MEXT-YLP-GRIPS Young Leaders Scholarship 2026-2027

Are you a young public administrator ready to shape your country’s future? Japan’s prestigious Japanese Government (MEXT) Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo is now inviting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. This fully funded master’s opportunity in Public Policy is designed to nurture future national leaders and build an international policymaking network centered on Japan.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Tokyo, Japan

• Host Institution: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) – School of Government (also includes Local Governance course)

• Study Level: One-year Master’s in Public Administration or Public Policy

• Target Group: Exceptionally promising young government officials or public administrators under age 40 (born on or after October 2, 1986) with 3+ years of professional experience

• Fields of Study: Governance, economics, international relations, public administration, policy formulation, comparative politics, Japan studies

• Value & Coverage:

  • Monthly stipend: approximately 242,000 JPY (≈ US$1,600)

  • Full waiver of tuition, matriculation, and exam fees

  • Round-trip airfare and accommodation assistance at Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC)

  • Additional benefits: field trips, research support, leadership colloquia, optional Japanese language classes

• Duration: 1 year (typically October 2026 – September 2027)

• Application Deadline: Varies by country—e.g., Malaysia’s deadline is 17 September 2025 

• Start Date: October 2026 at GRIPS, Tokyo

• Eligible To: Citizens of countries participating in the YLP—excluding Japanese nationals unless they renounce their Japanese status upon arrival in Japan

  
  

⭐ Scholarship Overview

The Young Leaders’ Program offers two parallel courses at GRIPS: School of Government and School of Local Governance. Taught entirely in English, the program combines a robust academic curriculum with immersive experiences, including:

• Core Courses: “The World and the SDGs,” “Introduction to Japan,” tailored seminars and tutorials

• Field Trips: Visits to Japanese government bodies, industries, cultural sites, and workshops for comparative exposure

• Independent Study / Research Project: Guided by GRIPS faculty as a capstone

• Colloquia: Interactive sessions with high-level policymakers, business leaders, and experts (circa 15–16 sessions annually)

• Optional Japanese Language Classes: Enhance cultural understanding

This thorough blend ensures a dynamic learning environment and fosters leadership and policymaking acumen.

🎁 Program Benefits

• Fully Funded: Covers stipend, fees, airfare, and accommodation.

• Leadership Exposure: Through colloquia and field trips with Japan’s top officials.

• Global Network: Collaborate with peers from various countries, building lifelong professional connections.

• Academic Rigor: Engage with leading scholars and experienced practitioners.

• Cultural Enrichment: Optional Japanese language classes and immersive cultural experiences.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following:

• Nationality: From eligible YLP countries; Japanese citizens may apply only if they renounce Japanese nationality upon arrival in Japan

• Age: Under 40 years old by 1 October 2026 (born on or after 2 October 1986)

• Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with excellent academic performance

• Work Experience: At least 3 years full-time in public administration, preferably 5+ years

• English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79+ or IELTS Academic 6.0+, or equivalent

• Health: Must be medically fit, with a doctor’s certification provided

• Commitment: Expected to return to and serve in their home country’s public sector after completion

📝 Application Procedure

• Apply via: Japanese Embassies or recommending authorities in your home country; check local portals for precise deadlines and procedures - Helpful link

• Selection Process: Usually involves three stages—recommendation authority review, GRIPS evaluation, and final selection by MEXT

• Essential Documents:

  • Completed application form (official MEXT YLP forms)

  • Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts

  • Proof of work experience

  • English test score (TOEFL / IELTS)

  • Certificate of health (by a licensed physician)

  • Letters of recommendation (from recommending authority and workplace)

  • Statement of purpose / research plan

  • Valid passport copy

• Deadlines: Vary by country—e.g., Malaysia: 17 September 2025 

• Timeline: Results expected by mid-2026, with program commencement in October 2026

🔗 Official Link

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