Popular Japanese Scholarships for Indian Students

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Updated on Sep 27, 2025 18:50 IST

There are various reasons why Indian students want to study in Japan. Some go for high-quality education, and others go for excellent job opportunities for international students. However, the core reason is the availability of numerous Japanese scholarships and affordable education in Japan for international students.

Japan is becoming a popular place for Indian students to study. So, if you wish to study in Japan but the associated cost of studying is concerning you then, worry not! This article covers complete details on the popular Japanese scholarships available for Indian and international students

The most famous scholarship in Japan is called the MEXT Scholarship. It is given by the Japanese government and helps students study for their bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees. Besides MEXT, there are other scholarships from groups like the Hanjo Foundation and some Japanese universities.

Japanese scholarships offer a handsome amount per month to students, which covers education costs, one round of airfare and living expenses in a few cases as well. Let us now learn some of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in Japan given in this article below.

Top Scholarships in Japan for Indian Students (2025)

The following section deals with the scholarships in Japan for Indian students offered through various government and external agencies.

Scholarship Name	Funded By	Study Level
MEXT Scholarships	Government of Japan	Undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D.
Hanjo Foundation Scholarship	Hanjo Foundation	Master’s, Ph.D.
Yokohama National University MEXT	Government of Japan	Master’s, Ph.D.
Hokkaido University MEXT	Government of Japan	Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Tokyo MEXT	Government of Japan	Master’s, Ph.D.
World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program	World Bank	Master’s
APU MEXT UR Scholarship	Government of Japan	Undergraduate, Master’s, Ph.D.
Keio University ADB Japan Scholarship	Asian Development Bank (ADB)	Master’s
Osaka University MEXT Scholarships	Government of Japan	Master’s, Ph.D.
Kyoto University ADB Scholarship	Asian Development Bank (ADB)	Master’s

MEXT Scholarships Japan: Fully Funded by the Japanese Government

Under the Japanese Government MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), there are around seven types of scholarships offered to Indian students pursuing various levels of study, including Masters in Japan. For now, MEXT scholarship applications for Indian students for 2024 and 2025 are closed. Applications for MEXT scholarships for Indian students are free of cost. The following are the details for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship:

Type	MEXT Scholarship Eligibility	Scholarship Amount Offered (per month)*	Number of Scholarships Offered
Research Students	The students must be under 35 years of age and college graduates (plus prospective graduates). Or must have completed 16 years of schooling. A relevant bachelor's or master's degree with a minimum of 70% marks is required for postgraduate or research programs. Documents pertaining to all the associated mark sheets and/or research work and experience must be submitted on or before September 30, 2026, for the October 2026 batch.	Preparatory education & non-regular students: 143,000 yen (Approx. Rs.73,989) Regular enrolled in master’s or professional degree courses: 144,000 yen (Approx. Rs.74,506) Regular students enrolled in the doctoral course: 145,000 yen (Approx. Rs.75,024)	TBA
Undergraduate Applicants	Born on or after April 02, 2001. Must have received a minimum of 80% of marks in class 10, 11 or 12th. Students with proficiency in the Japanese language will be preferred.	117,000 yen (Approx. Rs.60,536)	12
National Institute of Technology (Kosen)	Born on or after April 02, 2001. Along with other documents and requirements listed in the guidelines, one must have received a minimum of 65% of marks in class 10, 11 or 12th. Students with proficiency in the Japanese language will be preferred.
Specialized College Training Students	Students must be born on or after April 02, 2001. Along with other documents and requirements listed in the guidelines, one must have received a minimum of 60% of marks in class 10, 11 or 12th. Students with proficiency in the Japanese language will be preferred.
Japanese Language Studying Applicants	Those wanting admission to these courses must be between 18 to 30 years of age. Students must be enrolled as undergrads in selected universities and have studied the Japanese language/culture for 1 year or more.	117,000 yen (Approx. Rs.60,536)	09
Young Leaders' Program Students	The applicants must be under 40 years of age. Master’s courses aspirants.	242,000 yen, but is subject to change (Approx. Rs.1,25,212)	Handful
Teacher Training Students	Applicants must be under 35 years of age and graduate of a college or teacher training college. They must have at least five years of active experience as a teacher in a primary, secondary or teacher-training college in their home country. (Note: College and university teachers currently in service will not be considered for this scholarship).	143,000 yen (Approx. Rs.73,989)	09

Note:

Education fee is exempted for all those Indian students who are qualifying for the above-given MEXT scholarships. Also, round airfare is available for students as part of these scholarships.
The application procedures for all the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships are to be carried out by the Japanese Embassies and consulates in one's own country or by the institutions of higher education where you wish to enrol in Japan.

Related Blogs:

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships Deadlines

Type	No. of Scholarships	Application Period	Remarks
Research Student	To be announced	April–May	Applications closed for 2026*
Undergraduate Students	12	22 April–26 May, 2025	Applications open for 2026*
National Institute of Technology (Kosen)	12	22 April–26 May, 2025	Applications open for 2026*
Specialized Training College Students	12	22 April–26 May, 2025	Applications open for 2026*
Japanese Studies Students	About 9	Dec–Jan	Applications closed for 2025
Young Leaders’ Program Students	A few	Jul–Sep	Applications closed for 2025
Teacher Training Students	About 9	Dec–Jan	Applications closed for 2025

Japanese Scholarships by Local Governments & Local International Associations

International students who come and study in Japan’s local district’s schools and universities are also offered certain scholarships. The following scholarships can be availed while studying at Japanese universities:

Kyoto City International Foundation
Hyogo International Association
The Asia-Fukuoka FosterParents Scholarship
University-corporate scholarship for International students in Fukuoka

Students must ensure that the above-given scholarships they are applying to fit their eligibility criteria and are applicable to their country of origin. Only designated country students are eligible for these scholarships plus there may be an age limit also, thus, please check before proceeding for admission and scholarship application.

