Study in USA
Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance
Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
Login
MEXT Scholarship 2025: Dates, Deadline, Application Form & Requirements
MEXT scholarships for India are offered by the Ministry of Education Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho), Japan. The Japanese government provides these scholarships to encourage excellent human resources to study in Japan and strengthen the educational and research abilities of its universities. The MEXT Scholarship is a great opportunity for international students to study in Japan. MEXT scholarships for Indian students are fully funded by Japanese government scholarships that fund the majority of the study expenses like tuition fees and living expenses. Indian students who are interested in studying any UG, PG, PHD level degrees or training can apply for these MEXT scholarships. This prestigious scholarship is part of the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program. There are seven types of MEXT Scholarships, such as research students, teacher training students, undergraduate students, japanese studies students, college of technology students, specialised training college students, and young leaders program students. The application process for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships is conducted through Japanese embassies, consulates in your country, or institutions of higher education in Japan. Application Deadline for AY2026: Monday, September 1, 2025 (Japan Time). Any applications received on Tuesday, September 2 or later will not be accepted. Read the article about the scholarship types, eligibility, application process and selection details, etc.
This Story also Contains
- MEXT Scholarship Highlights 2025
- Benefits of MEXT Scholarships 2025
- Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship for Indian Students
- MEXT Scholarship Eligibility for Undergraduates
- MEXT Scholarship Eligibility for Postgraduates
- How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2026?
- MEXT Scholarship 2025 for Indian Students
- Institutions approved for MEXT Scholarship
- Study Fields for MEXT scholarships
- MEXT Scholarship Amount
- MEXT Scholarship Dates 2025-26
- MEXT Scholarship Duration
- Examinations Required for Embassy Recommendation
- Top Japan Universities for Indian Students 2025
- Where can you get the MEXT application form?
MEXT Scholarship Highlights 2025
Funding Authority | Ministry of Education Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan |
Total types of MEXT Scholarships | 7 types |
Scholarship type | Merit-based |
Scholarship Application Fee | No fees in charged |
Benefits of MEXT Scholarships 2025
Everyone who secures the scholarship offered by MEXT can be exempted from the tuition fees required to study at Japanese universities or institutes. Each scholarship type has its own benefits. However, the benefits for all the types of MEXT scholarship undergraduate level like specialized training college students, College of Technology students, Undergraduate students, and Japanese studies students are all the same as follows.
Living Allowances: 117,000 Yen
Regional allowances: 2,000 to 3,000 Yen
Tuition fees, and entrance exam fees will be waived
Travel allowances: To and Fro flight tickets to Japan
Expenses covered under MEXT Scholarships
Scholarship Type | Benefits |
Research students |
|
Teacher training students |
|
Young Leaders Program (YLP) students |
|
Eligibility Criteria for MEXT Scholarship for Indian Students
The eligibility requirement varies for each type of scholarship. So based on your course and degree level, check out the following general eligibility criteria for the MEXT Scholarship for Indian students mentioned below.
Nationality: India
Intent to study higher education in Japan
Japanese language fluency (if required)
Not received or qualified for any MEXT scholarship.
Not receiving or planning to accept any other Japanese government scholarships.
In addition to the basic eligibility, check the specific MEXT scholarship undergraduate requirements and postgraduate specifications mentioned for each scholarship type below.
MEXT Scholarship Eligibility for Undergraduates
Scholarship Type | Age Limit | Eligibility |
Research students | Under 35 years | For masters course: 70% in bachelors degree. For Doctoral Courses: 70% irrelevant master's degree |
Teacher training students | Under 35 years | 5 years of teaching experience in primary or secondary schools |
Young Leaders Program (YLP) students | Under 40 years | Any candidate recommended by the Ministry of Personnel Grieveinces and Pensions/ Ministry of Law and Justice/CII, FICCI or else Any government professional or legal professional with 2 to 4 years of work experience. |
Undergraduate students | 24 years or below | 80% in 12th class |
Japanese studies students | 18 to 3 years | Enrolled in a few selected Japanese universities and completed 1 year of Japanese language or culture |
College of Technology students | 24 years or below | 60% in 12th class |
Specialized training college students | 24 years or below | 60% in 12th class |
MEXT Scholarship Eligibility for Postgraduates
| Program | Age Limit | Qualification | Other Criteria |
| Master’s / Doctoral (1st Phase) | — | Bachelor’s with ≥70% | Relevant work/research experience |
| Doctoral (2nd Phase) | — | Master’s with ≥70% | Relevant work/research experience |
| Research Students | <35 yrs | Graduate / 16 yrs education | — |
| Teacher Training | <35 yrs | Teacher training degree | 5 yrs teaching experience (not mid-training) |
| Young Leaders Program (YLP) | <40 yrs | Graduate degree | Practical experience; public admin role |
How to Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2026?
