JASSO Scholarship
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JASSO Scholarship is a financial aid program provided by the Japan Student Services Organization. It is specifically designed for students who is going to fund their studies. Think of the JASSO Scholarship as a monthly living allowance.
For many Indian students, the dream of studying in Japan starts with the MEXT scholarship. But, MEXT is incredibly competitive. So, is there any other financial aid to study in Japan? JASSO Scholarship (officially known as the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship) serves as the most reliable and accessible alternative. JASSO scholarship is the steady support for students. It helps the majority of international students manage their daily costs.
In 2026, the stipend reality is straightforward: Degree-seeking students receive YEN 48,000 per month (approx. INR 27,000), while Language School students receive YEN 30,000 per month (approx. INR 17,000).
For Indian parents, the JASSO Scholarship offers mental peace. Sending a child abroad is a huge financial commitment for parents. Knowing that nearly INR 30,000 of their child's monthly rent or food is covered by the Japanese government makes the dream of a Japanese degree much more realistic. It bridges the gap between your savings and the cost of living in Japan. It ensures that the student can focus on their studies rather than just financial survival.
- What is the JASSO Scholarship?
- How to Apply for JASSO Scholarship 2026?
- Maintaining Your JASSO Scholarship: GPA Rules and Financial Limits
- How to Manage JASSO Scholarship?
What is the JASSO Scholarship?
The JASSO Scholarship is a financial aid program provided by the Japan Student Services Organization. It is specifically designed for students who is going to fund their studies. This means if you are paying for your own university fees. And not having a full ride like MEXT, this scholarship is for you.
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Think of the JASSO Scholarship as a monthly living allowance. Unlike other scholarships that might pay your tuition directly to the college, JASSO puts money directly into your Japanese bank account every month.
Quick Facts for JASSO Scholarship 2026
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Full Name: Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship.
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Do You Need to Reapy it?: No, it is a gift.
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Direct Payment: The money is transferred monthly to your Japanese bank account (usually JP Post).
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Monthly Attendance: You must physically sign an attendance sheet at your university office every month to receive the funds.
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Accessibility: It is available for almost all levels.
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Flexibility: You can usually combine this with university tuition waivers and part-time jobs in Japan.
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Best Used For: Rent, groceries, and daily travel.
Overview of JASSO Scholarship (2026)
| Feature | Degree Students (UG/PG) | Language School Students |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | YEN 48,000 (Approx. INR 27,000) | YEN 30,000 (Approx. INR 17,000) |
| Duration | 6 or 12 Months (Renewable) | Generally 12 Months |
| Minimum GPA | 2.30 / 3.00 Scale | Top performance in class |
| Remittance Limit | YEN 90,000 / month | YEN 90,000 / month |
How to Apply for JASSO Scholarship 2026?
The smartest way to approach the JASSO Scholarship is to secure it, when you are in India. By using the "Reservation Program," you can travel to Japan with the certainty that your monthly stipend is already approved. Leave your stress of managing finance before actually reaching to your dream Japanese universities.
What is EJU Reservation System in JASSO?
The most common path for Indian students is the EJU exam (Examination for Japanese University Admission). This entrance exam is not just for university seats. It is also your gateway to the scholarship.
- Check Box Rule: When filling out your EJU application in India, you will see a section for the "Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship Reservation." You must tick this box. If you forget, you cannot apply for this specific reservation later.
- Superior vs. Standard Scores: Standard scores provide 12 months of funding. "Superior" scores may allow for a multi-year extension.
- Pre-Arrival Admission: Universities like University of Tokyo and Ritsumeikan APU allow you to secure this scholarship from India. Without an on-site interview in Japan.
EJU Timing & Deadlines (2026)
| Exam Session | Application Period | Exam Date | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (June) | Feb to March 2026 | June 21, 2026 | Best for Sept/Oct 2026 Intake |
| Session 2 (Nov) | July 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | Best for April 2027 Intake |
Maintaining Your JASSO Scholarship: GPA Rules and Financial Limits
Once you land in Japan, the scholarship becomes a game of consistency. It is no longer about one big exam, but about your daily performance in the classroom. In this phase, the Japanese government monitors two things strictly: your academic results and your family’s financial support from back home.
The GPA Calculation (The Indian Context)
JASSO uses a unique 3.0 scale that is very different from the Indian 10-point CGPA or percentage system. To stay eligible, you must maintain a minimum score of 2.30.
| Indian Grade / Percentage | JASSO Grade Point (GP) | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80 to 100% (Grade A / 9 to 10 CGPA) | 3.0 | Excellent |
| 70 to 79% (Grade B / 7.5 to 8.9 CGPA) | 2.0 | Good |
| 60 to 69% (Grade C / 6.0 to 7.4 CGPA) | 1.0 | Average |
| Below 60% (Fail) | 0.0 | Ineligible |
The Conversion Formula:
GPA = ((Credits with GP3 × 3) + (Credits with GP2 × 2) + (Credits with GP1 × 1) + (Credits with GP0 × 0)) / Total Credits
The 2.30 Threshold: This is the "Red Line." If your calculated GPA drops below 2.30 for the academic year, your scholarship payments will stop immediately.
Remittance & The YEN 90,000 Rule
JASSO is meant for students who need financial help. If your family is sending you too much money, the government assumes you don't need the scholarship.
- Parental Support Limit: The average monthly remittance (money sent from India for pocket money) must be less than YEN 90,000. It means you can not ask for more than INR 51,000 per month. This does not include your tuition fees or admission fees. It only counts money for your personal living expenses.
- Audit Proof: You must keep your Japanese bank passbook (usually JP Post/Yucho) updated. The university office may ask to see your "Tsucho" (passbook) to verify that you are not receiving hidden transfers.
How to Manage JASSO Scholarship?
For Indian students, the scholarship is about managing the monthly budget. While the money provides relief, it comes with strict logistical rules. You must ensure that you understands that this is not a "set and forget" payment. It requires active participation and smart banking to keep the household running smoothly in Japan.
Banking & Monthly Logistics
- Monthly Signature: Students must visit the university office and sign an enrollment book every month. No signature means no money for that month. It is a non-negotiable proof of attendance.
- JP Post (Yucho) Bank: Almost all JASSO payments are sent to JP Post (Yucho). It is the easiest bank for foreigners to open and the standard for government stipends.
| Extra Support Type | Can you combine with JASSO? | Important Limit / Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Waivers | YES | Many students get 50% to 100% off fees plus the JASSO stipend. |
| Part-time Jobs | YES | Limit: 28 hours per week. Grades must stay above 2.30. |
| Private Scholarships | SOMETIMES | Total other scholarship money must usually be under ¥80,000/month. |
Pro-Tip for Parents: Remind your child to check the signature dates at their university office immediately after landing. Missing even one deadline can result in a month without the INR 27,000 allowance.
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