MEXT Scholarship -Frequently Asked Questions

2026/9/1

Category

The scholarship overview

Q1. What is covered by the scholarship ?
A1. The MEXT scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare between Japan and Samoa. The amount of stipend is a reasonable amount based on average rent and living costs and is intended to cover expenses other than tuition fees.
*The scholarship does not cover travel expenses for personal trips, including travel during holidays such as the year-end and New Year period.

Q2. Do I need to speak Japanese to apply?
A2. No. Japanese proficiency is not required at the time of application. A preparatory Japanese language course is provided after arrival in Japan.

Q3. Is there a minimum GPA requirement that needs to be met?
A3. No. There is no minimum GPA requirement. All applicants who pass the document screening stage will be invited to take the written examination. However Only for the Research Category, Applicants are generally expected to have an academic average of 70% or higher in their most recent program.

Q4Am I still eligible to apply if I am the over age limit?
A4. No. Personal or family reasons are not accepted.

Q5. Can I choose any major or field of study for Undergraduate Students category?
A5. No. Applicants must choose from the fields of study listed in the Application Guidelines (p.1).

Application documents

Q1.In the Educational Background section, what education level does a Foundation Course correspond to?
A1.It is classified as Upper Secondary Education (Senior High School) level, not Tertiary (Higher) Education (undergraduate) level.

Q2. My name is very long and includes several given names and middle names. How should I complete the name fields?
A2. Please enter your name exactly as it appears in your valid passport.

Q3. The name on my birth certificate is different from the name I normally use. Which name should I enter?
A3. Please enter your name exactly as it appears in your valid passport.

Q4. Samoan is my strongest language, and I am more proficient in Samoan than in English. Can I include Samoan under Language ability section?
A4. Yes. If Samoan is a language you speak, read, or write, you may include it under "Others" and indicate your proficiency level accurately.

A5. What should I enter for "Name of Japanese diplomatic office where you will apply for visa"?
Q5. Please enter “the Embassy of Japan in Samoa”.

A6. I cannot find my academic transcript(s). I may have lost them. What should I do?
Q6. Please contact your school or the issuing authority to ask if they can issue a new copy of your transcript. If a new copy can be issued, please submit it with your application. If a replacement transcript cannot be issued, we will not be able to accept your application.

A7. Can I submit a receipt for my course fees instead of a Certificate of Enrollment?
Q7. No. Receipts are not accepted. Please obtain and submit an official Certificate of Enrollment or a letter from your current school on the school's letterhead and signed by an authorized person.

A8. What is an Expected Graduation Letter(EGL)? Can you provide an example of an Expected Graduation Letter?
Q8. An Expected Graduation Letter(EGL) is not a guarantee that you will graduate. It is a letter from your school stating that you are currently enrolled and are expected to complete your course and graduate by a certain date, provided that you successfully meet all academic requirements.

Example statement:
This is to certify that [Student Name] is currently enrolled in the [Program Name] at [School Name]. Based on the normal duration of the program, the student is expected to complete the course in [Month, Year] and is expected to graduate in [Month, Year]. This does not guarantee graduation, which remains subject to the successful completion of all academic requirements.

A9. The application guidelines say that copies of original documents must be certified. What does "certified" mean?
Q9. A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been checked and signed by an authorized person to confirm that it is a true copy of the original. This may include the school, organization that issued the document, or an authorized person such as a Justice of the Peace (JP), lawyer, notary public, or other authorized certifying officer. Please submit certified copies. We do not accept ordinary photocopies or copies made from certified copies.

A10. The Medical Certificate is expensive and takes time to obtain. Do I need to submit it when I apply?
Q10. No. Applicants who pass the first screening will be asked to submit a Medical Certificate. It is not required at the time of application.

A11. What is the first screening?
Q11. The first screening includes an application review, a written exam, and an interview.

After leaving to Japan

Q1. Where will I stay ?
A1. Most MEXT grantees start in university-arranged housing if space is available. The university’s international office or student co-op can help you find options.

Q2. Can I work part-time in Japan while on a student visa?
A2. Yes. International students may work part-time in Japan if they obtain the required permission. However, studies must remain their primary focus.

Q3. If I fail and am required to return to Samoa, do I need to pay back the money spent on my studies?
A3. No. The MEXT scholarship is a grant, not a loan, so it does not need to be repaid. However, the future payments will stop if the scholarship is terminated.

Q4. Where can I find official information about living in Japan as a foreign resident ?
A4. Please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan's Portal Site for Foreign Residents. https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/index.html?lang=en