Japan is emerging as a popular destination for higher education among Indian students, largely due to the scholarships available. Many of these, including government-funded programs, cover full tuition
fees and offer a monthly living stipend.
For students planning to study in Japanese universities, scholarships are often essential. Without financial support, studying abroad can be expensive, forcing students to balance academics with part-time work, which can affect their studies and research.
Here’s a quick guide to the scholarships that can help you study in Japan, what they offer, and what you need to qualify for them.
Scholarships To Study In Japan
The MEXT Scholarship
The Japanese government’s MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship is the most comprehensive funding option available to Indian students and also the most competitive. What sets MEXT apart is not just the money, but the certainty it provides.
Once selected, a student’s tuition is fully taken care of for the entire duration of the course. Admission and enrollment fees are waived, international travel is covered, and a fixed monthly stipend ensures day-to-day stability.
For undergraduate students, the monthly allowance is generally around Rs 70,000. For research scholars, master’s and PhD candidates, this increases to roughly Rs 85,000 with small additional allowances for students living in high-cost cities like Tokyo.
The scholarship often includes a preparatory year for Japanese language training, especially for undergraduates and research students who need academic orientation before entering full-time coursework.
What this means in real terms is freedom — freedom from juggling part-time jobs, from worrying about rent each semester, and from sudden fee hikes.
MEXT scholars can focus almost entirely on academics and research. However, this security comes with structure. Academic performance is closely monitored, changing fields or institutions mid-way is difficult, and the selection process itself is rigorous, involving document screening, written tests, and interviews.
JASSO Scholarship
Not every scholarship in Japan is designed to carry the entire financial load. The Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) plays a quieter but equally important role by helping students who already have admission or partial funding make ends meet.
JASSO scholarships typically provide a monthly stipend rather than tuition support. For many exchange students or privately funded international students, this stipend, usually around Rs 28,000 per month, and up to Rs 47,000 for some short-term programs, can cover daily expenses such as food, transport, and utilities.
It does not pay for tuition or travel, but it reduces financial pressure enough to make studying in Japan manageable without excessive part-time work.
In effect, JASSO functions as a financial stabiliser. It is rarely sufficient as a standalone scholarship, but for students already enrolled in Japanese universities, it can be the difference between constant financial stress and a comfortable academic experience.
ADB–Japan Scholarship
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program is a very different kind of opportunity. Designed specifically for students from developing Asian countries, it supports master’s-level education in fields tied to economic development, public policy, infrastructure, sustainability, and social planning.
Unlike many scholarships that focus only on tuition, ADB-JSP takes a holistic approach. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living expenses, medical insurance, books, research costs, and international travel, making it one of the most generous master’s-level scholarships available to Indian students.
However, this generosity comes with a clear expectation. Scholars are required to return to their home countries after completing their degree and apply their learning to development-related work.
This makes ADB-JSP particularly attractive to students who see their education as a pathway into public service, policy research, or international development rather than private-sector careers.
University Scholarships
Many Japanese universities have their own scholarship programs, often reserved for students who have already secured admission. These scholarships vary widely in scope. Some offer full tuition waivers, others provide partial fee reductions combined with monthly stipends or research grants.
For high-performing students who may not secure a government scholarship, university funding can still significantly reduce costs. A 50% or 100% tuition waiver at a national university can save several lakhs per year, while monthly stipends ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh help offset living expenses.
The catch is continuity. Most university scholarships are awarded yearly and renewed only if academic performance remains strong. While they may not offer the long-term certainty of MEXT, they reward consistency and allow students to gradually build financial stability within Japan’s academic system.
Private and Foundation Scholarships
Private foundations, corporate trusts, and organisations like the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation offer another layer of support, particularly for students who demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement, or Japanese language ability.
These scholarships usually provide monthly stipends rather than full funding, often in the range of Rs 60,000 – Rs 80,000. What they lack in breadth, they make up for in engagement.
Recipients are often expected to participate in cultural events, networking sessions, and community programs. For many students, this exposure becomes as valuable as the financial support itself.
These scholarships work best as complementary funding, especially for students already studying in Japan. They also tend to favour applicants who show a long-term interest in Japanese society, culture, or bilateral exchange.
Documents And Eligibility Criteria To Apply
Passport copy, academic transcripts, and degree certificates
Research proposal (for research/master’s/PhD) or study plan
Letters of recommendation (2–3)
Statement of purpose / personal history form (MEXT has specific form templates)
Language proof (JLPT/TOEFL/IELTS) if required
Medical certificate (MEXT requires a certificate of health)
Admission letter (for ADB-JSP and many university scholarships)
Steps To Apply
Step 1 — Decide program & track
Pick the level (undergrad/master’s / PhD / research) and see whether the department in Japan offers a university recommendation or go by embassy recommendation (MEXT). Embassy announcements typically appear yearly (example: MEXT embassy deadline in 2025 was in May).
Step 2: Apply through the right channel
Always use the official application forms provided by the Embassy, JASSO, ADB, or the university’s international office to apply for scholarships.
MEXT (Embassy route): Submit to the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi by the announced deadline; the embassy runs screening and interviews.
MEXT (University Route): Contact the international admissions/graduate school office of your preferred Japanese university. Some universities accept MEXT university recommendations directly.
ADB-JSP: Apply to the designated university program and follow national & ADB procedures; endorsement by the host institution is required.
JASSO And Private Scholarships: Follow the university or foundation instructions; some require you to be enrolled/accepted first.
Step 3: Prepare For The Interview
Expect language checks (English and sometimes Japanese), academic interviews, and document verification. For embassy routes, the interview is often in the candidate’s home country.
If selected, you’ll receive a certificate or offer letter. Complete visa formalities (student visa) and prepare for pre-departure briefings; many scholarship programs coordinate with the host university for orientation.
Practical Tips To Boost Your Chances
Tailor your research proposal to match a Japanese supervisor’s interests, read their recent papers and cite specific labs or projects.
Network early: Email potential supervisors with a crisp intro, your CV, and two lines on why your research fits their lab.
Use official sources: To find out any information, deadline, or application details, always refer to the official sources like Embassy pages, JASSO, ADB, and university web pages.
Apply to multiple scholarships: MEXT, JASSO, and university scholarships are not always mutually exclusive; read the fine print.
Language: Even if your program is English-taught, a basic grasp of Japanese can help in interviews and daily life, mention any JLPT or self-study plans in your statement.
