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Kyushu University (Kyudai), located in Fukuoka, is one of Japan’s premier top-tier Imperial Universities and a global research powerhouse. Through the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommendation Track), outstanding international postgraduate students can pursue fully funded Master’s and Doctoral degree programs taught in English.
Unlike the Embassy Recommendation route, the University Recommendation track allows candidates to apply directly through Kyushu University’s specialized international graduate programs. Successful nominees receive direct endorsement from Kyushu University to MEXT, bypassing the embassy screening phase.
This guide details the scholarship coverage, eligibility guidelines, GPA calculation criteria, application steps, and timeline for the upcoming 2027 intake.
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Overview of Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT University-Recommended Scholarship provides comprehensive “full-ride” funding for the standard duration of the degree program (2 years for Master’s, 3 years for Ph.D.):
| Scholarship Component | Coverage Details |
| Tuition & Fees | 100% waiver of application fee, admission fee, and full tuition fees |
| Monthly Living Allowance | ¥143,000/month (Master’s) / ¥145,000/month (Ph.D.) + regional top-up allowance |
| Travel Allowance | Roundtrip economy class airfare (Home Country $\leftrightarrow$ Fukuoka, Japan) |
| Arrival Grant / Insurance | Subsidized national health insurance coverage and arrival support |
| Work Restrictions | Scholars may work part-time up to 28 hours/week with university permission |
Participating Graduate Faculties & Programs
Kyushu University offers University-Recommended MEXT quotas through specialized English-taught graduate streams, including:
- Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences (International Graduate Program – IGP)
- Graduate School of Engineering (e-Asia / International Programs)
- Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering (ISEE)
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society (ISGS)
- Graduate School of Mathematics & Science
- Graduate School of Economics
Eligibility Criteria
To receive a university nomination for MEXT through Kyushu University, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must hold nationality in a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age Limit: Must be under 35 years of age as of April 1, 2027 (typically born on or after April 2, 1991).
- Academic GPA Requirement: Must maintain a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.30 / 3.00 on the MEXT official grade scale across prior university degrees.
- Language Proficiency:
- English Track: Valid TOEFL iBT (80+), IELTS Academic (6.5+), or TOEIC score.
- An official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is accepted if prior degree studies were entirely in English.
- Arrival Timing: Must be able to arrive in Japan during the designated orientation window (typically late September 2027).
Required Application Documents
All application materials must be submitted electronically and via post as instructed by the prospective faculty department:
- MEXT Application Form: Official Monbukagakusho application template.
- Field of Study and Research Plan: Detailed thesis research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and lab integration.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Certified transcripts from all attended higher education institutions.
- Degree / Graduation Certificates: Bachelor’s diploma (for Master’s applicants) or Bachelor’s & Master’s diplomas (for Doctoral applicants).
- Recommendation Form 1: Letter from the Dean/President of your home institution addressed to the President of Kyushu University.
- Recommendation Form 2: Letter from your academic advisor/supervisor.
- Abstract of Prior Thesis: 2-page summary of previous research or published papers.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or institutional MOI letter.
- Proof of Citizenship: Passport copy or official census register.
- Certificate of Health: Completed and signed by a licensed physician.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1.Supervisor Contact & Matchmaking:September – November.
Use the Kyushu University Academic Staff Search Engine (HU-GRID / Researcher Database) to identify professors whose research aligns with your proposal. Contact your prospective supervisor with your CV, academic transcripts, and research plan to secure initial mentorship approval.
2.Submit Online Entry & Faculty Dossier:November – December.
Complete the Kyushu University graduate portal application form and upload all required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposal, and language certificates).
3.Departmental Review & Oral Defense:December – January.
Participate in online technical interviews conducted by the faculty admissions committee to evaluate research feasibility and academic capabilities.
4.Official University Recommendation to MEXT:February – March.
Kyushu University selects top-ranked applicants from each graduate school and submits their names directly to MEXT in Tokyo for final government endorsement.
5.MEXT Final Selection Approval:June – July.
MEXT officially confirms awardees. Successful applicants receive formal admission letters, MEXT scholarship award certificates, and Certificate of Eligibility (COE) documents.
6.Visa Issuance & Departure for Fukuoka:September 2027.
Obtain a Japanese Student Visa at your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate and arrive at Kyushu University (Ito Campus) for enrollment.
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Key Deadlines & Selection Timeline
| Application Milestone | Projected Schedule |
| Supervisor Outreach Window | September – November |
| Faculty Application Deadline | Mid-December – Early January |
| Faculty Screening & Interviews | January – February |
| Nomination Submitted to MEXT | March |
| Final Result Notification | June – July |
| Program Start Date | October 1, 2027 |
Official Links & Resources
- Kyushu University Global Gateways: https://www.isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/intlweb/en
- Kyushu University Academic Staff Search: https://hyoka.ofc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/search/index_e.html
- Graduate School of Bioresource & Bioenvironmental Sciences (IGP): https://ag.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/
FAQs
How is the MEXT 2.30 / 3.00 GPA calculated?
MEXT uses a specific weighted grading formula: Grade points are assigned as 3 points for Excellent/A, 2 points for Good/B, 1 point for Pass/C, and 0 points for Fail. Kyushu University calculates this MEXT GPA score during preliminary document evaluation.
Can I apply for the Embassy MEXT Track and University MEXT Track simultaneously?
No. MEXT strict guidelines prohibit dual applications. You cannot be nominated for the MEXT University Recommendation track while your Embassy Recommendation application is active in the same academic year.
Is Japanese language proficiency required for English-medium tracks?
No. While learning basic Japanese is encouraged for daily life in Fukuoka, degree coursework and thesis supervision are conducted entirely in English.
ScholarshipsHive Pro-Tip:
Kyushu University faculties prioritize candidates with clear, detailed research proposals that align with active laboratory projects. When emailing prospective supervisors, reference their recent journal publications to demonstrate strong alignment.
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