JASSO Scholarships for International Students in Japan

JASSO or Japan Student Services Organisation also offers international students scholarships to fund their education in Japan. There are just two scholarships offered under this category - one is for privately funded international students and the other one is the exchange program for international students. Check out the JASSO-offered scholarships below:

Type of JASSO Scholarship	Scholarship Eligibility	Scholarship Amount Offered (per month)*	Scholarship Amount Payment Period
Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship	Graduate or research students, Undergrad universities, Junior colleges, College of Technology (3rd year and above), or Specialised training college, Preparatory Japanese language courses by junior college students and private universities, Advanced course by junior/technical college and university or University preparatory courses	48,000 yen (Approx. Rs.24,835)	Either for year, from April to March of the following yaer, or for 6 months, from Octobe to March of the folowing year.
Japanese language institution student	30,000 yen (Approx. Rs.15,522)
Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan)	Students accepted by Japanese schools for an exchange agreement or student exchange arrangement with their home school.	80,000 yen (Approx. Rs.41,392)

Type of JASSO Scholarship

Scholarship Eligibility

Scholarship Amount Offered (per month)*

Scholarship Amount Payment Period

Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship

Graduate or research students,
Undergrad universities,
Junior colleges,
College of Technology (3rd year and above), or
Specialised training college,
Preparatory Japanese language courses by junior college students and private universities,
Advanced course by junior/technical college and university or
University preparatory courses

48,000 yen (Approx. Rs.24,835)

Either for year, from April to March of the following yaer, or
for 6 months, from Octobe to March of the folowing year.

Japanese language institution student

30,000 yen (Approx. Rs.15,522)

Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan)

Students accepted by Japanese schools for an exchange agreement or student exchange arrangement with their home school.

80,000 yen (Approx. Rs.41,392)

It is advised that students check the minimum eligibility criteria and whether or not their institution partners with Japan for exchange programs before applying.

Also Read: How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay to Study Abroad?

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Private Scholarships to Study in Japan (2025)

There are scholarships to study in Japan offered by Japanese or other private foundations which offer funding to international students. There may be certain criteria which must be fulfilled in order to qualify for any of the following privately funded scholarships in Japan:

The Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange
Iwaki Scholarship Foundation
The Iwatani International Scholarships
Inner Trip Foundation
The Iwatani Naoji Foundation
The Emori Asian Student Scholarship Foundation
LSH Asia Scholarship Foundation
Kashiyama Scholarship Foundation
Kato Asao International Scholarship Foundation
Kawanishi Memorial Shinmaywa Education Foundation
The Kambayashi Scholarship Foundation
Kyoritsu Foundation Scholarship
The Prefectural University of Kumamoto International Postgraduate Scholarship for Research on Mercury
Kohnan Asia Scholarship Foundation
Rokko Scholarship Fund
Kobayashi Foundation - General Scholarship & Special Research Fellowship
Sato Yo International Scholarship Foundation
Shiiki Masakazu Memorial Scholarship for Asian Student
Shunju Scholarship Foundation
One Seed Scholarship
Senshu Scholarship Foundation
Takayama International Education Foundation (TIEF)
Takizaki Memorial Trust
East Asian Circle of Applied Technology (EACAT)
Tokio Marine Kagami Memorial Foundation
Nagashima Bunka Zaidan
JEES

- DOCOMO International Student Scholarship (JEES Sponsor-Crowned Scholarship)
- Seiho Scholarship (JEES Sponsor-Crowned Scholarship)
- T.Banaji Indian Students Scholarship (JEES Sponsor-Crowned Scholarship)

Hashimoto Yasuhiko Asia Africa Ryugakusei Shogakukikin
Hirose International Scholarship Foundation
Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation
Moriya Scholarship
Yamaoka Scholarship Foundation
Watanuki International Scholarship Foundation
JT Asia Scholarship

Each scholarship given above has different scholarship amounts offered and the number of awardees also differ. Thus, apply within time if students qualify for the minimum eligibility criteria applying to Japanese universities.

Overall, it can be concluded that since there is a plethora of scholarships available for international students to study in Japan, Indian students apply for higher education there. Each Japanese scholarship that is offered has certain minimum eligibility criteria which need to be checked before applying for the same.

Q: Which scholarship is best for Indian students to study in Japan?

The MEXT Scholarship is the most prestigious and fully funded, covering tuition, living costs, and airfare.

Q: Is MEXT scholarship hard to get?

Japan is a popular study abroad destination among international students and attracts bright minds from all around the globe. Most of the students look for scholarships when planning to study abroad. Due to the top-notch financial aid offered, availing a MEXT scholarship is on everybody's bucket list. This makes the volume of applications very high and thus, the MEXT scholarships very competitive and hard to get.

Q: How much does University of Tokyo cost for international students?

The Tokyo University cost for Indian students enrolled in higher studies at Uni of Tokyo is: ¥642,960 (INR 3.8 L) per year for undergraduate, ¥520,800-¥535,800 (INR 3.1 L-INR 3.17 L) per year for graduate and ¥804,000 (INR 4.76 L) per year for School of Law students.

Note: These are only tuition costs, and students may also incure some additional costs such as admisisons fees, books and supplies, and some other costs. Refer the University of Tokyo Fees section, for the same.

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