4 MEXT Japanese Universities Scholarships Open for Applications in January 2026

If you’re reading this on January 1, 2026, you’re not late — but you are officially in the final stretch.

Across Japan, several MEXT-linked, fully funded scholarship routes are still accepting applications right now, and the deadlines are clustered tightly across January and early spring. That means this is the moment where serious applicants separate themselves from “I’ll apply later” dreamers.

This news post rounds up the MEXT scholarships that are still open as of January 1, 2026, using the deadline windows we already extracted. You’ll see what’s open, when each closes, and how to move fast without turning your application into chaos.

What “MEXT Scholarship” Means in These January 2026 Open Calls?

MEXT (Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) is the funding body behind some of the most valuable scholarships in the world. In practice, many applicants don’t apply to “MEXT” in one single universal portal — they apply through a Japanese university’s nomination/recommendation route (or other program-linked routes) that ultimately connects to MEXT funding.

So when you see “MEXT Scholarship 2026” in these calls, it usually means:

• A Japan-based university is accepting applications now
• Shortlisting/nomination happens through that university
• Successful candidates are forwarded into a MEXT-backed funding route.

List: MEXT Scholarships Open for Applications on January 1, 2026

Below are the opportunities that remain live as of January 1, 2026 — because their deadlines are after January 1.

1# Chuo University — MEXT Japan Scholarships 2026

This one is an emergency-level deadline. If you’re ready and have documents prepared (or nearly prepared), you can still make a last-minute submission push.

Deadline: January 2, 2026

Best for: applicants who already have transcripts, passport, and a polished study plan/research direction ready to submit immediately.

2# Tokushima University — MEXT Japan Scholarships 2026

Tokushima gives you more breathing room than Chuo — enough time to tighten your paperwork, refine your narrative, and submit with confidence rather than panic.

Deadline: January 13, 2026

Best for: applicants who are “almost done” and want a clean submission with a credible plan and properly organized documents.

3# Kyoto University — Japan MEXT Scholarship 2026

Kyoto’s name alone makes people rush. Don’t. Use the time strategically: your documents, academic story, and research alignment must look serious.

Deadline: January 30, 2026

Best for: candidates who want to target a top-tier brand and can clearly communicate their academic fit and future plan.

4) Konan University — MEXT Scholarships 2026

Konan’s deadline window extends beyond January, which makes it the most practical option for applicants who need a little time to prepare properly — without missing the season.

Deadline window: February 2026 to early March 2026

Best for: applicants who are starting now on January 1 and need time to assemble a strong, complete application without rushing into mistakes.

The Real Question: Which One Should You Apply To?

If you’re applying on January 1, 2026, here’s the smartest way to choose:

• Apply to Chuo only if your documents are basically ready right now (because the window is about to close).
• Tokushima is the balanced “still fast, but doable” route.
• Kyoto is ideal if you can show research fit and credibility — not just motivation.
• Konan is your best option if you need weeks (not hours) to build a complete application package.

What You Must Prepare Immediately (Your “Jan 1 Survival Checklist”)

If you want a serious chance, don’t start with random browsing. Start with document control. Most MEXT-linked university applications require some version of:

• Passport (scan)
• Academic transcripts + degree certificates
• A clear study plan / research proposal direction (even for Master’s)
• CV (clean, academic-friendly)
• Recommendation letters (often required; sometimes optional but strongly advised)
• Language proof (if required by the program; depends on the university/track)
• Any program-specific forms the university provides

Fast rule: a beautiful GPA with a messy application package loses to a clean, consistent submission almost every time.

How to Move Fast Without Ruining Your Application?

Here’s a realistic way to execute on January 1, 2026:

1. Pick one primary target today
   Don’t apply to four programs with four weak applications. Apply to one or two with strong alignment.

2. Lock your study plan in one page first
   Before you “decorate” your application, nail the core: what you want to study, why Japan, why that field, and what outcome you’re driving toward.

3. Build a single master folder
   One folder that contains final PDFs: passport, transcripts, CV, study plan, letters — properly named.

4. Submit early (not on the last hour)
   Most people lose opportunities due to technical issues, missing files, or last-minute confusion.