To address the financial constraints and challenges of studying abroad, the Japanese government, private organisations, and NGOs offer a wide range of scholarships. This article comprises a list of scholarships available for Indian students. It covers eligibility criteria, awards, benefits, deadlines, and application processes to help you navigate your journey towards pursuing higher studies in Japan.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan – An Overview
Scholarship Type | Japanese Scholarships for Indian students I MEXT Scholarships |
Academic Year | 2024-25 |
Beneficiaries | Indian residents fulfilling the eligibility criteria |
Awards | Variable scholarship benefits covering tuition fee, living and travel expenditures |
Application Mode | Online |
Application Timeline | Variable |
What are MEXT Scholarships?
The Japanese Government scholarship program offers opportunities to international students willing to pursue their studies in Japanese universities with financial support offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan.
The MEXT includes different types of scholarships. They are as follows:
- Scholarships for Research Students
- Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
- Scholarships for Specialised Training College Student
- Scholarship for Japanese Studies
- Teacher Training Student Scholarship
- College of Technology Student Scholarship
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan – List of Opportunities!
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Research Students
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for STC Students
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for CT Students
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
- United Nations University (UNU) – IAS PhD Scholarships, Japan
- Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Specialized Training
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan – Eligibility, Awards, Deadline, and Application Links!
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Research Students
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Research Students is an opportunity offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to international students willing to pursue graduation studies at the Japanese Universities as research students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have been born on or after 2nd April 1990.
- Students should be willing to learn the Japanese language.
- They must have secured a minimum of 70% marks in Master’s degree.
- For doctoral courses students must fulfill the eligibility requirements for 1st and 2nd phase.
Awards
The selected will receive a monthly stipend of up to 1,45,000 Japanese Yens (JPY) (approximately ₹79,673)
Application Timeline
The application timeline for the academic year 2024 has closed and it is yet to be announced for the academic session 2025.
Application Link
The applicants must visit the official website to apply online.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for STC Students
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for STC Students is an opportunity offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan to Indian undergraduate students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizens born on or after 2nd April 1999 are eligible.
- Applicants must have a newly issued Student Visa.
- They must have completed 12 years of schooling in countries other than Japan.
- Students must be willing to learn the Japanese language.
- Applicants must arrive in Japan on a given date..
Awards
The selected students will receive a monthly allowance of 1,17,000 Japanese Yens (JPY) (approximately ₹71,200) and other benefits.
Application Timeline
The application timeline for the academic year 2024 has closed and it is yet to be announced for the academic session 2025.
Application Link
The applicants must visit the official website to apply online.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for CT Students
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for CT Students is an opportunity offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan to Indian undergraduate students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizens born on or after 2nd April 1999 are eligible.
- Applicants must have scored a minimum of 65% in Class 11 and 12.
- Students must have completed 11 years of schooling in countries other than Japan.
- Applicants must be willing to learn the Japanese language.
- They should have a newly issued Student Visa.
- Students must ensure their arrival in Japan on a given date.
Awards
Selected students will receive a monthly allowance of 1,17,000 Japanese Yens (JPY) (approximately ₹71,200) and other benefits.
Application Timeline
The application timeline for the academic year 2024 has closed and it is yet to be announced for the academic session 2025.
Application Link
The applicants must visit the official website in order to apply online.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Undergraduate Students is an opportunity offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan to Indian undergraduate students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizens born on or after 2nd April 1999 are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must have scored a minimum of 65% in Class 11 or 12 and completed 11 years of schooling in countries other than Japan.
- Students must be willing to learn the Japanese language.
- They must have a newly issued Student Visa.
- Students must ensure their arrival in Japan on a given date.
Awards
Selected students will receive a monthly allowance of 1,17,000 Japanese Yens (JPY) (approximately ₹71,200) and other benefits.
Application Timeline
The application timeline for the academic year 2024 has closed and it is yet to be announced for the academic session 2025.
Application Link
The applicants must visit the official website in order to apply online.
United Nations University (UNU) – IAS PhD Scholarships, Japan
UNU-IAS is an international academic institution chartered by the United Nations. It grants postgraduate degrees. The PhD programme at UNU-IAS is officially recognised as a foreign institution of higher education by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). Outstanding applicants are automatically considered for scholarships during the admission process. An approximate estimate of annual tuition fee is USD $10,000. Additionally, living costs in Tokyo are estimated at approximately USD $18,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must hold a Master’s degree in sustainability studies.
- They should be able to demonstrate a commitment to study and understand global issues.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or above on a scale of 4.0 during the Master’s degree program.
- Applicants must fulfil the minimum English language proficiency requirements as specified.
- They must have at least 2 years of practical field experience or 2 Master’s degrees (one should be related to sustainability studies).
Awards
The selected students will receive a full tuition fee waiver along with a monthly stipend of 1,20,000 JPY (₹65,030 approx).
Application Timeline
The last date to apply is February 19, 2025.
Application Link
The applicants must visit the official website to apply online.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Specialized Training
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships for Specialized Training is provided by the Embassy of Japan to students who have completed Class 12 and are applying for specialised training in specific fields.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be 18 years of age or older at the time of admission.
- Applicants should have completed at least 12 years of schooling (in countries other than Japan or equivalent to a Japanese upper secondary school).
- They must be enrolled in a post-secondary course in a specialised training college at the time of application.
Awards
The selected scholars will receive 1,17,000 JPY (₹63,404 approx.) per month and additional benefits.
Application Timeline
The application timeline for the academic year 2024 has closed and it is yet to be announced for the academic session 2025.
Application Link
The applicants must visit the official website in order to apply online.
The scholarships offered by the Japanese Government, including the prestigious MEXT Scholarship as mentioned in the article serve as a gateway for international students to access world-class education in Japan. It promotes academic excellence and facilitates a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange to Indian students who are potential global leaders of tomorrow. By providing financial support, the Japanese Government empowers deserving students to pursue their dreams, contribute to global innovation, and strengthen international collaboration. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is another opportunity available to Indian students which is provided by the World Bank Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC)* and funded by the Government of Japan on an annual basis. It is waiting to be explored and exploited by the deserving Indian students.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan – FAQs
What is a MEXT scholarship?
The MEXT Scholarship is a Japanese government scholarship program supporting international students willing to pursue their higher education in institutions located in Japan.
What are the basic academic requirements for the Japanese scholarship?
The applicants must have passed Class 12 and are willing to pursue the undergraduation and postgraduate studies in Japan. They are eligible to apply for the Japanese scholarship.
What is the minimum age to apply for the Japanese scholarship?
The students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application for the undergraduate level scholarships.
What is the last date to apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship?
The last date to apply for this scheme is 23 May 2025.
How can I apply for a Japanese student visa?
Once you are accepted into the program in Japanese University, you will receive comprehensive guidance and all the required documentation to facilitate your Japanese student visa application.
What are the estimated tuition fees and living expenditures in Tokyo?
The annual tuition fee is USD $10,000 app. Additionally, living costs in Tokyo are estimated at approximately USD $18,000 per year.
Does JFUNU provide financial aid for students?
Yes, the Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship is available to exceptional applicants from developing countries who demonstrate financial need.
How do I apply for a UNU-IAS scholarship?
Outstanding applicants are automatically considered for scholarships during the admission process. There is no need to submit a separate application for scholarship opportunities.