MEXT Research Student Scholarship 2026 (University Recommendation – Yokohama National University)

Overview

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Research Student Scholarship – University Recommendation allows outstanding international students to study in Japan as research students, with a pathway to Master’s or PhD degrees. Under this route, candidates are recommended by Yokohama National University (YNU) and then screened by MEXT.
Being recommended by YNU is competitive and does not automatically guarantee final MEXT selection.

Scholarship Categories at YNU

Yokohama National University recommends students under two categories:

1. Special Program

Applicants apply directly to specific graduate programs, which conduct their own screening.

Eligible YNU Special Programs include:

• Graduate School of International Social Sciences

  • All-English Economics & Development programme

• Graduate School of Engineering Science

  • Heavy industries co-evolution programme

  • SDGs-focused environment & energy engineering programme

• Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences

  • Environment & Informatics for sustainable societies

• Graduate School of Urban Innovation

  • Civil engineering & ICT innovation

  • Urban infrastructure engineering for developing countries

Timeline:

• University screening → recommendation to MEXT

• Final MEXT decision: End of June 2026 (tentative)

• Arrival in Japan: Late September 2026

2. General Category

For applicants not applying through a Special Program.

Key Facts (October 2026 Admission):

• Only 3 candidates will be recommended by YNU

• Applicants must be officially recommended (self-recommendation not allowed)

• Recommendation must come from:

  1. A YNU partner university, OR

  2. A university with an academic/personal relationship with YNU, OR

  3. YNU (if applicant is a YNU graduate)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold nationality of a MEXT-designated country

• Meet MEXT and YNU academic requirements

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.30/3.00

• Secure a Conditional Acceptance from a YNU academic supervisor

• Meet language proficiency requirements

• Be recommended by an eligible institution (for General category)

Scholarship Benefits (MEXT Standard)

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend

• Round-trip airfare

• Visa support

• Access to Japanese universities and research facilities

Application Process (General Category)

1. Confirm eligibility and GPA requirements

2. Find a YNU supervisor and obtain a Conditional Acceptance Form

3. Prepare and upload documents online

4. Submit application between:
   22 December 2025 – 7 January 2026 (JST)

University screening result: 5 February 2026
Final MEXT result: Mid-June 2026 (tentative)

Required Documents (Key)

• Application Form & passport copy

• Field of Study and Research Plan

• Conditional Acceptance Form

• Academic transcripts & degree certificates

• Academic Performance Entry Sheet

• Recommendation letter addressed to President of YNU

• Language proficiency documents

• Thesis abstract (if applicable)

• Proof of academic ranking (if available)

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence

• Research proposal quality and alignment

• Supervisor support

• Institutional recommendation strength

• Compliance with MEXT nationality and eligibility rules

Important Notes

• University recommendation ≠ guaranteed MEXT award

• Originals or certified copies required after shortlisting

• Office closed 26 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026

• Separate graduate entrance exam required for degree enrolment

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the MEXT Research Student Scholarship 2026 (University Recommendation – Yokohama National University)