Are you a Canadian woman looking to advance your education abroad? The Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarship offered through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is a powerful opportunity for Canadian students, including women, to study at universities in Japan with full financial support. This fully funded opportunity allows Canadian students, including women aspiring to advance their education and global exposure, to study at top universities across Japan. Whether you’re beginning your academic journey or pursuing graduate studies, the MEXT Scholarship provides an empowering pathway to world-class education, cultural immersion, and international leadership development.

What Is the MEXT Scholarship?

The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded academic award supporting international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or specialized studies in Japan. It covers:

• Full university tuition

• Monthly living stipend

• Round-trip airfare between Canada and Japan

• Japanese language training (when required)

This makes it one of the most accessible global opportunities for women seeking high-quality education without financial barriers.

Who Is Eligible?

The MEXT scholarship for Canadians is divided into three categories:

1. Undergraduate Students — For high school graduates who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Japan.

2. Research Students — For graduate-level applicants (non-degree, master’s, or PhD) in any academic field. Embassy of Japan in Canada

3. Japanese Studies Students — For undergraduates in Canada who are already majoring in Japanese language, culture, or related fields.

Some details from the most recent recruitment cycle (for reference):

• For the Undergraduate Scholarship:

  • Duration: 5 years, starting April 2026. Embassy of Japan in Canada

  • First year is for Japanese language preparation.

  • Eligibility: born on or after April 2, 2001; Canadian citizenship required.

  • Application deadline was May 30, 2025.

  • Selection includes exams (Japanese, English, mathematics, science) & an interview.

• For the Research Scholarship:

  • Duration: typical program length or initial 2 years (or 18 months, for a fall start) for non-degree students. Embassy of Japan in Canada

  • Eligibility: bachelor’s degree required; born on or after April 2, 1991.

  • Application deadline was May 23, 2025.

  • Selection includes exams in English and Japanese, plus an interview.

How to Apply

1. Choose your scholarship category (Undergraduate, Research, or Japanese Studies). Embassy of Japan in Canada

2. Pick a field of study — MEXT places students in universities based on their preferences and the available fields.

3. Prepare and submit your application documents to the correct Japanese diplomatic mission in Canada:

   • Ottawa — Embassy of Japan (for Ottawa-Gatineau region) Embassy of Japan in Canada

   • Vancouver — Consulate General of Japan (for BC / Yukon)

   • Calgary — Consulate General (for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, etc.) Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary

   • Toronto — Consulate General (for Ontario)

   • Montreal — Consulate General (for Quebec / Atlantic provinces)

4. Study for the selection exams and interview — these may be in Japanese, English, math, science, depending on the scholarship. Embassy of Japan in Canada

Why This Matters for Women

• Empowerment Through Education: The MEXT scholarship empowers Canadian women to gain world-class education in Japan, access cutting-edge research opportunities, and build global networks.

• Fully Funded: Financial barriers are significantly reduced, making the experience more accessible.

• Personal & Professional Growth: Immersing in a different culture and language can strengthen independence, cross-cultural communication, and leadership skills — all valuable for advancing both personally and professionally.

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