Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is offering full scholarships for research at Japanese universities. The scholarships are aimed at Brazilian students who have already completed their degree. Although they are focused on research, MEXT postgraduate scholarships can be extended to a master’s or doctorate. Registration is open until May 24th.
Scholarship recipients will be exempt from school fees for the chosen course, and will receive a monthly stipend of 143,000 to 148,000 yen (around R$4,680 to R$4,850). Round-trip air tickets to Japan are also covered for scholarship recipients. MEXT postgraduate scholarships also offer a Japanese course to scholarship recipients who do not master the language during the first 6 months.
It is important to note that although scholarships do not require the candidate to be fluent in Japanese, they do need to know at least a little. This is because during the selection process a Japanese test will be carried out, and candidates who fail the test will be disqualified.
Scholarships are offered for research, master’s and doctorate degrees in all areas. However, the candidate is responsible for finding educational institutions that offer opportunities in the field he or she wishes to study. This page, in item 1.8a, there are a series of links that assist in this research.
How to apply for MEXT postgraduate scholarships
To be able to apply for MEXT postgraduate scholarships, you must have Brazilian nationality and not be living in Japan. Candidates must also have been born after April 2, 1990 and have completed higher education, or completed it by June 2025.
Fulfilling these requirements, the following documents are required to apply for scholarships:
- Application form completed in English
- Certified copy of ID
- Two 3×4 photos (recent and identical)
- Form “Field of Study and Research Plan” completed in English
- Certified copy of academic transcript (candidates currently pursuing a master’s degree must show copies of their undergraduate and master’s transcripts)
- Certified copy of the university diploma (candidates who have already completed a master’s degree must submit copies of their undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas. In the case of graduation scheduled for June 2025, it is necessary to submit a Certificate of Probable Graduate indicating the date of completion of the course)
- Updated CV
- Research project in Portuguese. Attach translation into English or Japanese
- Certified copy of proof of proficiency in Japanese or English, if applicable
- Brief portfolio in A4 size or media (for Music or Fine Arts candidates)
- Original academic recommendation letter in English, on the institution’s letterhead, with stamp and handwritten signature of the professor, coordinator or dean. Free format, however, you can use the “ Recommendation Letter Sample” template”
- Letter of recommendation from work, if you are working. Free format letter, original in English, company letterhead with employer’s handwritten signature
The research project must follow specifications listed in items 1.8c and 1.8d on this page. According to the publication of MEXT postgraduate scholarships, “documents must be presented in the order above, without staples and separated by clips”.
These documents must be sent by post to the following address:
Consulate General of Japan in São Paulo
Cultural Department (MEXT Scholarship Registration – Research)
Av. Paulista, 854 – 3rd floor – Bela Vista
São Paulo – SP
CEP: 01310-913
Documents must arrive by May 24, 2024!
Those who live in São Paulo can also deliver in person from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday.