- Pakistani nationals who are university graduates with 16 or 18 years of education.
- Under 35 years of age (MEXT rule for research students).
- Eligible for admission to a master's or doctoral programme at a Japanese graduate school.
- Shortlisted candidates take a written test and an interview at the Embassy.
- See the MEXT application guidelines for the full list of health, nationality and academic conditions.
Other routes: besides Embassy recommendation, many Pakistani students win MEXT scholarships through university recommendation, by applying directly to a Japanese university that nominates them.