Popular Japanese Scholarships for Indian Students

Top Scholarships in Japan for Indian Students (2027 Intake)

Securing financial aid is a crucial step for your studies abroad. Several prestigious programs offer fully funded options for Indian applicants this year. Explore our comprehensive guide to discover eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application benefits for these top-tier Japanese awards. You can check the top list of scholarships available in Japan for Indian students below.

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 Master's in Japan. For now, MEXT scholarship applications for Indian students for 2026 are closed. Applications for MEXT scholarships for Indian students are free of cost. The following are the details for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship:

INR amounts are indicative conversions at 1 JPY = INR 0.60379 (ECB reference cross-rate, 22 October 2026). MEXT stipend rates are published by the official Study in Japan website and may change by academic year. Official sources: MEXT Research Students 2027 (Embassy of Japan in India), MEXT Undergraduate Students 2027 (Embassy of Japan in India) and Study in Japan: scholarship support and stipends.

Note:

• The education fee is exempted for all those Indian students who qualify for the above-mentioned MEXT scholarships. Also, round-trip 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.

How to apply for MEXT Scholarship?

2027 intake update: The Embassy of Japan in India closed the MEXT 2027 research-student application on May 15, 2026 and the undergraduate application on 25 May 2026. The Embassy has not announced the next application dates for the 2028 intake. Prepare academic records, recommendation letters, and (for research applicants) a research plan in advance, and check the official pages linked below before submitting anything.

But here is the process to apply:

1. Research Your Options: Before applying, ensure Japan is the right fit for your goals. Many students often weigh the pros and cons of Japan vs Korea regarding lifestyle and education costs before choosing the MEXT path.

2. Find the form: Go to the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country.

3. Download and print: It is an offline process. You have to print the papers.

4. Fill the form: Write your details carefully. Don't make mistakes.

5. Documents: Attach your mark sheets, health certificate, and recommendation letter from your teacher.

6. Send it: You must send the hard copy papers to the Embassy by post or courier before the deadline (usually in May).

7. Exam: If they like your form, they will call you for a test and interview.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships Deadlines

For the 2027 intake, the Embassy-track application deadlines have passed. The 2027 research-student preliminary application deadline was 15 May 2026, and the undergraduate application deadline was 25 May 2026. Written tests and interviews for undergraduate applicants were scheduled for June 2026; research-student screening followed the schedule on the official Embassy page. The 2028 intake schedule is not yet published. In past cycles, calls have often appeared in spring, but applicants should treat that only as a planning guide, not as a confirmed deadline.

Japanese Scholarships by Local Governments & Local International Associations

International students who come and study in Japan’s local district 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-mentioned scholarships they are applying to fit their eligibility criteria and apply to their country of origin. Only designated country students are eligible for these scholarships plus there may also be an age limit; thus, please check before proceeding with admission and scholarship applications.

JASSO Scholarships for International Students in Japan

JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) offers support for privately financed international students and students taking part in eligible exchange programmes. The Honors Scholarship is generally not a direct application made by an overseas student: eligible students should ask their Japanese school about its recommendation process. The current published monthly amounts are 48,000 yen for undergraduate/graduate students and 30,000 yen for students at Japanese-language institutions. See the JASSO scholarship guide and JASSO’s official pages before applying.

For the JASSO Honors Scholarship, students must be enrolled at an eligible Japanese institution, have strong academic and personal records, and need financial support. The school recommends candidates, and the number of recommendations depends on the institution. The exchange scholarship is for eligible short-term students accepted under a student-exchange agreement. Official details: JASSO Honors Scholarship eligibility and application method and official Study in Japan support programme.

Top Private & Foundation Scholarships in Japan

While government funding is popular, many Indian students succeed via private Japanese foundations. These often require a recommendation from your host university in Japan.

Private scholarship deadlines for 2027: there is no single deadline for private foundations. Each foundation sets its own annual window, and some awards require nomination by the Japanese university after enrolment. As of 23 October 2026, a verified open 2027 deadline was not available for every foundation named here. Do not assume that an old date applies to the next cycle; check the current call on the foundation or university website. For Honjo, use the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation official website for the current application period and eligibility rules.

Multiple fully funded scholarships in Japan are available for Indian students to cover the cost of living. There may be certain criteria that must be fulfilled 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 Students
• 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

How to Apply for a Scholarship in Japan: 5-Step Guide

Check the 5 steps below to apply for a scholarship in Japan.

1. Identify the Track: Decide between the Embassy Track (apply via the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi) or the University Track (apply through your chosen Japanese college).
2. Prepare a Research Proposal: For Master's and PhD students, this is the most critical document for MEXT success.
3. Language Certification: While not always mandatory, having an IELTS score of 6.5+ or JLPT N2 significantly boosts your ranking.
4. Submit Documents: Ensure all transcripts are translated into English or Japanese.
5. Interview & Exam: Prepare for a written test (Math/English/Japanese) and a rigorous interview panel.

Is Japanese Proficiency Mandatory for Scholarship?

Japanese language proficiency is not always mandatory to get a scholarship in Japan. It mainly depends on the type of scholarship and the medium of instruction of your chosen course.

For students applying to English-taught programmes, Japanese proficiency may not be required. However, applicants must meet the language-test rules of their chosen university and scholarship. English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required if specified by the programme.

For Japanese-taught programmes, applicants need the level of Japanese required by the university or scholarship. Some programmes may require JLPT results or a Japanese-language examination, but there is no single JLPT level that applies to every scholarship.

Some government and university scholarships may prefer candidates who know basic Japanese. Even if it is not compulsory, having JLPT certification can improve your chances and show your seriousness toward studying in Japan.

In addition, learning Japanese helps in daily life, part-time jobs, and cultural adjustment. So, while Japanese proficiency is not always required for scholarships, it is highly recommended for a better academic and social experience in Japan.

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 that need to be checked before applying for the same.