Japanese Government (MEXT) KOSEN Scholarship: A Fully Funded Pathway to Engineering Excellence
The Japanese Government (MEXT) KOSEN Scholarship 2026 offers a highly prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students passionate about engineering and technology. Administered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this scholarship is tailored for students who have completed high school and wish to pursue a technically focused education in Japan.
Renowned globally for its blend of academic rigor and practical training, the KOSEN program is hosted by Japan’s National Institutes of Technology. It emphasizes real-world applications across various engineering disciplines, providing recipients with a strong foundation for future academic or industrial careers. Whether you are a recent graduate or a technical education enthusiast, this program represents a significant opportunity to elevate your academic and professional trajectory.
This guide outlines all essential aspects of the KOSEN Scholarship for 2026, including eligibility, program structure, application procedures, financial benefits, and critical deadlines.
About the Japanese Government (MEXT) KOSEN Scholarship
Program Overview
- Program Name: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for College of Technology (KOSEN) Students
- Current Status: Open for applications for the academic year 2026
- Objective: To develop skilled international engineers through structured academic education and hands-on training. The program includes one year of preparatory Japanese language study, followed by three years of specialized engineering coursework. Maritime Engineering majors undertake a 4.5-year curriculum.
- Duration: 4 years (1-year preparatory + 3-year technical program); 4.5 years for Maritime Engineering
- Study Mode: Full-time, on-campus in Japan
- Core Fields: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Information Engineering, Maritime Engineering
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the KOSEN Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should have completed a minimum of 11 years of formal schooling outside Japan. Alternatively, eligibility for admission to the third year of a Japanese College of Technology may suffice, depending on national education systems.
Age Limit
Candidates must be born on or after April 2, 2001, to ensure alignment with the undergraduate track and academic maturity standards set by MEXT.
Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan. Stateless individuals or those holding dual nationality with one being Japanese are not eligible unless special conditions apply.
Language Requirements
Though Japanese language proficiency is not mandatory at the application stage, candidates should be committed to learning Japanese, as all courses will be delivered in Japanese. Selected students undergo a one-year language preparatory course before beginning their technical studies.
Health Requirements
A medical certificate from a licensed practitioner is required, verifying that the candidate is physically and mentally capable of pursuing education in Japan.
Arrival Timeline
Applicants must be available to arrive in Japan between April 1 and April 7, 2026, in accordance with MEXT’s orientation and academic calendar schedule.
Application Process
Applicants should carefully follow these steps:
Step 1: Access Official Forms
Download the application form and instructions from the official Study in Japan portal or contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Gather and verify all documents as outlined in the guidelines. Ensure all required forms are complete and all documents translated into English or Japanese if necessary.
Step 3: Submit via Embassy
Applications must be submitted to the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate. Direct applications to MEXT will not be accepted under any circumstance.
Step 4: First Screening
The embassy or consulate conducts an initial evaluation, including a document screening, written exams in subjects such as Math, English, and Japanese, and a formal interview.
Step 5: Second Screening
Candidates selected through the first stage will be forwarded to MEXT for the second round of review.
Step 6: Final Decision
MEXT evaluates forwarded applications and releases final results to each diplomatic mission for notification to candidates.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Application Form: Completed as per official guidelines.
- Academic Transcripts: Recent transcripts from high school or equivalent education.
- Graduation Certificate: A certificate of graduation or expected graduation from secondary school.
- Letter of Recommendation: From a teacher or school principal, emphasizing academic merit and character.
- Medical Certificate: Signed by a physician, using the prescribed format.
- Identification Proof: Passport photocopy or government-issued identification.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos, adhering to specifications.
All documents must be in English or Japanese, and officially certified translations must accompany documents issued in other languages.
Fields of Study
Supported technical fields include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Information, Communication, and Network Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Maritime Engineering
Applicants must select their preferred discipline based on offerings listed in the official KOSEN catalog.
Financial Benefits
The scholarship includes substantial financial support:
Tuition and Fees
Full exemption from all academic fees, including entrance examination, admission, and tuition.
Monthly Stipend
A standard monthly allowance of 117,000 yen is provided. Depending on the geographic location of the assigned college, an additional regional supplement of 2,000 or 3,000 yen may apply.
Travel Costs
MEXT covers round-trip international airfare (economy class) between the scholar’s home country and Japan.
Selection Process
First Screening
Organized by Japanese diplomatic missions, this stage involves a review of submitted documents, subject-specific written examinations (typically Mathematics, English, and Japanese), and personal interviews.
Second Screening
MEXT evaluates the embassy-recommended candidates based on national priority alignment, institutional capacity, and scholarship quotas.
Final Notification
Candidates selected by MEXT are notified by their local Japanese embassies or consulates, typically within 7 to 8 months of the initial application.
Important Application Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | April 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | May 30, 2025 |
| Written Examination | June 13, 2025 |
| Interview Period | June 18–20, 2025 |
| Final Results | January–February 2026 |
| Program Commencement | April 2026 |
Please consult the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for region-specific timelines.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Initiate Early: Begin gathering documents, translations, and recommendations as early as possible.
- Focus on Japanese Language Readiness: Even minimal familiarity with Japanese is advantageous during interviews and adaptation.
- Demonstrate Academic Strength: Math and science performance often heavily influence selection outcomes.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose references who can thoroughly advocate for your technical skills, maturity, and motivation.
- Medical Documentation: Ensure your health certificate is completed and validated by a registered physician.
Contact Information
For inquiries and application guidance, contact:
Embassy of Japan in India
50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Phone: +91-11-46104865
Email: [email protected]
Website: Embassy of Japan in India
Conclusion
The Japanese Government (MEXT) KOSEN Scholarship 2026 is more than just a funded academic opportunity—it is a gateway to acquiring globally relevant engineering skills in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. With its rigorous training, cultural immersion, and financial support, the KOSEN program equips future engineers for impactful careers in academia, industry, or research.
Now is the time to take action. If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare diligently, and submit your application through your country’s Japanese diplomatic mission.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for College of Technology (KOSEN) Students |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Funded By | Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan |
| Duration | 4 years (Maritime Engineering: 4.5 years) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-campus |
| Eligibility | High school graduates born on or after April 2, 2001 |
| Financial Support | Tuition, stipend, airfare |
| Fields of Study | Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Information, Maritime Engineering |
| Application Deadline | May 30, 2025 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Citation: “Embassy of Japan in India – KOSEN Scholarship Information
FAQs for the MEXT KOSEN Scholarship
The MEXT KOSEN Scholarship is a fully funded program for international high school graduates pursuing engineering studies at Japan’s National Institutes of Technology.
You must apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country using the official guidelines and forms.
Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 2001, and meet the academic qualifications for technical college admission.
No prior knowledge is required, but you must be willing to learn Japanese since all courses are conducted in Japanese.
You need transcripts, graduation certificates, a health report, recommendation letter, ID proof, and a completed application form.
It covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare between your home country and Japan.
The academic session starts in April, and selected students must arrive in Japan between April 1 and April 7.
The program lasts 4 years, including a 1-year preparatory course and 3 years of specialized technical education.
Supported fields include Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Information, and Maritime Engineering at Japan’s technical colleges.
Yes, it is open to applicants from countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan and meet the eligibility criteria.
