Start here / Route orientation
Begin with the application
you are actually making.
Your intended qualification, nationality and application channel are a better starting point than someone else’s checklist.
01 / Choose your category
For graduate research, a master’s or doctorate, start with Research Students guidance. Undergraduate, College of Technology, Specialized Training College, Teacher Training and Japanese Studies have their own instructions. Find your category in the official MEXT overview.
This site’s workbook focuses on graduate applicants. It is not a substitute for another category’s instructions.
02 / Find your official application channel
For embassy recommendation, begin with the Japanese embassy or consulate’s instructions relevant to your nationality. For university recommendation, begin with the receiving university’s current nomination call. Confirm which routes are available to you through the official overview and MEXT FAQ.
03 / Save the current local notice
Use the MOFA embassy and consulate directory to locate your official notice. Record its intake, deadline, time zone, document requirements and submission method. Check your embassy’s current notice; do not copy another country’s calendar.
04 / Build your preparation plan
Use the official research-student application hub for forms and annual guidelines. Then make a document-and-deadline table.