good physical and mental health, certified by medical examination
The MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs in the world. Offered by the Japanese government, it gives Ethiopian students the opportunity to pursue higher education in Japan with full financial support — covering tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and up to one year of Japanese language training. The 2027 cycle is administered by the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia under Embassy Recommendation.
What the MEXT Scholarship covers
- Tuition Fees: 100% covered for the entire program duration
- Monthly Living Allowance: Stipend for living expenses (amount varies by program level)
- Airfare: Round-trip international flight tickets (economy class)
- Japanese Language Training: Up to 1 year at an accredited language institute before degree studies begin
- Medical Insurance: Health coverage included in the scholarship package
Types of programs available (2027)
- Research Student Program: For postgraduate students (master’s or PhD) conducting research at Japanese universities. Includes 1 year of Japanese language training + 2 years for master’s or 3 years for doctoral studies. Details & application forms →
- Undergraduate Student Program: For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Includes 1 year of Japanese language training + 4–6 years of undergraduate studies. Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2002. Details & application forms →
- College of Technology Program: For students seeking specialized technical training at Japanese colleges of technology. Details & application forms →
The Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia only processes applications for these three programs in the 2027 cycle.
Application process & schedule (2027 intake)
How to submit: All application documents must be sent by postal service only to the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia. Hand-delivered or emailed applications are not accepted.
Confirmed schedule for the 2027 intake:
- Application deadline: Friday, 29 May 2026 (documents must arrive at the Embassy by this date)
- Document screening: Conducted after the deadline
- Written examination: Around 1 June 2026 (TBD) — held physically at the Embassy in Addis Ababa
- Interview: Around 14 July 2026 (TBD) — held physically at the Embassy in Addis Ababa, the day after the written exam for shortlisted candidates
- Primary screening results: Successful applicants receive a Passing Certificate to apply directly to Japanese universities
- Secondary screening: Conducted by MEXT in Tokyo based on documents and university acceptance (no in-person exam)
- Arrival in Japan: April or September/October 2027
Exam and interview dates are tentative and subject to change — always confirm on the official Embassy 2027 announcement.
Required documents
- Completed application form (typed, not handwritten)
- Personal statement and study/research plan
- Recommendation letters (original signatures and stamps required)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (original university stamps required; student copies with stamps are accepted)
- Proof of Ethiopian nationality
- Health certificate
- Passport-sized photos (glued, not stapled)
Submit one original set plus two or three photocopies (check program-specific guidelines). All documents must be printed on A4 paper.
Important notes
- Incomplete applications will be rejected — follow all instructions carefully and double-check every document.
- Applications submitted by hand or email are not acceptable. Postal service only.
- Handwritten applications are not accepted — all forms must be typed.
- Documents submitted are non-returnable — keep copies of everything.
- The Embassy does not confirm receipt of applications due to high volume.
- Schedule changes are announced on the Embassy 2027 MEXT page only — check regularly.
- The written exam and interview are conducted physically at the Embassy in Addis Ababa on consecutive days — plan travel accordingly.
Get ready with Atenu — test & interview prep
The MEXT written exam and interview are the toughest part of the process — and that’s exactly where Atenu can help you stand out. We offer focused coaching for Ethiopian applicants:
- Written exam prep: English, Math, and Japanese basics — based on past MEXT papers
- Research / study plan review: Sharpen your proposal until it’s interview-ready
- Mock interviews: Real past questions, honest feedback, polished delivery
- Document review: We check your application package before you send it
Spots are limited each cycle. Reach out early — the closer to the deadline, the less time we have to prepare you properly.
📩 Contact Atenu: t.me/atenuChannel | info@atenu.org
Contact information
Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia
Cultural and Press Division (MEXT Scholarship)
P.O. Box 5650, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: +251 11 667 1166
Website: Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia
Ready to apply for the 2027 MEXT Scholarship?
Visit the official Embassy page for full guidelines and application forms, or explore more scholarships for Ethiopian students.
Apply on the official site
We never collect application data — you'll be sent to the sponsor directly.
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