Popular Japanese Scholarships for Indian Students

Top Scholarships in Japan for Indian Students (2026)

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

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 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: 

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.

How to apply for MEXT Scholarship?

Important: The application for starting school in 2026 is mostly finished. If you want to start now, you are maybe late for Embassy track. You should prepare for MEXT Scolarship for Research Student which starts in April-May 2026.

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 call you for a test and interview.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships Deadlines

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 applications. 

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 scholarships below: 

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

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.

Multiple fully funded scholarships in Japan 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 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. 

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 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 programs, especially at international universities, knowing Japanese is usually not required. Many universities in Japan offer degree programs in English, and students can apply for scholarships without submitting JLPT scores. In such cases, good academic records and English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) are more important.

However, for Japanese-taught programs, language proficiency becomes compulsory. Students must usually clear JLPT N2 or N1 level to study and receive scholarships in courses taught in Japanese. Without proper language skills, it becomes difficult to understand lectures and complete assignments.

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 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 which need to be checked before applying for the same.