Study in Japan
2026/4/24
Japanese Government
(Monbukagakusho: MEXT)
Scholarship 2027
RESEARCH STUDENTS
Applications are open
General conditions
- Belgian nationals
- Born on or after 2 April 1992
- Following academic background
- For master’s and doctoral course (first phase) application
- Completed 16 years of school education in countries other than Japan
- Completed a program with the standard study period of three years or more at universities or equivalent educational institutions in countries other than Japan, and received a degree (bachelor’s or equivalent)
- For doctoral course (second phase) / PhD application
- Awarded with an overseas degree equivalent to a master’s degree or professional degree
- Graduated from universities and have been involved in research study at universities or research centers for two years or more, and recognized as having academic competency equivalent to persons with a master’s degree by the graduate school
- For master’s and doctoral course (first phase) application
- Willing to learn Japanese
- Have the abilities to do research and adapt to life in Japan
Application Schedule
The following schedule may change according to regulatory measures.
Any schedule changes will be reflected on this webpage.
| Application deadline | 7 June 2026 |
| Written exams and interviews*1 | Written exam: 6 July 2026 (TBD) Interview: 14 July - Mid- / End of July 2026 |
| Results of primary screening in Belgium*2 | End of July - August 2026 |
| Secondary screening in Tokyo | November 2026 |
| FINAL RESULTS with placement by Tokyo | January 2027 and onwards |
| Pre-departure orientation | March 2027 |
| Departure for Japan | April or September/October 2027 |
*1: Past exams can be viewed here.
*2: Please note that, although candidates may be successful up until this point, the final result depends on confirmation of your university placement.
How to apply
・Please download the application documents from the following website and prepare them.
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-research.html
・Submit your application by email (info@bx.mofa.go.jp) during the application period (by 7 June 2026). Make sure to submit all the required documents. The email title should be "MEXT Research 2027 Applications - Your Full Name".
*Application Documents Checklist: here
・If the attachment exceeds 10MB, your email will be rejected. Please use an online cloud service if that is the case (e.g. OneDrive, Google Drive).
Application deadline: 7June 2026 (Sunday)
Notes
- Please read the application guidelines thoroughly.
- Do not send your application by post or bring to the embassy.
- Incomplete applications or late submission will not be accepted.
- Submitted documents will not be returned.
- The application which requires an original document must be submitted to the Embassy when you are called to proceed to the written exam or the interview.
FAQ
For questions about the eligibility, required documents, selection process etc., please refer to the Frequent Asked Questions and the application guidelines.
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For further information Japan Information and Cultural Centre If you are a non-Belgian national, please contact the Japanese Embassy of your country. |
to view a list of Japanese Embassies and Consulates in the world).