IMA Study Abroad Guide 2026
Study in Japan from India 2026 — MEXT Scholarship & Complete Guide
Japan offers a unique combination of cutting-edge technology, rich culture, and affordable education. The prestigious MEXT Scholarship provides full tuition plus ¥117,000–145,000 per month. With over 1,000 English-taught programmes and a highly skilled graduate immigration path, Japan is an excellent choice for Indian students in 2026.
April · October
Intakes
6.0–6.5 (or TOEFL 79+)
Min. IELTS
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (3 yrs)
PR Path
80+ students
IMA Placed
Why Study in Japan? — Key Benefits
MEXT — Japan's Fully Funded Government Scholarship
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipend of ¥117,000–145,000, return airfare, and health insurance.
Affordable Tuition at National Universities
National universities charge approximately ¥535,800/year (₹3 lakh) — much lower than comparable programmes in the UK or USA. Private universities charge ¥1–2 million/year.
1,000+ English-Taught Programmes
Japanese universities now offer over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate programmes taught entirely in English, making language less of a barrier.
Technology Hub — Internship Opportunities
Japan is home to Sony, Toyota, Panasonic, and hundreds of global tech giants. Engineering and technology students have exceptional internship and placement opportunities.
Safe, Clean, High Quality of Life
Japan consistently ranks among the world's safest countries. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer an exceptional quality of life with excellent public transport.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan's Highly Skilled Professional Visa gives a fast track to permanent residency — as few as 3 years with a high score under the points-based system.
Cost of Studying in Japan from India
| Expense | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition — National University (per year) | ₹3L – ₹4L (¥535,800) |
| Tuition — Private University (per year) | ₹7L – ₹14L |
| Monthly living expenses (Tokyo) | ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Monthly living expenses (other cities) | ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 |
| University dormitory (per month) | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| National Health Insurance | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000/month |
| Return flight | ₹40,000 – ₹65,000/year |
* Estimates for guidance only. Actual costs vary by city, university, and lifestyle.
Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan
MEXT Scholarship (Embassy Recommendation)
¥117,000–145,000/month + full tuition + airfare
Deadline: May–June 2026
MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation)
Same as Embassy recommendation
Deadline: Oct–Nov 2026
JASSO Honors Scholarship
¥48,000/month (non-repayable)
Deadline: After enrollment
University-Specific Scholarships
¥50,000–¥200,000/month
Deadline: Varies
💡 IMA's scholarship specialists have helped students win over ₹12 crore in total funding. Book a free scholarship session →
Top Universities in Japan for Indian Students
University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
QS #28Popular courses: Engineering, Sciences, Business, Medicine
Osaka University
QS #88Popular courses: Engineering, Medicine, Dental Sciences
Kyoto University
QS #55Popular courses: Sciences, Law, Economics, Engineering
Tohoku University
QS #137Popular courses: Engineering, Sciences, Medicine
Tokyo Institute of Technology
QS #91Popular courses: Engineering, Computing, AI
Waseda University
QS #199Popular courses: Business, Law, Engineering, Arts
Most Popular Courses for Indian Students in Japan
- MS in Engineering (Robotics, Automotive, Electronics)
- MS in Computer Science / AI
- MS in Data Science
- MBA at GLOBIS Business School
- Architecture & Urban Design
- Medicine & Life Sciences
- Japanese Language & Culture Studies
- International Business
Japan Student Visa — Step by Step
Apply for MEXT Scholarship (May–June) through the Indian Embassy in Tokyo OR apply directly to universities with MEXT university recommendation
Pass the MEXT selection process: document screening, written examination, and interview
Receive placement notification and admission letter from your designated university
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — your university submits this to Japanese Immigration on your behalf
Apply for a Student Visa (Single Entry) at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, or Chennai with the COE
Attend visa appointment. Processing takes 5–7 working days.
Travel to Japan, attend university orientation, and register for National Health Insurance and Alien Registration
IMA's Visa Success Rate: 96%
Our visa team has successfully processed 1,000+ student visa applications for Japan and 20+ other countries.
FAQs — Study in Japan
Is the MEXT Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The MEXT Scholarship is one of the most generous government scholarships globally. It covers full tuition fees (¥535,800–800,000/year), a monthly stipend of ¥117,000–145,000, return economy class airfare, and health insurance. Competition is high — IMA has a specialist team to help with your MEXT application.
Can I study in Japan without knowing Japanese?
Yes. Over 1,000 programmes at Japanese universities are taught in English. However, learning basic Japanese (JLPT N5–N4) significantly improves your daily life, internship prospects, and employment opportunities in Japan after graduation.
What is the minimum IELTS score for Japan?
Most English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79–90. Japanese-taught programmes require JLPT N2 or N1. For MEXT, English proficiency is assessed through a written exam and interview.
How much does it cost to study in Japan?
National university tuition is approximately ¥535,800/year (₹3–4 lakh). Living expenses in Tokyo are ¥80,000–120,000/month (₹50,000–75,000). With the JASSO scholarship or MEXT, you can cover most expenses.
Can I work part-time while studying in Japan?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours per week. Japanese minimum wage is ¥1,013–1,500/hour depending on the prefecture. Part-time work is common among international students.
How can IMA help me apply for MEXT?
IMA has a dedicated MEXT scholarship guidance programme. We help with study plan writing, university preference selection, language test preparation, MEXT exam coaching, and interview preparation. We have helped 80+ students get placed in Japan. Book a free session to start.
Related Pages
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