MEXT SCHOLARSHIP 2026:COMPLETE GUIDE 04.
The Final Mile-From Nigeria to the Rising Sun.
Winning the MEXT scholarship is the end of one journey and the beginning of a much larger one. Once you receive your final notification from the Ministry in Tokyo (usually between January and March), the focus shifts from academic competition to logistical execution.
4.1 The Final Medical Clearance
Before you can board your flight, MEXT requires a final Certificate of Health.
The Form: You must use the official MEXT medical form provided by the Embassy or University.
The Nigerian Hospital Reality: Ensure you visit a hospital capable of performing a Chest X-ray and detailed blood work. The Japanese are particularly sensitive to Tuberculosis (TB); if your X-ray shows any past scarring, be prepared to provide extra documentation or undergo further tests.
The Stamp: A common mistake in Nigeria is having a doctor sign without the official hospital seal. Without the circular stamp of the institution, the document may be rejected in Tokyo.
4.2 The MEXT Visa: A Special Category
As a Japanese Government Scholar, your visa process is different from that of a self-funded student.
No Visa Fee: For MEXT scholars, the visa processing fee at the Japanese Embassy or VFS Global centers in Lagos/Abuja is typically waived.
Simplified Documentation: You will not need a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE). Instead, your Letter of Provisional Acceptance and the official MEXT Award Letter serve as your primary proof of status.
Timing: Do not apply for your visa until the Embassy explicitly instructs you to do so. This usually happens just a few weeks before your departure in late March.
4.3 Arrival and the "Residence Card"
The moment you land at a major Japanese airport (like Narita or Haneda), your life as a resident begins.
Airport Issuance: Unlike many other countries where you wait weeks for an ID, Japan issues your Zairyu Card (Residence Card) immediately at the airport immigration counter.
Carrying Your ID: In Japan, it is a legal requirement for foreigners to carry this card at all times. Failure to produce it when asked by a police officer can lead to a fine of up to ¥200,000.
The 14-Day Rule: Once you reach your hostel or apartment, you must take your card to the local Ward Office (City Hall) within 14 days to register your address on the back of the card.
4.4 Managing the Stipend: JP Bank
MEXT stipends are paid exclusively through the Japan Post (JP) Bank.
The First Month Gap: Your first stipend might take 3–4 weeks to process. It is highly recommended to travel with at least $1,000 to $1,500 (approx. ¥150,000) in cash to cover initial "settling in" costs like bedding, kitchenware, and your first month's groceries.
Hanko (The Seal): While Japan is modernizing, many banks still require a Hanko—a small personal name stamp—to open an account. You can have one made in Japan with your name in Katakana for about ¥1,000.
4.5 Cultural Synergy: The "Naija" in Nippon
Japan and Nigeria are vastly different, but they share a core value: Respect for Elders.
Punctuality is Sacred: In Japan, being 1 minute late is considered an insult to the other person's time. If a meeting is at 9:00 AM, aim to be there by 8:50 AM.
The Silent Train: In Nigeria, public transport is a place for lively conversation and music. In Japan, trains are zones of absolute silence. Avoid taking phone calls or speaking loudly on the train.
Halal and Diet: For Muslim Nigerian students, finding Halal food is easier in big cities (Tokyo/Osaka), but in smaller towns, you must learn to read Kanji for "Pork" (豚) and "Alcohol" (酒) to ensure your food is safe.
Reader’s Checklist;
Get your Medical Certificate stamped by a recognized hospital.
Pack a few Nigerian non-perishable spices (Egusi, Ogbono)-you will miss the taste of home!
Save at least $1,000 for your first month’s "survival fund."
Learn to introduce yourself in basic Japanese: "Hajimemashite, Watashi wa [Name] desu. Nigeria kara kimashita."
Step 04 of 06 Modules Completed
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