Introduction
Administered through the Embassy of Japan in India, the MEXT Scholarship aims to foster global talent, strengthen international relations, and promote academic exchange between Japan and countries like India. The program provides an opportunity for outstanding students to pursue undergraduate studies at Japanese national universities while gaining cultural and academic exposure.
Approximately 12 candidates from India who successfully pass the first screening proceed to the final selection conducted by MEXT in Japan.
Fields of Study
Applicants can choose from a wide range of disciplines:
Social Sciences & Humanities: Law, Politics, Economics, Business Administration, Sociology, History, and related fields.
Natural Sciences: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering & Architecture, Textile Engineering, Chemical Sciences, and more.
Note: Applicants in the Natural Sciences stream must have studied subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the higher secondary level.
Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly allowance of 117,000 yen (approximately INR 68,000+)
- Round-trip airfare between India and Japan
- One-year preparatory education in Japanese language (if required)
This comprehensive support makes it one of the most competitive and sought-after scholarships globally.
Period of Scholarship
- With preparatory education: 5 years (April 2027 – March 2032)
- For medical and related fields: 7 years
- Direct placement: 4–6 years depending on the program
Qualifications and Conditions
To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be an Indian citizen
- Be 17–25 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling
- Have a strong academic record (minimum 80% recommended)
- Be physically and mentally fit
- Be willing to learn Japanese and adapt to life in Japan
- Be able to arrive in Japan in April 2027
Knowledge of Japanese (e.g., JLPT) is an advantage, especially for direct placement.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and conducted in multiple stages:
- Document Screening
- Written Examination: Subjects include English, Japanese, Mathematics, and Science
- Interview
- Final Selection by MEXT (Japan)
Note: Only those applicants who clear the first round of screening will be provided the Direct Placement Preference form upon their request.
As part of the final selection process, universities in Japan assess applicants based on their academic performance and language proficiency to ensure they are well-prepared for undergraduate study. This may include evaluating standardized test scores such as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), along with additional interviews or assessments conducted by individual universities.
How to Submit & Whom to Contact
Applicants must submit their applications to the relevant Japanese diplomatic mission based on their place of residence:
- For students residing in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha: Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata
- For students residing in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Consulate General of Japan in Chennai
- For students residing in Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra: Consulate of General of Japan in Mumbai
- For students residing in Karnataka: Consulate of General of Japan in Bengaluru
- For students residing in the remaining states and union territories: Embassy of Japan, 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Please note that applications need to be sent by post or courier.
Required Documents
- Application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Certificate of Health (must be filled in by a professional medical doctor)
- Sample Format of Recommendation Letter (This is a sample. Any form/style of letter is to be accepted.)
- Direct placement form (if applicable)
- List of documents
Important Dates
The Schedule of the First Screening is different depending on the consulate, so please check the respective websites. The following is the schedule of the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi:
- Application deadline: 25 May 2026
- Notification of shortlisted candidates for written test/interview (on this page): Second week of June 2026
- Written examination: 20 June 2026
- Interview: 22 June 2026 (online)
- Notification of the results of the first screening: End of July 2026
Conclusion
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship is a highly competitive yet rewarding opportunity that opens doors to world-class education and global exposure in Japan. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the official guidelines for 2027 and ensure all requirements are met.
Applications are open from 23 April to 25 May 2026. Submit your application on time to take the first step toward studying in Japan on a fully funded scholarship.
