In addition to university scholarships, several well-known programmes funded by the Japanese government and private organisations offer generous support to international students.

MEXT Scholarship

Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, this scholarship is the most prestigious and generous. It covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare. Students can apply through Japanese embassies (Embassy Track) or directly to universities (University Track). MEXT is available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the MEXT Scholarship, Bangladeshi applicants must meet specific requirements depending on their programme of interest. For those applying to undergraduate programmes, candidates must have completed 12 years of formal education (equivalent to the Higher Secondary Certificate, or HSC), and they must be between 17 and 21 years old as of April 1 of the year they arrive in Japan. For research programmes, such as master’s or PhD degrees, applicants need to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and be born on or after 2 April 1990, for the 2025 intake. Those applying for programmes in specialised training colleges or technical fields must also have completed 12 years of schooling and be between 17 and 21 years old. In addition to these academic requirements, applicants must be Bangladeshi citizens, in good health, and have proficiency in either English or Japanese, as the selection process involves exams in both languages.

Application timeline and process

The application process for the MEXT Scholarship is primarily conducted through the Embassy Recommendation track, coordinated by the Ministry of Education in Bangladesh and the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. Typically, the application process begins in April when the Ministry of Education announces the scholarship, followed by the submission of applications by May. The selected candidates are then forwarded to the Japanese Embassy, where they will undergo written exams and interviews in June. Final selections are made by MEXT in December, and students usually depart for Japan the following March or April.

The MEXT Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for the duration of the programme. Recipients receive a generous monthly allowance of approximately 242,000 yen for research students, which helps cover living and other essential expenses. In addition to the monthly stipend, the scholarship covers travel expenses, including round-trip airfare between Bangladesh and Japan, and fully waives entrance examination fees, tuition fees, and other related costs. For undergraduate and certain other programmes, MEXT also provides a one-year preparatory course to help students adjust to life in Japan, including Japanese language instruction. Moreover, the scholarship assists students in finding accommodation, often within university dormitories.

The scholarship’s duration depends on the programme of study. Undergraduate programmes typically last for four to six years, while research programmes generally last two years or more. Specialised training programmes may span three to four years. Throughout this time, MEXT ensures that scholars receive all the necessary support to excel in their studies and contribute to their field.

ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

This programme supports students from developing countries (including Bangladesh) who want to pursue postgraduate studies in Economics, Management, Science, or Technology. It covers full tuition, housing, travel, and a monthly stipend. ADB-JSP is ideal for those pursuing development-related fields.

For Bangladeshi students aspiring to pursue a master’s degree abroad, the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity. This programme supports postgraduate studies in fields such as economics, business, science and technology, law and public policy, and development studies at designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific.​

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP), Bangladeshi applicants must fulfill a set of essential criteria that reflect both academic merit and a commitment to development. First and foremost, applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country—such as Bangladesh—and must not hold dual citizenship with any developed nation. They should possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, backed by a strong academic record. In addition, a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience after graduation is required. Candidates should ideally be under the age of 35 at the time of application, though this limit may be waived in exceptional circumstances with special approval from the Government of Japan. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential, as it is the primary language of instruction in most partner institutions. Applicants must also be in good health to handle the demands of academic life abroad. Finally, as a condition of the scholarship, all recipients must pledge to return to their home country after completing their studies and contribute to national development by working locally for at least two years.

Application timeline and process

The application process for the ADB–JSP is coordinated through the participating academic institutions. Applicants must first secure admission to an approved master’s course at a designated institution. Once admitted, they should submit the completed scholarship application form, along with all required documents, to the institution at least six months before the intended start date of the programme. Each institution sets its own application deadlines. Prospective applicants should check with their chosen institution for specific deadlines

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) offers full financial support to selected scholars throughout their studies. It covers all tuition fees for the duration of the programme, ensuring that students face no academic cost burdens. Scholars also receive a monthly stipend of around 147,000 Japanese Yen, which helps cover living and housing expenses. Additionally, the scholarship provides an allowance of $1,000 every two years to cover the cost of books and instructional materials. Medical insurance is included, ensuring students have access to healthcare during their stay. Travel expenses are also covered, including round-trip airfare and visa-related costs. For students involved in research, the programme offers an additional 1,000 US dollars over two years to support thesis work. Initially granted for one year, the scholarship may be extended for a second year based on the student’s academic performance.

Participating institutions

The ADB–JSP collaborates with several designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific. In Japan, participating universities include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and the Asian Institute of Technology, among others. Each institution offers specific programmes eligible under the scholarship, and applicants should consult the respective university’s website for detailed information.​

Study in Japan: Top universities to consider, scholarship opportunities (Part 1)

Nitori International Scholarship Foundation

Eligibility

The Nitori Scholarship is open to international students from all over the world, including Bangladesh. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a Japanese university, either in an undergraduate or graduate programme. Bangladeshi students must hold a valid “College Student” visa in Japan and must not be receiving other scholarships at the time of application.

Age is an important factor in eligibility. Undergraduate applicants pursuing a four-year degree must be 24 years old or younger, while those enrolled in six-year programmes and postgraduate degrees should be no older than 26. Academic performance is also considered, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. This reflects the foundation’s emphasis on academic excellence and dedication to learning.

Language proficiency

Japanese language proficiency is a crucial part of the application process, even for Bangladeshi applicants. While fluency is not mandatory, applicants are expected to have at least JLPT N3 level proficiency. This means they should be capable of understanding everyday conversations, reading short passages, and responding appropriately during an interview—since interviews are typically conducted in Japanese. Applicants who struggle with spoken Japanese may still be considered, but basic comprehension is essential.

Application process

For those planning to study in Japan in the 2025 academic year, the application deadline for the Nitori Scholarship is 1:00pm Japan Standard Time on 21 May 2025. Applications are submitted directly to the foundation through its official website. The process includes an online application form, a web-based assessment, document screening, and an interview.

Unlike some scholarships that require nomination by a university, the Nitori Scholarship allows applicants to apply independently, making it more accessible to determined students who are proactive in their pursuit of financial aid.

The official website for applications and updates is: https://www.nitori-shougakuzaidan.com/application/#scholarship 

Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship offers a monthly stipend ranging between ¥50,000 and ¥80,000 (approximately Tk 36,000 to Tk58,000 at current exchange rates). Though the amount may not cover the full cost of living in Japan, it significantly reduces financial pressure, especially when combined with part-time work permitted under a student visa.

The scholarship is typically awarded for one academic year, and in some cases, recipients may apply for renewal depending on their performance and circumstances. Additionally, the foundation organizes exchange events and provides optional housing support, giving scholars a chance to build valuable networks in Japan.

One of the writers, Yasin Rahat, is a full-tuition scholar at Tokyo International University and is interested in startups, tech and politics.