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Japan Government Scholarship

MEXT Scholarship 2026

Japan's most prestigious government scholarship — covering full tuition, ¥117,000/month stipend, return airfare, and health insurance. One of the world's most comprehensive scholarships for Indian students.

¥117,000+

Monthly Stipend

100% Waived

Tuition

2–5 years

Duration

May–June 2026

Deadline

Apply with IMA Guidance →WhatsApp for Help

What is the MEXT Scholarship?

MEXT (文部科学省 — Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) is Japan's flagship government scholarship for international students. Established in 1954, MEXT has supported thousands of students from 160+ countries to study at leading Japanese universities.

MEXT is widely regarded as one of the most generous and prestigious government scholarships in the world, covering not just tuition and stipend but also airfare, health insurance, and providing a Japanese language training period before the main degree begins.

MEXT Scholarship Benefits

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Full Tuition Waiver

Tuition fees at your designated Japanese university are 100% waived for the entire scholarship period.

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¥117,000–145,000/Month Stipend

Monthly living allowance of ¥117,000 for undergraduate students and ¥143,000–145,000 for graduate and doctoral candidates — roughly ₹72,000–90,000 a month at current rates.

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Round-Trip Economy Airfare

Economy class airfare provided on arrival in Japan and upon completing your studies — typically New Delhi to Tokyo.

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Free Health Insurance

National health insurance (NHI) costs are covered by the Japanese government for all MEXT scholarship holders.

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1-Year Japanese Language Training

All MEXT scholars complete a Japanese Language preparatory course at designated institutes before their main degree — fully paid.

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Enrollment & Facility Fees Paid

University enrollment fees and facility charges are covered by MEXT in addition to tuition.

MEXT Scholarship Eligibility for Indian Students

CategoryResearch (Graduate)Undergraduate
Age LimitUnder 35 yearsUnder 25 years (17–25)
Academic StandardGPA 2.30+ on MEXT's 3.00 scaleGPA 2.30+ on MEXT's 3.00 scale
EnglishIELTS 5.5+ or equivalentIELTS 5.5+ or equivalent
NationalityIndian citizenIndian citizen
HealthMedically fit certificateMedically fit certificate
Prior ScholarshipNo active MEXT scholarshipNo active MEXT scholarship

MEXT Application Process — Step by Step

01

Watch Embassy of Japan Announcement (April–May)

The Embassy of Japan in New Delhi announces the MEXT opening in April or May each year. Register at the Embassy website to get notifications.

02

Obtain Application Documents

Download the MEXT application form, grade summary, medical certificate, and research study plan template from the Embassy website.

03

Write Your Research Study Plan

This is the most critical document — a detailed outline of your intended research in Japan, why Japan, and which professor you want to work with. IMA's counsellors help craft this.

04

Submit Documents to Embassy (June–July)

Submit all documents to the Embassy of Japan. IMA reviews your application before submission to ensure completeness.

05

Pass Document Screening

Embassy reviews academic documents and research plan. Successful candidates are called for the written examination.

06

Written Examination (July–August)

Examination in English and your field subject (Mathematics for Science, Engineering for Engineering students, etc.) at the Embassy in New Delhi.

07

Interview at Embassy (August–September)

Personal interview in English at the Embassy of Japan. Tests academic aptitude, research interests, and motivation for studying in Japan.

08

Primary Recommendation & University Placement

Shortlisted candidates are primarily recommended. MEXT then matches you to a Japanese university based on your preferences and the professor's acceptance.

MEXT Scholarship FAQs

What does MEXT Scholarship cover for Indian students?
MEXT covers 100% tuition fees at your designated Japanese university, a monthly stipend of ¥117,000–145,000 (roughly ₹72,000–90,000 at current rates), round-trip economy class airfare between India and Japan, and enrollment/facility fees. It is one of the most comprehensive government scholarships globally.
What is the MEXT Scholarship deadline for Indian students?
The Embassy Recommendation track opens in May–June each year at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi. The University Recommendation track has varying deadlines depending on the university (typically October–November). IMA monitors and notifies students of upcoming deadlines.
What is the minimum academic score required for MEXT?
MEXT's own standard is a grade point average of 2.30 or above on its 3.00-point scale, converted from your transcript using MEXT's formula rather than your university's. You must also maintain that average to keep the scholarship. The Embassy of Japan in New Delhi sets its own screening bar for the Embassy Recommendation track and publishes it with each year's call, so check the current notice instead of relying on a fixed percentage. Embassy recommendation also includes written examinations and an interview.
How long does the MEXT Scholarship last?
MEXT duration: Undergraduate — 4–5 years (plus 1 year Japanese language training). Master's — 2–3 years (plus 6 months–1 year Japanese training). Research Student — 18 months (extendable). Doctoral — 3 years (plus preparation period).
Can I choose my university under MEXT?
Under Embassy Recommendation, you list preferred universities but the final placement is decided by MEXT after matching your field preferences. Under University Recommendation, you apply directly to a specific professor/university who nominates you. IMA helps you research and contact suitable professors for University Recommendation.
How competitive is the MEXT Scholarship?
Highly competitive. MEXT does not publish a fixed India quota, and figures in the hundreds that circulate online are not supported by any official source. Independent estimates put annual Indian selections in the dozens rather than the hundreds, against a much larger applicant pool. Confirm the current position with the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi. A strong academic record, a specific research statement, relevant project work and good English or Japanese scores all improve your chances.

Apply for MEXT with IMA's Expert Guidance

IMA has helped multiple students win the MEXT Scholarship. Our counsellors guide you through Research Study Plan writing, Embassy document preparation, exam coaching, and interview preparation.

Book Free MEXT Consultation →Study in Japan Guide