Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2026/1/16
Eligibility
Q: Am I eligible to apply?
A: The qualifications are as follows:1. You must be a Dutch national.
2. You must be born between April 2, 1996 and April 1, 2008.
3. You must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a
university, majoring in Japanese language and/or Japanese culture, and have studied Japanese Studies for at least one year by September 1, 2026.
4. You must return to the Netherlands by the end of the final month of the scholarship period and continue to study Japanese language and/or Japanese culture at the undergraduate program of your university in the Netherlands. Only if you can continue the course of your home institution while remaining in Japan, for example, through a Double-Degree program or Joint-Degree program with your institution’s partner universities in Japan, you will not necessarily have to return to the Netherlands.
5. Please refer to the application guidelines for more details about the necessary qualifications.
Q: I'm majoring in business, but I take Japanese classes. Can I apply?
A: No. Only students whose primary major is Japanese language or Japanese culture are eligible. Students in other fields who are taking complementary Japanese studies are not eligible.Q: What Japanese level do I need?
A: You need sufficient Japanese ability to study at a Japanese university. Your Japanese language ability will be assessed through a Japanese examination during the first screening.Application
Q: Where and when do I apply?
A: Submit your complete application to the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands by the designated deadline on our webpage (https://www.nl.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/c_mextjs.html).Q: Can I send the application documents by email?
A: No. Applicants must submit all documents to the embassy of Japan in the Netherlands by post by the designated deadline. Applicants may choose to personally deliver their application to the embassy. The submitted documents will not be returned.Required Documents
Application Form (FY2026)Q: Where do I get the Application Form?
A: Download the official FY2026 Application Form from the Study in Japan webpage: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-japanese.html
. Make sure you use the correct year's form.
Q: What photo should I attach?
A: Attach a recent color photograph:• Size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Upper body, full face, no hat
• Clear quality, printed on photo paper
• Write your name and nationality on the back
You can also paste photo data digitally and print it out.
Q: Can I fill out the form by hand?
A: The guidelines don't specify, but it's recommended to type the information for clarity.Placement Preference Application Form (FY2026)
Q: How do I complete this form?
A: Review the "Course Guide of Japanese Studies Program", select your preferred universities and courses and list them in order of preference on the form with university names and course codes. Please download the "Course Guide of Japanese Studies Program" through the Study in Japan webpage: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-japanese.html
Q: Will I definitely get my first choice?
A: No. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) makes the final decision based on your Japanese ability, exam results, and course availability. You can not object to their placement decision.Certified Academic Transcript
Q: How do I get a certified transcript?
A: Request it from your university's administration office:• Specify that you need a "certified copy" or "gewaarmerkt afschrift".
• Explain that it is for an international scholarship application.
Q: Can I just print my transcript by myself?
A: No. A transcript printed by yourself, or an unofficial copy is not acceptable. It must be officially certified by your university.Q: What if my transcript is in Dutch?
A: You must attach a translation in Japanese or English.Q: What if I studied Japanese at another university before?
A: Submit certified transcripts from all universities where you studied Japanese Studies. Each transcript must be a certified copy with clear indication of Japanese language and culture courses.Document Verifying One Year of Japanese Studies (if needed)
Q: When do I need this document?
A: Only if your transcript from your current university does not clearly show that you have studied Japanese language and culture for at least one year by September 1, 2026.Certificate of Enrollment
Q: How recent should it be?
A: It should be issued as close to your application submission date as possible to confirm your current enrollment status.Recommendation Letter
Q: Who should write this letter?
A: The president of your university or your academic advisor (such as your thesis supervisor or program coordinator).Q: Is there a required format?
A: A sample format is available from the Study in Japan webpage: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-japanese.html, but the letter can be in free format. It should be on official university letterhead.Medical Certificate
Q: What form should I use?
A: Use the official FY2026 medical certificate form. Do not use a general medical certificate or a form from another year. Please download the form from the Study in Japan webpage: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-japanese.html
Q: Who should complete it?
A: A licensed physician (such as your GP) must examine you and sign the certificate.Q: What if I can’t submit a complete medical certificate at the time of application?
A: If you can’t submit a complete medical certificate, or if specific tests (such as chest X-ray) can’t be completed by the application deadline:• Submit an explanation letter along with your incomplete medical certificate.
• However, if you pass the Preliminary Screening, you must complete all the tests and submit the full medical certificate as soon as possible.
Certificate of Japanese Language Ability (if available)
Q: What if I don't have a certificate?
A: That's fine. This document is optional. Your Japanese ability will be assessed through the written examination and interview during the First Screening.Important Notes About All Documents
Q: Will my documents be returned?
A: No. All submitted documents will not be returned, so keep copies for yourself.Q: How should I organize my documents for submission?
A: Please follow these instructions carefully:1. Arrange documents in order from （1） to （8） (submit （4） & （8） only if applicable):
（1） Application Form
（2） Placement Preference Application Form
（3） Certified Academic Transcript
（4） Document Verifying One Year of Japanese Studies (if needed)
（5） Certificate of Enrollment
（6） Recommendation Letter
（7） Medical Certificate
（8） Certificate of Japanese Language Ability (if available)
2. Write the document number (（1）, （2）, （3）, etc.) in the upper right-hand corner of the first page of each document.
3. DO NOT USE A STAPLER - Do not staple or bind your documents together with staples.
Selection Process
Q: How does the selection process work?
A: There are three stages:1. Preliminary screening (by the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands):
• Examination of submitted documents
2. First screening (by the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands):
• Examination of submitted documents
• Written examination in Japanese language
• Personal interview
3. Final screening (by MEXT in Japan):
• Review of applicants recommended by the Embassy
• Final selection and university placement decision
Q: What if I am on a holiday, or otherwise cannot be present during the first selection period?
A: It is required to be physically present at the embassy during the first selection, and no online interviews will be conducted. We kindly ask candidates to take this into account when applying for this scholarship.Q: When will I know the results?
A: The schedule for notification is as follows:Friday, February 20: Results of the preliminary screening
Early March: Results of the first screening
August: Results of the final screening