MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
Use this listing to plan your research, not as confirmation of eligibility. Requirements, funding and deadlines can change. Confirm your course and current application cycle with the official provider. An unknown requirement is not a waiver.
- IELTS
- 5.5
- Components
- L 5 / R 5 / W 5 / S 5
- Study level
- Undergraduate, Postgraduate, 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.
Listed IELTS requirement
| 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?
Does MEXT accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Can I apply for MEXT without IELTS?
Prepare for your English requirement
A practice Writing estimate can help identify what to work on. It does not establish scholarship eligibility.
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