MEXT Japanese Scholarships!

Exposure to Japanese high school life for a short period of time to gain understanding of Japan and Japanese culture.

The MEXT Scholarship has been developed by the Japanese Government to strengthen ties with other nations through educational and cultural exchanges.

Application Dates

Open – Monday 23rd February 2026
Deadline – Monday 27th April 2026

Decisions by – Monday 4th May 2026

4 Spots Available for New Zealand & Queensland Australian Students!
Programme running 7th October – 8th November 2026

Scholarship Value & What's Included?

Through the MEXT scholarship the cost of this 4 week programme is $4,000, with the
Japanese Government funding the remainder of the programme cost.

  • Pre departure Orientation in Auckland or Brisbane depending on your location.
  • Return flights to Tokyo, Japan from Auckland or Brisbane
  • Medical and Personal Liability Insurance
  • Host family placement during four week stay
  • 24/7 support from AFS Japan and AFS New Zealand

  If you meet the criteria, please follow the steps to apply below.

Japan

Eligibility

  • You will need to be between 15.6 to 18.6 years old.
  • Have been studying Japanese or willing to start studying Japanese prior to the start of the programme.  AFS will provide free online resources to the students.
  • Be enrolled in a New Zealand or Australian school.
    For Australian Students you have to be in year 10 or 11 only.
  • Capable of adjusting to new experiences and environments, and open to adjusting to cultural difference.
  • Have an interest in the Japanese culture and language.
  • Specific eligibility applies, see enquiry form
JPN-HS-students-in-japan-1-1024×768

Zoom Session with Q&A

Attend an information zoom session run by AFS NZ covering:

  • How AFS works to go on an exchange for a intensive programme
  • What is covered by the scholarship
  • Q&A from you and your parent/guardian
Register

Apply

The applications for NZ & QLD AU students is now open! 

  1. Complete the MEXT scholarship enquiry form
  2. It is a requirement to make a 1 minute video introducing yourself and your interest in Japan
  3. Write a letter for your potential host family

Please send your video and letter to [email protected] by the deadline –
Monday 27th April 2026

A reminder: The programme cost to be covered by the participant is $4,000. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Learn About Japan

Country Information

Alumni Experiences

Jay Japan 3

2023

We asked our amazing 2023 MEXT scholarship student and volunteer Jay some questions about his time in Japan. Read on to find out about his favourite experiences, best advice, and what being an AFS student means to him!

Jays Experience
Screenshot 2026-02-19 161504

2024

Taiharuru’s thank you letter from her MEXT programme to Japan, expressing deep gratitude for the life-changing opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, school, and family life through the MEXT programme.

Read & See Her Day in the Life
antalya japan family

2025

This scholarship letter highlights Eva’s experience in Japan through the MEXT programme, where she gained cultural insights and formed lasting connections with her host family and school community.

Read More