MEXT (Japan) and GKS (Korea) scholarships: a guide for Tunisians

Japan and South Korea attract more and more Tunisian students: technological excellence, renowned research universities, safe countries and fascinating cultures. Both countries offer full government scholarships: MEXT for Japan and GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) for Korea. Here is how they work and how to apply from Tunisia.

Requirements, the number of scholarships per country and timelines change every year. Always check the call published by the relevant embassy or the official programme.

The MEXT scholarship (Japan)

What it covers

The Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) scholarship generally includes:

• a waiver of entrance examination, enrolment and tuition fees;

• a monthly stipend;

• the return flight ticket.

The main programmes

• Research students: for a master's, a doctorate or a research stay;

• Undergraduate students: a full bachelor's degree, preceded by a year of Japanese and preparatory subjects;

• Colleges of technology and specialised training colleges;

• programmes for teachers and for the study of Japanese language and culture.

Application routes

• Embassy recommendation: the Embassy of Japan publishes the call, organises the preliminary selection (written exams and interview) and recommends the selected candidates.

• University recommendation: some Japanese universities select scholarship holders directly, often for master's and doctoral programmes in English.

The usual requirements

• age limits depending on the programme;

• required diploma (bac for a bachelor's, bachelor's for research);

• a good academic record;

• for bachelor's degrees: written exams (mathematics, sciences, English, Japanese depending on the field);

• for research: a research proposal and, ideally, contact with a professor in Japan.

The usual timeline

The embassy route generally opens in spring for departure the following year. Exams and interviews take place in the following weeks, then the final selection is made in Japan.

The GKS scholarship (South Korea)

What it covers

The Global Korea Scholarship, managed by the Korean national institute for international education, generally includes:

• tuition fees;

• a monthly stipend;

• the flight ticket;

• health insurance;

• a year of Korean language classes before the programme begins.

The programmes

• GKS undergraduate: full bachelor's degree;

• GKS graduate: master's and doctorate;

• research and exchange programmes depending on the year.

Application routes

• Embassy route: application to the Korean embassy in your country, which shortlists the files.

• University route: direct application to a Korean university that is a partner of the programme.

The number of places per country is set every year. Check that Tunisia is on the list of eligible countries in the current call, and for which route.

The usual requirements

• age limits;

• a minimum grade average for the last diploma;

• not having already studied in Korea at the same level (with exceptions);

• motivation letter, study plan, recommendation letters;

• a language certificate (English or Korean) is appreciated.

The usual timeline

• Bachelor's: applications generally in autumn, for an intake the following year after the Korean language year.

• Master's and doctorate: applications generally at the beginning of the year.

Studying in Japan or Korea: what to expect?

• Language: many programmes are in the country's language, hence the language year included in the scholarships. Master's and doctoral programmes in English are more numerous.

• Pace: demanding studies, a strong work culture.

• Cost of living: high in Tokyo and Seoul, more affordable elsewhere.

Our advice

1. Prepare the study plan precisely: why this country, this field, this university.

2. Contact professors for research programmes.

3. Start the language before leaving, even a few basics: it is a valued plus.

4. Practise for the MEXT written exams (mathematics, sciences, English).

5. Keep a plan B: other full scholarships exist, such as the CSC scholarship in China or Türkiye Bursları.

Documents to prepare

For both MEXT and GKS, gather in advance:

• transcripts and diplomas, translated into English (or Japanese / Korean if requested);

• an enrolment certificate if you are still a student;

• a detailed study plan or research proposal;

• recommendation letters (often two), signed and dated;

• a medical certificate using the official template;

• a language certificate (English, Japanese or Korean), which strengthens the file even if it is not mandatory;

• a valid passport and photos in the required format.

Some documents must be originals and sent by post or submitted to the embassy: read the call carefully.

MEXT or GKS: how to choose?

Nothing prevents you from applying to both in the same year, provided you follow each programme's rules. As the timelines differ, the documents can be prepared together.

After the scholarship

MEXT and GKS scholarship holders must maintain satisfactory results and regular attendance to keep their stipend. Both countries then offer opportunities to continue to a master's or doctorate, and many companies recruit international graduates, especially those who master the language.

Key takeaway: MEXT and GKS are full and highly selective scholarships. A precise study plan, good grades and serious preparation for exams and interviews make the difference.

Our support

Worldwide Studies helps you choose the application route, write the study plan and motivation letter, and prepare for the exams and interview. See our scholarships overview.

👉 Calls open on different dates every year: talk to an advisor so you do not miss MEXT or GKS.