Are you an ambitious international student dreaming of pursuing your higher education in Japan? The University of Osaka offers an incredible opportunity through the prestigious Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for the 2025 academic year. This fully funded scholarship aims to support outstanding students from around the world to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at one of Japan’s top research universities.
About the University of Osaka and the MEXT Scholarship
Osaka University is renowned globally for its cutting-edge research and academic excellence. The university is committed to fostering international talent and promoting cultural exchange, making it an ideal destination for students eager to experience world-class education in a vibrant, innovative environment.
The MEXT Scholarship provided by the Japanese Government is designed to alleviate the financial burden of international study by covering tuition fees, providing monthly stipends, and assisting with travel and accommodation expenses. It opens doors to a rich academic and cultural experience in Japan.
Available Programs
The scholarship is available for various academic programs at Osaka University:
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Undergraduate Programs: International Undergraduate Degree Programs such as the Human Sciences (HUS) and Science (IUPS) degrees.
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Graduate Programs: Master’s and PhD programs, particularly in advanced fields like Robotics Engineering, Bioengineering, and other disciplines through the Graduate School of Engineering Science.
Students can choose from programs taught either in Japanese or English, broadening accessibility.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Osaka University MEXT Scholarship, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
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Nationality: Applicants must be from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan.
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Age Limit: For master’s and doctoral programs, applicants should generally be under 35 years old at the time of application.
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Academic Qualifications:
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Undergraduate applicants should have completed 12 years of formal education.
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Master’s applicants need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
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PhD candidates must hold a master’s degree or equivalent.
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Language Proficiency: Depending on the program, applicants should demonstrate proficiency in Japanese (usually JLPT N2 or above) or English (TOEFL, IELTS scores).
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Health Requirements: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to undertake study abroad.
Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including:
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Full tuition fee coverage for the entire period of study.
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Monthly stipends:
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Undergraduate students receive approximately ¥117,000.
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Master’s students receive approximately ¥144,000.
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Doctoral students receive approximately ¥145,000.
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Round-trip airfare between the applicant’s home country and Japan.
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Assistance with accommodation, including support for dormitory placement or private housing.
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Intensive Japanese language training if necessary, to support academic success and cultural integration.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the MEXT Scholarship at Osaka University can be pursued through two main channels: Embassy Recommendation or University Recommendation.
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Embassy Recommendation:
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Initial applications are submitted to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country between February and March 2024.
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The first screening occurs from May to July 2024, involving document reviews, exams, and interviews.
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Further screening by MEXT and Osaka University takes place from October 2024 to January 2025.
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Successful candidates are notified in February 2025 and expected to arrive in Japan by April 2025.
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University Recommendation:
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Applicants apply directly to Osaka University from November 2023 to January 2024.
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Internal screening happens between January and February 2025.
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Nominations are sent to MEXT from March to April 2025.
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Final selections are announced by MEXT between June and July 2025.
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Enrollment at Osaka University begins in October 2025.
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How to Apply
To apply, prospective students should:
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Identify the academic program that aligns with their educational background and career goals.
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Prepare the required documents: academic transcripts, degree certificates, a detailed research proposal (for graduate programs), proof of language proficiency, a medical certificate, passport copy, and letters of recommendation.
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Submit applications through the chosen channel (Embassy or University Recommendation).
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Participate actively in all screening procedures including exams and interviews.
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Await the final results and prepare for their academic journey in Japan.
Why Choose Osaka University and Japan?
Studying at Osaka University offers international students access to innovative research facilities, a multicultural campus, and exposure to Japan’s rich culture and advanced technology. Japan ranks among the top countries for quality education, and the MEXT Scholarship makes it financially accessible to talented students worldwide.
Interested applicants should start preparing their documents early and carefully follow the application guidelines to maximize their chances of success.
For more detailed information and official application guidelines, visit the University of Osaka’s official website:
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/international/inbound/admission.html
If you have questions or need further assistance with your application, feel free to reach out!