Japanese Government (MEXT) Research Scholarship, Embassy recommendation
Government of Japan (MEXT), through the Embassy of Japan in Somalia
- Where you study
- Japan · Japanese graduate schools
- Study level
- Master's
- PhD
The embassy opens recruitment in April each year and closes in May; the exact 2027 dates will be announced on the embassy page.
Based on the usual yearly schedule. The official dates for the next round are not announced yet; check the official page.
Why: This is the embassy-recommended MEXT scholarship for Somalia: the official page says it is open to students from Somalia and applicants must be Somali citizens.
Somali citizens interested in a master's or doctoral course at a Japanese graduate school, born on or after 2 April 1990 (2025 rule; the cut-off moves each year), holding an undergraduate degree (minimum second class upper division) or a master's degree.
In short
The Government of Japan offers this fully funded scholarship for Somali citizens to study for a Master's or PhD at a Japanese graduate school. Somali applicants are eligible.
How competitive
Competitive
A handful of places for Somalia each year, with a clear process for those who meet the criteria.
English requirement
English test or alternative proof accepted
Fields of study
Any research field offered by Japanese graduate schools
What it covers
MEXT covers tuition, a monthly allowance and flights to and from Japan. The scholarship lasts 18 months or two years, including six months of Japanese language study.
- Tuition feesIncluded
- Living allowanceIncluded
- TravelIncluded
- Health insuranceNot stated
- Visa costsNot stated
- AccommodationNot stated
- FamilyNot stated
MEXT pays tuition, a monthly allowance and the flight to and from Japan; the term is 18 months or two years, including six months of Japanese language study. Amounts are in the official MEXT guidelines.
Only what the official source states. "Not stated" means we could not confirm it, not that it is excluded.
Who can apply
It is for Somali citizens applying for a Master's or doctoral course at a Japanese graduate school. Applicants need an undergraduate degree with at least second class upper division, or a master's degree, and must meet the age rule.
- You must be a Somali citizen.
- Apply for a Master's or doctoral course at a Japanese graduate school.
- Be born on or after 2 April 1990 under the 2025 rule.
- Hold an undergraduate degree with at least second class upper division.
- Or hold a master's degree.
- Choose a research field offered by a Japanese graduate school.
- Academic requirement
- An undergraduate degree with at least a second class upper division, or a master's degree.
- Age
- Born on or after 2 April 1990 for the 2025 intake; the cut-off moves one year each cycle.
- Selection
- Document screening, written tests and an interview at the embassy; then placement at a Japanese university.
English requirement
English test or alternative proof accepted
You do not need IELTS or TOEFL to apply. The embassy holds English and Japanese tests during screening; alternative proof of English is also accepted.
No IELTS or TOEFL is needed to apply; the embassy holds its own English (and Japanese) language tests as part of the screening.
Never assume IELTS is needed. Only the official page and the university you apply to decide.
Documents you will need
- Application form
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Recommendation (reference) letters
- Research proposal
- Medical certificate
- Passport photo
- Passport (or national ID)
- Other documents (see the official page)
The MEXT application form, your field of study and research plan, certified transcripts and degree certificates, recommendation letter(s), a medical certificate, photos and a passport copy, submitted through Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy of Japan.
How to apply
- 1Read the Embassy of Japan in Somalia's official scholarship page.
- 2Check the current age rule and exact dates on the embassy page.
- 3Choose a research field and prepare your research plan.
- 4Gather the application form, transcripts, degree certificates and recommendation letters.
- 5Prepare your medical certificate, photos, passport or national ID, and other required documents.
- 6Submit the application through Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy of Japan.
- 7Take the written tests and attend the embassy interview if selected for screening.
Prepare well
- Start gathering your certificates, transcripts and reference letters early.
- Give your referees enough time to prepare their letters.
- Make your research plan clear and focused on your chosen field.
- Check the embassy page for the current age cut-off and deadline before applying.
Important notes
- For the 2028 intake, recruitment is expected to open in April 2027 and close in May; exact dates will be announced by the embassy.
- The listed age cut-off is for the 2025 intake and changes each cycle.
- Applications go through Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Embassy of Japan.
- Selection includes document screening, written tests and an embassy interview; university placement follows.
Official source
ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.
Official page last checked 27 September 2026
The explanation was written by AI from the verified facts and the official page, then checked by fixed rules: any amount, date, score or document the source does not state is removed.