Study in Japan 2026: MEXT Scholarship at Kagoshima University | Full Guide for International Students (Deadline: 15 December, 2025)

Kagoshima University in Japan is offering a fully funded master’s-level scholarship under MEXT starting April 2026. This is a great chance for students from developing regions to study agriculture, forestry, food production, environment and related fields with financial support, modern research, and global exposure.

What the Program Is

• The program is called “Training engineers for the progress in sustainable food production in the tropics.”
• It is part of the MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship scheme, via Kagoshima University’s Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
• The program aims to support students from regions where climate change and food security are critical – especially Africa, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia.

Kagoshima University MEXT Scholarship Summary

What You Get (Benefits)

• Monthly Allowance: Scholarship holders receive ¥144,000 per month.
• Support for Travel to Japan: MEXT provides an economy-class airfare from your home country to Japan.
• Support for Return Trip: When you complete studies and return home at the end of the program, MEXT provides a return ticket (economy class).
• Two-Year Funding: The scholarship is granted for two years, starting April 2026.
• Modern Research & Study: You study in the agriculture/forestry/food/environment fields – with good faculty, labs, and international student support.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

You are eligible if you meet all of the following:

• GPA: Your GPA (converted using the university’s GPA scale) must be at least 2.30 / 3.00.
• Academic Background: You must have graduated (or expected to graduate by March 2026) with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) that fulfills university admission standards.
• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. Applicants must not hold Japanese nationality at the time of application.
• Age: You should be born on or after April 2, 1991. Exceptions may apply under special circumstances.
• Field of Study: The study area must be within the fields offered by the Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Forestry at Kagoshima University – such as plant production, animal science, forest management, food/agricultural economics.
• English Proficiency: You need either:
  • A language test result (or certificate) equivalent to or above CEFR B2, obtained after January 1, 2024; or
  • Proof that you completed prior education (such as bachelor’s degree) in a program where English was the main language of instruction.
• Health: Physically and mentally healthy to study in Japan.
• Visa & Arrival: You must arrive in Japan during the designated arrival period early April 2026, with a “Student” visa. Arrival before the date for personal reasons may forfeit travel support.

Who is NOT eligible?

• Japanese nationals (unless renouncing Japanese nationality by arrival)
• Current military personnel or military civilian employees at the time of arrival or during scholarship period
• Those already receiving (or planning to receive) another MEXT scholarship or other foreign-government-supported scholarship overlapping with this one
• Those already enrolled as privately-financed international students at a Japanese institution at the time of application (with some exceptions)

What You Need to Submit (Required Documents)

You must send the following – either in English or Japanese (or with translation):

• Application form for the MEXT Scholarship
• Recent photograph (4.5 × 3.5 cm, taken within last 6 months)
• Proof of nationality (passport copy or equivalent)
• Academic transcript for all years of university study, showing your grade scale and grades earned
• Degree certificate or a certificate of prospective graduation (if you will graduate by March 2026)
• Certificate of good academic performance (on official letterhead, with seal or signature) – recommended
• Recommendation letter (preferably from your university’s president or dean) addressed to Kagoshima University President
• Proof of English proficiency (or proof of prior English-taught education)
• Certificate of current enrollment (if you are currently enrolled)
• Field of Study & Research Plan that includes the name of the professor you want to learn from
• Abstract of thesis (if applicable)
• GPA calculation sheet (as provided by university) showing “DATA only.”

How to Apply (Steps)

1. Fill out the application form and prepare all required documents.
2. Scan all documents and send them by email to: nkgaku@kuas.kagoshima-u.ac.jp between December 8 and December 15, 2025 (JST).
3. Mail the original hard-copy documents by registered airmail or express mail (DHL, EMS, etc.) to: Student Affairs Section Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kagoshima University Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima, 890-8580, Japan Documents must be postmarked between December 8 and 15, 2025 (excluding weekends and Japanese holidays).
4. The university will review all applications. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview, with notifications by January 5, 2026.
5. Final results and acceptance letters will be sent after MEXT’s final screening, expected around February 2026.

What Happens After You Get the Scholarship

• You get ¥144,000/month (adjustable by budget).
• Scholarship runs for 2 years (from April 2026), if you meet academic and conduct standards.
• MEXT covers economy-class airfare to Japan at the start, and return airfare to your home country after completion.
• You must enroll in Japan’s national health insurance after arrival.

The 2026 MEXT Scholarship at Kagoshima University offers strong support, quality education, international exposure, and a path to impact global food security and environmental sustainability. If you meet the eligibility and prepare all documents carefully including contacting a supervisor and planning your research – this could be a life-changing opportunity.