🇯🇵 Japan — Various Japanese universities
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
Overall
5.5
Components
L 5 / R 5 / W 5 / S 5
Level
UG, PG, PhD
Deadline
April–May (Embassy) or October–January (University)
Country
🇯🇵 Japan
Coverage
Full tuition fees, Monthly stipend of ¥143,000–¥148,000 +2 more
About MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is the Japanese government's premier scholarship for international students. It covers tuition, a generous monthly stipend, return airfare, and up to one year of Japanese language preparatory training. The programme supports undergraduate, master's, and doctoral study at universities across Japan.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✓
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 61, JLPT N2
Coverage
- •Full tuition fees
- •Monthly stipend of ¥143,000–¥148,000
- •Return airfare
- •Japanese language preparatory training
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1.MEXT requires only IELTS 5.5 overall with 5.0 in each band, making it one of the most accessible scholarships score-wise. However, a higher score (6.5+) can strengthen your application significantly during the competitive screening process.
- 2.Both IELTS Academic and General Training are accepted, which is unusual for scholarships. Choose the version you are most comfortable with to maximise your score.
- 3.Start IELTS preparation at least 3 months before the Embassy recommendation deadline (April–May). If applying through the University route (October–January), coordinate your IELTS schedule with the specific university's requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the MEXT Scholarship?
MEXT requires IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.0 in each component. However, since the programme is highly competitive, scoring above the minimum (ideally 6.5+) will strengthen your application. Both Academic and General Training are accepted.
Does MEXT accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Yes, MEXT accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 61. JLPT N2 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) can also demonstrate language readiness, especially for programmes taught in Japanese.
Can I apply for MEXT without IELTS?
For English-taught programmes, you need either IELTS or TOEFL. For Japanese-taught programmes, JLPT certification may substitute. Some universities also accept other evidence of English proficiency during the University recommendation route.
Reach Your University IELTS Requirement
Free weekly strategies to hit Band 6.5, 7.0, or 7.5 for admissions.