The Government of Japan, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), is inviting applications from qualified Tanzanian nationals for the 2026 MEXT Scholarship Program. This scholarship provides full financial support to Tanzanian students who wish to study in Japan at undergraduate, specialized training college, or postgraduate (research) levels. The program is highly competitive and aims to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and participating countries.
Read on for complete details, including eligibility, fields of study, application procedures, deadlines, and helpful resources.
Types of Scholarships Available
MEXT offers three fully funded options: Research for postgraduate studies, Undergraduate for bachelor’s degrees, and Specialized Training for diploma programs in technical fields.
Research Students (Postgraduate Studies, Master’s/PhD)
This category is for individuals who wish to conduct research or pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at a Japanese university.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be Tanzanian nationals.
- Born on or after April 2, 1991 (must be under 35 years old as of April 1, 2026).
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification by the time of departure to Japan.
- Must have a strong academic record with at least a GPA of 3.5 out of 5.0 or its equivalent.
- Field of study should be in the same or related field as your undergraduate study.
- English or Japanese language proficiency is essential (test scores or demonstrated competence may be required).
- A clear research proposal must be submitted, demonstrating your interest and ability in your chosen field.
Scholarship Duration:
- 2 years (extendable for those who proceed to a master’s or doctoral program).
What it Covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly allowance of approximately ¥143,000 to ¥145,000.
- Round-trip airfare.
- Japanese language training if required.
Undergraduate Students
This scholarship is for students who wish to pursue a full undergraduate degree at a Japanese university.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be Tanzanian nationals.
- Born on or after April 2, 2001 (under 25 years old as of April 1, 2026).
- Must have completed 12 years of formal education or be expected to complete it by March 2026.
- Applicants must be in good health.
- Basic Japanese or English language proficiency is recommended.
Fields of Study:
- Social Sciences and Humanities: Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History, Japanese Language.
- Natural Sciences A: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (and related engineering courses).
- Natural Sciences B: Agriculture, Biology, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science.
Scholarship Duration:
- 5 years including one year of preparatory education (7 years for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science).
What it Covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend of approximately ¥117,000.
- Round-trip international airfare.
- Preparatory Japanese language and other academic training.
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Specialized Training College Students
This category is for applicants interested in acquiring technical and vocational education at a Japanese professional training college.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be Tanzanian nationals.
- Born on or after April 2, 2001 (under 25 years old).
- Must have completed 12 years of formal education or be expected to complete it by March 2026.
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Some knowledge of Japanese or English is useful.
Fields of Study:
- Technology, Personal Care and Nutrition, Education and Welfare, Business, Fashion and Home Economics, Culture and General Education.
Scholarship Duration:
- 3 years including one year of Japanese language training.
What it Covers:
- Tuition and other school fees.
- Monthly stipend of approximately ¥117,000.
- Round-trip airfare to and from Japan.
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How to Apply
All applicants must follow these steps carefully to be considered:
Read the Guidelines
Applicants should download and read the application guidelines carefully. Each category has its own set of instructions:
These documents explain the eligibility, selection procedures, required documents, and how to complete the forms.
Prepare the Required Documents
Each category has slightly different requirements, but generally, applicants need the following:
- Completed application forms (download from Study in Japan official site)
- Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Certificates of graduation or expected graduation.
- Personal statement or motivation letter.
- Research proposal (for research applicants).
- Recommendation letters from current/former academic supervisors.
- Health certificate using the prescribed form.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/JLPT scores if available).
Important Instructions:
- Submit all documents printed and unstapled in one envelope.
- Use a checklist and coversheet for your chosen category.
- Do not email applications, only physical submissions are accepted.
Submit the Application
Submission Deadline:
- Research Students: May 20, 2025, by 4:30 PM.
- Undergraduate and Specialized Training College Students: May 30, 2025, by 4:30 PM.
Submit to:
Embassy of Japan in Tanzania
P.O. Box 2577
Plot No. 1018, Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages:
Document Screening
- Applications are first screened for eligibility and completeness.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for exams.
Written Examinations
- Research Students: June 30, 2025.
- Undergraduate and Specialized Training College Students: July 1, 2025.
- Exams include English and Japanese. Undergraduate applicants also take subject exams depending on their selected field.
Interviews
- Research Students: July 21 and 24, 2025.
- Undergraduate and Specialized Training College Students: July 28, 2025.
- Interviews are conducted in English and assess motivation, academic potential, and clarity of study plans.
Final selection will be done by MEXT in Japan, and successful applicants will be notified through the Embassy.
Tips for a Successful Application
To apply successfully, follow all instructions, prepare complete documents, meet eligibility requirements, and submit your application before the deadline.
- Start early. Gathering and preparing the documents can take time.
- Ensure your academic performance is strong and clearly documented.
- Write a clear, original, and well-structured research or study plan.
- Prepare for the written exams, especially if applying for undergraduate or research programs.
- Follow all instructions strictly, including formatting and submission guidelines.
The MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tanzanian students to gain high-quality education in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. Whether you are aiming for a postgraduate degree, undergraduate program, or a technical college diploma, this fully funded scholarship can open doors to a world-class academic experience in Japan.
Make sure to read the guidelines thoroughly, prepare your application carefully, and submit everything before the deadline. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about studying in Japan, this could be the start of a life-changing journey.
For more information or questions, contact the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania or visit their official website.
