Japan has awarded 11 Pakistani students the prestigious MEXT Research Scholarships for the 2025 academic year. The scholarships will allow them to pursue Master's and Doctoral degrees at top Japanese universities, promoting academic excellence and strengthening ties between the two countries.
The MEXT Research Scholarship, a flagship program of the Japanese government, offers fully funded opportunities for graduate and postgraduate studies worldwide, including Pakistan. In addition to scholarships awarded through the Embassy, many Pakistani students also secure MEXT scholarships each year by directly applying to Japanese universities.
The Embassy of Japan held a pre-departure orientation for the MEXT scholarship recipients, providing detailed briefings on the program. Pakistani alumni of Japanese universities also shared valuable insights and personal experiences, offering practical advice to the new scholars. After the orientation, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi, hosted an iftar reception at his residence to honor members of the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) and bid farewell to the departing grantees.
In his remarks, Ambassador AKAMATSU congratulated the students on their outstanding achievement and wished them success in their studies at Japan's prestigious institutions. He highlighted that the MEXT Research Scholarship offers a transformative experience, combining world-class education with the opportunity to immerse in Japanese culture. The Ambassador expressed hope that the scholars would return to Pakistan with advanced knowledge and valuable experiences, contributing to the nation’s progress and strengthening the friendship between Japan and Pakistan, in collaboration with MAAP alumni. He also praised MAAP's continuous efforts in promoting Japanese education and culture, reinforcing the strong bond between the two countries. Established in 1954, the MEXT Research Scholarship program has benefited many Pakistani students since the first recipient traveled to Japan in 1963.
These alumni are making notable contributions to Pakistan's development in academia, as well as in the public and private sectors. The Japanese government continues to provide fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies, along with short-term training programs, to Pakistani students year-round.
