The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan gives this scholarship every year to help international students study in Japan for free
The MEXT scholarship covers various academic levels – undergraduate, master’s, PhD, specialised training, and research studies. The aim is to support international students and promote academic exchange between Japan and other countries.
New Delhi,UPDATED: May 10, 2025 17:48 IST
The Government of Japan has opened online applications for the MEXT Scholarship 2025-2026. Indian students can now apply for fully funded higher education programmes in Japan. The scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan.
The MEXT scholarship covers various academic levels – undergraduate, master’s, PhD, specialised training, and research studies. The aim is to support international students and promote academic exchange between Japan and other countries.
For more details, aspirants can visit the official website for the Embassy of Japan in India at in.emb-japan.go.jp.
APPLICATION DATES AND CATEGORIESAs per the Embassy of Japan in India, the scholarship is open in the following categories:
Research student: For research with option to move to master’s or PhD – Application dates: April 14 to May 13, 2025 (exact exam date to be announced)
Undergraduate students: Leads to a bachelor’s degree – April 22 to May 26, 2025
National Institute of Technology: Leads to an associate degree – April 22 to May 26, 2025
Specialised training college: Leads to a certificate – April 22 to May 26, 2025
MEXT SCHOLARSHIP: WHO CAN APPLYTo apply for the MEXT scholarship, candidates must:
Be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan
Be born on or after April 2, 1990 (for research student category)
Hold the required academic qualification for their chosen course
Be in good health
Have basic English or Japanese language skills (depends on course)
MEXT SCHOLARSHIP: HOW TO APPLYThe application process usually includes the following steps:
Submit documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulates in India
Embassy reviews and shortlists candidates
Written test for selected applicants
Interview round
Candidates are recommended to MEXT
MEXT confirms selections and sends final offers
DOCUMENTS REQUIREDCandidates should prepare:
Academic transcripts
Graduation or degree certificate
Letters of recommendation
Medical certificate
Research proposal (for research students)
Language test scores, if required
Additional documents may be requested during the process.
Anirban Chakraborty, a former MEXT scholar and now a professor at Hosei University, advises applicants to start early, follow updates from the Embassy, and seek feedback from past scholars.
He says research applicants must write a clear proposal with goals, methods, and relevance to Japan.
Published By:
Rishab Chauhan
Published On:
May 10, 2025
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