The Japanese Embassy in Spain officially announced the opening of application for the highly coveted Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarships, which are provided by the Government of Japan through its Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The scholarships provide a special chance for Spanish citizens to study and develop their professional skills in Japan, either in advanced research programs or specialized training courses.
Two different types of scholarship opportunities will be available for the 2026 academic year: the Kenkyuu (Research Student) and the Senshuu (Specialized Training College Student) schemes.
The Kenkyuu scholarship is only open to Spanish graduates wishing to pursue independent research projects in Japanese universities. Available to applicants from any field of study, this program also has the potential to be switched to master's or doctoral degree courses, depending on the academic performance and ambitions of the student. Successful students will have the opportunity to become deeply immersed in their areas of interest while experiencing Japan's highly regarded research culture, helping facilitate academic cooperation between Japan and Spain.
Alternatively, the Senshuu scholarship is designed for Spanish students who would like to attend specialized training colleges in Japan. This scholarship has an emphasis on vocational and practical education in multiple areas, many of which tend to be aligned with the study of the Japanese language and culture. Students accepted into this program will undergo on-the-job training that gives them particular skills and prepares them to work in sectors that are very much related to Japan or worldwide business.
Both scholarships provide full financial assistance. This usually consists of tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and airfare to and from Japan, making the students' finances less of a concern and enabling them to study full-time.
Applicants are urged to initiate the application process early, as it has a number of stages such as a document screening, written tests, and interviews. The Embassy of Japan posts detailed information regarding the eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and deadlines on its official website and during outreach events.
These scholarships are an important investment on the part of the Japanese government in promoting global academic exchange and deepening relationships with Spain. They are an entry point to academic excellence and also to immersion in a rich culture, and they provide an unforgettable experience within one of the world's most vibrant and progressive societies.
