Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships 2026-28 for Teacher Training Students (Fully Funded to Japan)

Applications are now open for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Teacher Training Scholarships 2026, a fully funded opportunity for experienced international teachers to undertake professional training and education research in Japan.

The scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and supports qualified teachers to study Japan’s education system at designated universities while strengthening educational cooperation between Japan and partner countries.

Programme Overview

The MEXT Teacher Training Scholarship is designed for in-service teachers who wish to enhance their professional skills and conduct research related to school education and teacher training in Japan.

Key objectives include:

• Developing global education leadership and professional capacity

• Promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding

• Strengthening education systems through international collaboration

Scholars are enrolled as non-degree Teacher Training Students at Japanese universities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria.

Nationality

• Must be a national of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan

• Applicants holding Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible

• Dual nationals may apply only if they renounce Japanese nationality before arrival in Japan

Age

• Must be born on or after 2 April 1991

• Limited exceptions apply only for national-level constraints such as compulsory military service or conflict-related disruptions

• Personal circumstances are not considered for age exceptions

Academic and Professional Background

• Graduate of a university or teacher training institution

• Minimum of five years of teaching experience by 1 October 2026 in:

  • Primary or secondary schools, or

  • Teacher training institutions excluding universities

Language, Adaptability, and Interest in Japan

• Willingness to learn the Japanese language

• Strong interest in Japanese culture and society

• Ability to conduct research and adapt to living in Japan

Health Requirements

• Submission of a Certificate of Health in the prescribed format

• Certificate must be completed and signed by a licensed medical doctor

• Applicant must have no physical or mental conditions that hinder study in Japan

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship covers the full duration of the approved training programme.

• Standard period: October 2026 to March 2028

• If the course begins on 1 September 2026, funding starts in September 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The MEXT Teacher Training Scholarship is fully funded and includes the following benefits.

Monthly Allowance

• 143,000 Japanese yen per month after arrival in Japan

• Additional regional allowance of:

  • 2,000 yen, or

  • 3,000 yen per month for specially designated regions

• Allowance amounts may change based on the Japanese government’s annual budget

Tuition and Academic Fees

• Full coverage of:

  • Entrance examination fees

  • Matriculation fees

  • University tuition

Travel Expenses

• Economy-class airline ticket from the applicant’s home country to Japan

• Return airfare upon successful completion of the programme and return to the home country, subject to MEXT conditions

Application Deadlines by Country

Application deadlines are set by Japanese embassies and consulates and vary by country.

Examples include:

• Liberia: 30 January 2026

• Nigeria: Deadline varies by embassy

• Seychelles: Deadline varies

• Sierra Leone: Deadline varies

Applicants should confirm exact deadlines with the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of nationality.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit a complete application package, which typically includes:

Official Guidelines

• Application Guidelines for Teacher Training Students (English)

• Application Guidelines for Teacher Training Students (Japanese)

• Course Guide for the Teacher Training Programme (MEXT)

Application Forms

• Application Form for FY2026

• Placement Preference Application Form for FY2026

Medical and Recommendation Documents

• Certificate of Health completed by a licensed medical doctor

• Recommendation letter from a relevant authority or institution

• Sample recommendation letter provided for reference, but any official format is accepted

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Japanese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

The general process includes:

• Visit https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-teacher.html

• Reviewing the official MEXT guidelines

• Preparing and compiling all required documents

• Submitting the application before the country-specific deadline

• Participating in written examinations and/or interviews if shortlisted

• If you have any questions visit FAQs here: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/faq/

Why Apply for the MEXT Teacher Training Scholarship

This scholarship offers a unique opportunity for experienced educators to advance their professional careers through international exposure and high-quality training.

Key benefits include:

• Fully funded professional training in Japan

• Exposure to one of the world’s leading education systems

• Enhanced career prospects in education leadership and policy

• Long-term professional networks and international recognition

Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants should consult official announcements and application notices issued by Japanese embassies, consulates, or authorized MEXT channels in their respective countries.