Japan · Various Japanese universities
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 5.5
- Components
- L 5 / R 5 / W 5 / S 5
- Level
- UG, PG, PhD
- Deadline
- Varies: Embassy ~May–June, University ~November–January
Last verified: 2026-03
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
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1MEXT 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.
- 2Both IELTS Academic and General Training are accepted, which is unusual for scholarships. Choose the version you are most comfortable with to maximise your score.
- 3Start 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.
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