Japanese MEXT Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students in 2026 (Undergraduate, Master, PhD)

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka has unveiled a remarkable opportunity for Sri Lankan students through the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarships for 2026. These prestigious scholarships, offered for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs, aim to foster academic excellence and strengthen educational ties between Sri Lanka and Japan. Applications are now open, with a deadline of May 13, 2025, for undergraduate and PhD programs, while the Master’s program deadline aligns with prior years’ patterns.

Scholarship Programs Overview

The MEXT Scholarships cater to three academic levels, each with distinct eligibility criteria and benefits:

1. Undergraduate Scholarships
   Targeting students born on or after April 2, 2001, this program is designed for those who have achieved at least three passes in the G.C.E. A/L examination (2023 or 2024) in the Mathematical Stream (Chemistry, Physics, Combined Mathematics). Applicants must not be enrolled as internal students at Sri Lankan state universities.
   Fields of Study: Natural Sciences-A, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical & Electronic Studies, Mechanical Studies, Civil Engineering & Architecture, Chemical Studies, and other fields like Biotechnology and Maritime Engineering.
   Duration: Five years (April 2026 to March 2031), including a one-year intensive Japanese language preparatory course.
   Benefits: A monthly allowance of 117,000 yen (approximately LKR 230,000), with a regional supplement of 2,000 or 3,000 yen in designated areas, plus coverage of entrance, matriculation, and tuition fees. MEXT provides economy-class air tickets for travel to and from Japan, though accommodation costs are borne by the grantee.
2. Master’s Scholarships
   Aimed at candidates born on or after April 2, 1989, with a Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Upper Division or above) from a recognized university, this program requires high English proficiency, with basic Japanese knowledge as an advantage.
   Fields of Study: Applicants must pursue fields related to their undergraduate major, available in graduate courses at Japanese universities.
   Duration: The standard period for completing a Master’s degree, with an additional six-month preparatory period if needed.
   Benefits: A monthly allowance of 144,000 yen, a regional supplement, and coverage of all educational fees. Travel to and from Japan is provided, with accommodation expenses borne by the scholar.
3. PhD Scholarships
   Open to Sri Lankan citizens born on or after April 2, 1991, who hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Upper Division or above) and a Master’s degree from a UGC-recognized institution. A minimum “C” pass in GCE A/L English is required, and government employees must apply through their institution’s head.
   Fields of Study: Related to the applicant’s prior academic focus, excluding traditional arts like Kabuki or fields requiring specific technical training.
   Duration: The standard PhD program duration, with a six-month preparatory period if required.
   Benefits: A monthly allowance of 145,000 yen, a regional supplement, and full coverage of educational fees. Economy-class air tickets are provided, but accommodation is the scholar’s responsibility.

Application and Selection Process

Applications for all programs must be submitted online via https://foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk/ by May 13, 2025, for undergraduate and PhD programs. The Master’s program deadline, based on prior years, is likely similar but should be confirmed. Applicants must submit only one application per program, and incomplete or false submissions will lead to disqualification. Government employees require institutional recommendations.

Eligible candidates will face rigorous selection processes:

• Undergraduate: Written tests in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Japanese, followed by interviews conducted by the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka.
• Master’s and PhD: Written tests in English and Japanese, with structured interviews by the Ministry (PhD) or the Embassy (Master’s).
  Final selections, made by the Japanese Government, will be announced by the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka by January 2026. Nomination does not guarantee an award, and canvassing will result in disqualification.

Key Notes and Requirements

• Language: Undergraduate studies are conducted in Japanese, requiring a one-year preparatory course. Master’s and PhD programs may use English or Japanese, depending on the course. Basic Japanese knowledge is advantageous across all programs.
• Financial Planning: Scholars are advised to bring at least USD 2,000 to cover initial expenses in Japan, as the first scholarship payment may take one to one-and-a-half months to process.
• Ineligibility: Military personnel, previous MEXT scholarship recipients, and students enrolled in Japanese institutions as privately financed students are ineligible.
• Consequences: Declining an offer after selection bars candidates from future Ministry scholarships. Scholarship extensions are not supported, and conditions may change per Japanese Government criteria.