Scholarships in Japan

Scholarships in Japan come from three main sources: the Japanese government, universities, and private foundations. The most popular option is the MEXT scholarship. It covers tuition, travel costs, and monthly living expenses. You can apply for it through a Japanese embassy or directly through a Japanese university. 

You’ll also find other options like university-specific scholarships and private programs such as the ADB-Japan Scholarship and the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation. For exchange students, the JASSO Student Exchange Support Program offers financial help through partner universities. 

Top Scholarships to Study in Japan in 2026 

Japan offers a diverse range of scholarships for international students, funded by the government, universities, and global organizations. These programs cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel, making Japan one of the most accessible destinations for higher education. 

1. MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship 

The Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT scholarship) is administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It is the most comprehensive scholarship for international students, offering full financial support.  

Overview: 

• Types of scholarships: Research Students, Teacher Training Students, Undergraduate Students, Japanese Studies Students, College of Technology Students, Specialized Training College Students, Young Leaders Program (YLP). 

• Application routes: Embassy recommendation or university recommendation. 

• Eligibility: Varies by program, but generally requires a strong academic record, age limits, and health certification. 

• Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, and round-trip airfare. 

• Application period: Typically opens in spring each year. 

Key Features Table: 

Aspect	Details
Coverage	Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare
Levels	Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral, Research, Teacher Training, Japanese Studies
Application Routes	Embassy recommendation / University recommendation
Eligibility	Academic excellence, age limits, and health certificate
Deadline	Spring annually

2. JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Scholarships 

The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) administers scholarships to support international students studying in Japan. Official details are available on the JASSO website. These scholarships are primarily partial funding options, designed to ease living costs for students who are not covered by full government programs like MEXT. 

Overview: 

• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship: Monthly stipend for privately financed international students enrolled in Japanese universities, graduate schools, or specialized training colleges. 

• Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan): Monthly stipend for students participating in short-term exchange programs under agreements between Japanese and overseas institutions. 

• Eligibility: Enrollment in a Japanese institution, good academic standing, and financial need. 

• Coverage: Monthly stipend (amount varies by program). 

Key Features Table: 

Aspect	Details
Coverage	Monthly stipend (partial funding)
Programs	Honors Scholarship, Exchange Support Program
Eligibility	International students enrolled in Japanese institutions
Duration	Varies by program (short-term or full academic year)
Application	Through host universities or exchange agreements

Why It Matters: JASSO scholarships are highly accessible and flexible. They are ideal for students who may not qualify for MEXT or who are joining Japan through shortterm exchange programs. 

3. University-Specific Scholarships in Japan 

Many leading Japanese universities offer their own scholarships to attract international students. These programs are administered directly by the universities and provide tuition waivers, stipends, or merit-based awards.  

A. University of Tokyo Scholarships 

The University of Tokyo provides scholarships for international graduate students, including tuition waivers and stipends. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
UTokyo MEXT Scholarship	Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare	International graduate students
UTokyo Fellowship	Monthly stipend for doctoral students	High academic performance
UTokyo Foundation Scholarships	Partial tuition waivers, living allowance	Undergraduate/graduate international students

B. Kyoto University Scholarships 

Kyoto University offers scholarships for international students, including tuition waivers and stipends. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Kyoto MEXT Scholarship	Tuition, stipend, airfare	Graduate students
Kyoto International Student Scholarship	Partial tuition waiver, monthly allowance	International students
Private Donor Scholarships	Tuition support, living stipend	Selected international students

C. Waseda University Scholarships 

Waseda University provides merit-based scholarships for international students, including tuition reductions and stipends. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Waseda Partial Tuition Waiver	Tuition reduction	Undergraduate/graduate international students
Waseda Merit Scholarship	Tuition + monthly allowance	High-performing international students
Waseda JASSO Linked Scholarship	Monthly stipend	Exchange/degree students

D. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Scholarships 

APU offers merit-based scholarships to international students, often linked to academic performance and leadership. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship	30–100% tuition reduction	Undergraduate/graduate international students
APU MEXT Scholarship	Tuition, stipend, airfare	Graduate students
APU JASSO Scholarship	Monthly stipend	Exchange students

4. Foundation and Global Scholarships 

These scholarships are funded by international foundations and global organizations, supporting students from around the world to study in Japan. 

A. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation 

The Honjo Foundation supports graduate students conducting research in Japan with generous monthly stipends. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Honjo International Scholarship	¥230,000/month (₹133,400)	Graduate students with a strong research focus

B. Rotary Peace Fellowships 

Rotary provides fellowships for master’s students pursuing peace and conflict resolution studies, including programs hosted in Japan. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Rotary Peace Fellowship	Tuition, living expenses, travel (₹15–20 lakh annually equivalent)	Master’s students in peace/conflict studies

C. ADB: Japan Scholarship Program 

Jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan, this program supports postgraduate students from developing countries. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
ADB–Japan Scholarship	¥154,000/month (₹89,300), full tuition, airfare	Students from ADB member countries pursuing postgraduate study

D. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 

This program funds graduate students from World Bank member countries to study developmentrelated fields in Japan. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
JJ/WBGSP	Tuition, monthly stipend (₹1.2–1.5 lakh), travel	Graduate students from World Bank member countries

E. Japan Foundation for UNU (JFUNU) Scholarship 

The JFUNU Scholarship supports students admitted to the United Nations University in Tokyo, focusing on sustainability and global issues. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
JFUNU Scholarship	¥120,000/month (₹69,600), full tuition	Students admitted to UNU master’s programs

F. Japan Educational Exchange and Services (JEES) Scholarships 

JEES administers scholarships funded by private donations, supporting international students enrolled in Japanese universities. 

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
JEES Scholarship	¥50,000/month (₹29,000)	International students in Japanese universities

Read more: Cost of Living in Japan 2025: Monthly Expenses, Lifestyle & Comparison 

How to Apply for Scholarships in Japan 

Applying for scholarships in Japan depends on the type of program. Government scholarships like MEXT, university-specific awards, and foundation scholarships each have their own process. Indian students are eligible for all these routes. 

1. Application via Embassy Recommendation 

This is the most common route for the MEXT Scholarship. 

• Applications are submitted to the Embassy of Japan in India. 

• Required documents include academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, and a medical certificate. 

• Applicants take written exams (English/Japanese) and attend interviews. 

• The Embassy forwards shortlisted candidates to MEXT in Tokyo for final approval. 

2. Application via University Recommendation 

Some scholarships, including MEXT and university-funded awards, are applied for directly through Japanese universities. 

• Students apply for admission and indicate scholarship interest. 

• The university reviews academic records and recommends eligible candidates to MEXT or its own scholarship committee. 

• Results are announced along with admission offers. 

3. Direct University Applications 

For scholarships offered by universities (Tokyo, Kyoto, Waseda, APU), students apply directly through the university’s portal. 

• Applications are submitted with admission documents. 

• Scholarships are awarded based on merit, need, or leadership qualities. 

• Deadlines align with the university’s admission cycle. 

4. Foundation Applications 

Scholarships like Honjo, Rotary, ADB, World Bank, JFUNU, and JEES require direct applications to the foundation. 

• Applicants submit forms, research proposals, and recommendation letters. 

• Selection is based on academic merit, leadership, or development focus. 

• Deadlines vary but usually fall between January and April. 

Application Timeline:   MEXT (Embassy route): Opens in spring (April–May).  University scholarships: Deadlines match admission cycles (varies by university).  Foundation scholarships: Typically, January–April.

Read more about Top Colleges in Japan – Eligibility, Universities & more 

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Japan 

International students, including those from India, must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for scholarships in Japan. While criteria vary by program, most scholarships share common standards. 

1. Academic Requirements 

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance. 

• MEXT and university scholarships require excellent grades in previous studies. 

• Foundation scholarships (Honjo, ADB, World Bank) often ask for research potential or leadership qualities. 

2. Language Proficiency 

Language requirements depend on the program. 

• Many scholarships require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS). 

• Some programs, especially undergraduate or Japanese Studies, may require Japanese proficiency (JLPT). 

3. Age Limits 

Certain scholarships have age restrictions. 

• MEXT typically requires applicants to be under 35 for graduate programs. 

• Teacher Training and Undergraduate programs may have lower age limits. 

4. Nationality 

Applicants must be non-Japanese citizens. 

• MEXT, JASSO, and foundation scholarships are open to Indian students. 

• Some global programs (ADB, World Bank) require applicants to be from member countries; India qualifies. 

5. Health Requirements 

Government scholarships like MEXT require a medical certificate proving the applicant is in good health. 

6. Enrollment Status 

Applicants must be enrolled or accepted at a Japanese university. 

• JASSO requires enrollment in a recognized institution. 

• University scholarships are tied to admission offers. 

Conclusion 

Japan scholarships for Indian students make higher education abroad more affordable. With programs like MEXT, JASSO, university scholarships, and foundation support, students can get help with tuition, living costs, and even travel. These opportunities reduce financial stress and make studying in Japan possible for many. 

For Indian students, these scholarships are not just about money. They also give a chance to learn in Japan’s respected universities, experience a new culture, and build future career paths. With good preparation and timely applications, studying in Japan can become a rewarding journey. 

Still overwhelmed about the application process or choosing the right scholarship? upGrad experts can guide you at every step. Book your free 1:1 counselling session today and get personalized support for your journey to study in Japan.