The Embassy of Japan in Barbados has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Programme for Research Students. Nationals of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis are eligible to apply.
Each year, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships to individuals pursuing master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, professional graduate courses, or non-degree research study at universities in Japan.
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend, paid tuition, and one return ticket. The scholarship may also include six months of intensive preparatory research and Japanese language training, if required by the host university.
The scholarship period will run from April 2026 to March 2028 for spring enrollment, or from October 2026 to March 2028 for autumn enrollment.
Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1991, hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate a strong motivation to pursue advanced studies in Japan.
Further details and application forms are available on the Embassy’s website at https://www.bb.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100836356.pdf and on the MEXT website at https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-research.html.
Purpose for the 2026 Japanese Government Scholarship Programme:
To foster human resources who will become bridges of friendship between Barbados and Japan and who will contribute to the development of both countries and the wider world.
All completed application documents must be hand-delivered or mailed to the Embassy of Japan in Barbados, Building 2, Ground Floor, Chelston Park, Collymore Rock, St. Michael, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025. For further inquiries ABOUT THE 2025/2026 Japanese Government Scholarships, applicants can call 538-5700 or email culture@rt.mofa.go.jp.
Applicants must be:
✓ Nationals of Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica or St. Kitts & Nevis
✓ Born on or after April 2, 1991
✓ University graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree
✓ Highly motivated to pursue advanced studies in Japan.
To Apply
✓ Carefully read the Application Guidelines on the following MEXT website and download the Application Forms. https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-research.html
✓ Prepare your application documents (refer to page 6 of the Application Guidelines). Kindly print all forms (single-sided only) using A4 size paper. DO NOT STAPLE.
✓ Hand-deliver or mail your completed application to:
EMBASSY OF JAPAN
P.O. Box 1319
Building 2, Ground Floor,
Chelston Park
Collymore Rock
St. Michael
Barbados
Attention: MEXT Coordinator
Timeline:
✓ At 3:00 PM on Friday, June 20, 2025: The Japanese Government Scholarships application deadline
✓ Around June 27, 2025: Announcement of the results of the first screening
✓ Around July 10, 2025: Interview and written examination.
Source: www.nationnews.com – Applications open for 2026 Japanese Government Scholarship Programme.
