Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships 2027 for Sri Lankan Students
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships 2027 — Complete Guide for Sri Lankan Students
Four fully-funded scholarship programs — Undergraduate, College of Technology (Kosen), Master's and PhD — now open for applications from citizens of Sri Lanka.
The Four Scholarship Schemes at a Glance
- Duration: 5 years (Apr 2027 – Mar 2032)
- Includes 1-year Japanese language prep
- Medium of instruction: Japanese
- Fields: Natural Sciences (19 majors)
- Born on/after April 2, 2002
- Duration: 4 years (Apr 2027 – Mar 2031)
- Maritime Engineering: 4.5 years
- Medium of instruction: Japanese
- 8 engineering fields (A–H)
- Born on/after April 2, 2002
- Duration: as required for the degree
- Optional 6-month Japanese prep
- Medium: English or Japanese
- All research fields eligible
- Born on/after April 2, 1992
- Duration: as required for the degree
- Optional 6-month Japanese prep
- Medium: English or Japanese
- All research fields eligible
- Born on/after April 2, 1992
Eligibility Requirements
Check which scheme you qualify for using the table below. All applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens.
| Requirement | UG & Kosen | Master's | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (born on/after) | April 2, 2002 | April 2, 1992 | April 2, 1992 |
| Academic Qualification | 3 passes G.C.E. A/L 2025 (Math Stream: Chemistry, Physics, Combined Maths) | Bachelor's 4yr+ with 2nd Class Upper (UGC recognised) | Bachelor's 4yr+ (2nd Class Upper) + Master's degree |
| English | Good knowledge | G.C.E. A/L min. "C" pass | G.C.E. A/L min. "C" pass |
| Japanese Language | Advantage (not required) | Advantage (not required) | Advantage (not required) |
| Currently at State University (internal) | ❌ Not eligible | N/A | N/A |
| Govt. employee | — | Must apply via Head of Institution | Must apply via Head of Institution |
What the Scholarship Covers
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Allowance | UG/Kosen: 117,000 ¥ | Master's: 144,000 ¥ | PhD: 145,000 ¥ (+ up to 3,000 ¥ regional supplement) |
| Tuition & Fees | Entrance exam, matriculation, and all tuition fees paid by MEXT |
| Flight to Japan | Economy class ticket provided upon arrival within specified period |
| Flight home | Economy class ticket upon graduation and return within scholarship end date |
| Accommodation | ❌ Not covered — must be borne by the grantee |
Fields of Study
UG — Natural Sciences-A (19 majors):
Mathematics · Physics · Chemistry · Electronics · Electrical Engineering · Information Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Naval Architecture · Civil Engineering · Architecture · Environmental Engineering · Applied Chemistry · Chemical Engineering · Industrial Chemistry · Textile Engineering · Metallurgical Engineering · Mining Engineering · Maritime Engineering · Biotechnology
Kosen — Engineering Fields (A–H):
(A) Mechanical Engineering · (B) Electrical & Electronic Engineering · (C) Information, Communication & Network Engineering · (D) Materials Engineering · (E) Architecture · (F) Civil Engineering · (G) Maritime Engineering · (H) Other fields
Master's & PhD:
Any field you majored in at university (or a related field) that can be studied/researched at a Japanese graduate school. Traditional performing arts and factory-based practical training are excluded.
Selection Process
| Stage | UG | Kosen | Master's / PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Test Subjects | Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English, Japanese | Japanese, English, Maths + Physics or Chemistry (by field) | English Language + Japanese Language |
| Interview | By Japanese Embassy Sri Lanka | By Japanese Embassy Sri Lanka | By Ministry of Education Sri Lanka |
| Final Decision | Government of Japan (final authority) | ||
| Results Notified | By end Feb 2027 | By end Jan 2027 | By end Jan 2027 |
Important Notes & Conditions
Key Dates Timeline
How to Apply
Applications are online only — no postal submissions. Submit through the official Ministry portal. You may apply for one scheme only. Government sector employees must route their applications through their institution's Head.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Check Eligibility | Confirm you meet the age, academic, and other requirements for your chosen scheme |
| 2. Review Guidelines | Read the full official guidelines at studyinjapan.go.jp (includes past exam papers) |
| 3. Apply Online | Submit via foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk before 18 May 2026 |
| 4. Do NOT post | Physical copies are not required |
No comments