The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Programme for 2026-27 offers fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue Masters and PhD degrees at Japanese universities. This scholarship is open to research students in a wide range of fields, with a strong emphasis on areas such as Pharmacognosy, Natural Products Chemistry, Food Chemistry, and Herbal Medicine, as highlighted by Professor Mohamed El-Shazly of Ain Shams University, Egypt. The MEXT scholarship is highly prestigious and supports students with tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and travel expenses.

Applicants must apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country, following the Embassy Recommendation procedure. The application window typically opens between April and May of the year prior to intended enrollment (for 2026 entry, apply in April-May 2025). The process includes a first screening by the embassy or consulate, and successful candidates will be placed at Japanese universities according to their research interests and preferences.

Eligibility requirements include holding a relevant undergraduate degree for Masters applicants or a Masters degree for PhD applicants, submission of a research plan, a certificate of health completed by a medical doctor, and a recommendation letter. Academic excellence and language proficiency are generally expected. Applicants should consult the official MEXT Application Guidelines and the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country for detailed instructions and country-specific requirements.

This scholarship is ideal for students interested in advancing their research in pharmacognosy, food chemistry, herbal medicine, and related fields, with the opportunity to study in Japan's world-class academic environment. For more information and to access application materials, visit the official Study in Japan website and contact your local Japanese embassy or consulate.