A major fully funded study opportunity has just opened for international students seeking a Master’s degree in Japan. Kagoshima University’s Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced applications for its prestigious MEXT Special Admission Program titled “Training Engineers for the Progress in Sustainable Food Production in the Tropics.”
This is an exclusive two-year Master’s program designed for talented students from regions highly affected by climate change, and it will remain available for the 2026–2027 cohort.
This opportunity news post outlines what this opportunity includes, why it matters, and how international students can apply before the strict deadlines.
What This Opportunity Is About?
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has selected Kagoshima University as a preferred host institution for awarding government scholarships under its special admissions scheme. The program focuses on building advanced expertise needed to strengthen sustainable food production systems in tropical regions. It also contributes to global efforts in mitigating climate-change-induced agricultural challenges.
All classes and research guidance are conducted in English, making the program accessible to international applicants without Japanese-language proficiency.
Kagoshima MEXT Scholarship Package
The MEXT scholarship for this Kagoshima university program covers a wide range of academic and living expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on research and studies:
- Monthly Stipend: Master’s students receive a monthly allowance of 144,000 yen, supporting living costs throughout the duration of the scholarship.
- Full Tuition Coverage: All university tuition fees are waived under the MEXT scholarship policy.
- Travel Support: Students receive:
- One-way airfare to Japan before the start of studies
- Return airfare after completing the program
- Funding Duration: The scholarship supports students for two full years, starting in April 2026.
Do You Qualify for MEXT Scholarship @Kagoshima University?
Applicants must meet all eligibility conditions outlined for the 2026 intake:
| Eligibility Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1. Academic Performance | Must be an outstanding student with GPA 2.30/3.00 or higher. |
| 2. Nationality | Must hold citizenship of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan. Priority regions: Africa, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia. |
| 3. Age Requirement | Must be born on or after April 2, 1991. |
| 4. Academic Background | Must meet one of the following:• Bachelor’s degree completed or expected by March 2026• Completed 16 years of education outside Japan• Equivalent qualification officially recognized• Pass special eligibility screening if no traditional degree |
| 5. Field of Study | Intended Master’s field must align with previous studies and relate to: Agriculture, climate resilience, food production, or other fields offered by the department. |
| 6. English Proficiency | Must meet one of the following:• English test score at CEFR B2 or above (taken after Jan 1, 2024)• Completed an English-medium degree program meeting Master’s entry requirements |
| 7. Health, Visa & Arrival | Must:• Be physically and mentally healthy• Arrive in Japan in early April 2026• Enter Japan under a Student visa |
Important Deadlines for the 2026 Intake
Applicants must carefully follow the official timeline of Kagoshima University MEXT Scholarship to ensure their application is accepted. All required documents must be submitted by email between December 8 and 15, 2025 (Japan Time), and the original hard copies must also be postmarked within the same period, from December 8 to 15, 2025.
Successful applicants will receive their interview notification by January 5, 2026, and interviews will be conducted online on January 5–6, 2026. Final selection results from MEXT will be released in February 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to prepare their documents early to avoid delays.
Why You Should Apply?
This is one of Japan’s most impactful, fully funded opportunities for students interested in agricultural development, sustainability, environmental sciences, and climate-resilient technologies. Successful applicants gain access to world-class research labs, global faculty, hands-on training in Japan, and a scholarship package that removes all financial barriers.
If you are passionate about contributing to sustainable food production and want to study in one of Japan’s top universities—this is your moment.