MylesChris:
What is the MEXT Scholarship?

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships to international students who wish to study at Japanese universities. Six (6) types of MEXT scholarships are available: Research/Graduate, Teacher Training, Undergraduate, Japanese Studies, College of Technology, and Special Training. Note: All scholarships are not necessarily offered at every consulate/embassy.
What are the requirements?

Requirements differ based on the scholarship. For a detailed breakdown for the scholarships available CLICK HERE.
How do I apply?

To apply for a MEXT scholarship, you need a recommendation by a Japanese university -OR- a recommendation from the Japanese consulate/embassy in your country.
How do you get a recommendation from a consulate/embassy?

To get a recommendation from a consulate/embassy, you must submit an application, sit for the required tests, and participate in an in-person interview.
Note: Attaining a consulate/embassy recommendation does not guarantee acceptance.
What tests do I need to take?

Undergraduate: English, Japanese, and Mathematics (STEM majors must additionally take biology, physics, and chemistry).
Research/Graduate: Japanese (required), English (optional). Only one of the two tests must be passed. However, Japanese-related majors (e.g. Japanese literature, etc.) must score well on the Japanese test.
Specialized Training: Japanese, English, and Math
Japanese Studies: Japanese
When would I arrive in Japan?

Consulate/embassy-recommended Undergraduate, Research, and Specialized Training applicants leave in April. (In special circumstances, research students may elect to arrive in October). Japanese Studies applicants depart in October. However, sometimes the universities require students to start at one specific time. Applicants pursuing a university recommendation should contact their chosen universities for more information.
How do I apply for a visa?

If you are selected as a MEXT Scholarship recipient through consulate/embassy recommendation, you will receive instructions on how to attain your visa from the consulate/embassy office.
Are housing expenses covered under the MEXT Scholarship?

The MEXT Scholarship provides recipients with a monthly stipend:
Approx. ¥117,000～120,000 per month for Undergraduate, Japanese Studies, and Specialized Training
Approx. ¥143,000～148,000 per month for Research and Teacher Training
Monthly stipends may be used toward living expenses. Some universities may offer dorm housing for international students at discounted rates, but it varies from institution to institution. Applicants should assume that they will need to pay for their own living expenses.
Is the selection process competitive?

More than competitive, the selection process is rigorous. Application review is strict, and it is not unusual for applicants to apply multiple times before being successful. Potential applicants are encouraged to thoroughly read the guidelines and prepare documentation well in advance, as any deviation (missing signatures, insufficient number of copies, etc.) from the guidelines can result in immediate disqualification.

klever18:
is the Japanese embassy opened to visitors? planning to go get the form before the deadline