The process of application is offline. Indian students should visit the Japanese Embassies and consulates located in India to apply for these MEXT scholarships. Check the following application process mentioned below.
Visit the official Japanese Embassy website at www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html.
Under the Education tab choose study in Japan and next Japanese Government Scholarship options.
Based on your required scholarship type, check the application date and download the application form and documents list.
Fill in the application and attach the necessary documents.
Submit the form at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate located in India.
Once you are shortlisted you will be called for the written exam and interview.
Check the specific MEXT scholarship 2026 deadline and dates and appear accordingly.
Then the final results will be announced.
Successful candidates will be notified through their respective email IDs or on the Embassy website.
Documents Required for the MEXT Scholarship 2026
The document checklist varies for each type of MEXT 2026 scholarship. The general documents which are to be submitted in the overall application process are listed below.
Filled MEXT scholarship 2026 application form
Previous Academic Transcripts
Medical Certificate
Japanese or English language proficiency certificates
Samples of Portfolio (if required)
MEXT Scholarship 2025 for Indian Students
As the MEXT Scholarship 2025 is for all international students, so Indian students are also eligible to apply for this scholarship. There are 7 types of MEXT scholarships. Each scholarship type is for different categories of study at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
The application deadlines vary for each scholarship type and will be closed one year before the start of the academic year. It means students who want to study in the 2026 academic year in Japan must submit the scholarship application 2025 only. The application process is not online but must be sent offline through the Japanese Embassy in India for Indian students.
Once your application gets shortlisted you are required to appear for written examination and interview as a part of the selection process. Students who get selected for these MEXT government scholarships are exempted from paying tuition fees additionally they receive living and travel allowances.
Institutions approved for MEXT Scholarship
| Type | Level | No. of Scholarships | Application Period |
| Research students | Research studies (possible to continue to Master's/Ph.D course) | To be annouced | April-May |
| Teacher training students | Undergraduate level leading to Bachelors Degree | 12 | 22 April-26 May |
Undergraduate students | Undergraduate level leading to Associate Degree (Diploma) | 12 | 22 April-26 May |
| Japanese Studies students | Undergraduate level leading to Certificate | 12 | 22 April-26 May |
| College of Technology students | Undergraduate level leading to Certificate | 9 | Dec-Jan |
| Specialized training college students | Masters Degree course | A few | Jul-Sep |
| Young Leaders Program (YLP) students | Undergraduate level leading to Certificate | 9 | Dec-Jan |
Study Fields for MEXT scholarships
Following are the fields of study that you must study to be eligible to apply for MEXT scholarships in Japan:
Courses | Majors |
|---|---|
Social Sciences and Humanities - A | Law, Politics, Pedagogy, Sociology, Literature, History & Japanese Language |
Social Sciences and Humanities - B | Economics, Business Administration |
Natural Sciences - A | Science: Physics, Chemistry & Maths Electric and Electronic Studies: Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Information Engineering Mechanical Studies: Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture: Civil Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering Chemical Studies: Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Textile Engineering Others: Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Biotechnology |
Natural Sciences - B | Agricultural Studies: Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry, Food Science, Fisheries Hygienic Studies: Pharmacy, Hygienic, Nursing Science: Biology |
Natural Sciences - C | Medicine, Dentistry |
Details MEXT Scholarship Types
Scholarship Type | Level | Applicable Field of Study |
Research students | For research, masters Course, Ph.D. courses | Humanities, Social Science, Mathematical Science, Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Biology and Biotechnology, Agriculture and Fishery, Environmental Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Geology and Geoinformatics, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Material Science / Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communications Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Information Technology, Sports Science |
Teacher training students | Masters level | Education |
Young Leaders Program (YLP) students | Masters degree | Business Administration, Law, School of Government, School of Local Governance |
Undergraduate students | UG level | Social Sciences and Humanities, Natural Sciences |
Japanese studies students | UG level | Japanese language and culture |
College of Technology students | Undergraduate level leading to Associate Degree (Diploma) | Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Information, Communication and Network Engineering, Materials Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Other Fields |
Specialized training college students | Undergraduate level leading to Certificate | Technology, Personal Care and Nutrition, Education and Welfare, Business, Fashion and Home Economics, Culture and General Education |
*Sourced from - Consulate General of Japan's Official Website
MEXT Scholarship Amount
These are the scholarship amount offered to different types of students who wish to study in Japan.
| Student Type | Scholarship Amount |
| Research students | ¥143,000 - ¥145,000 per month |
| Teacher training students | |
Undergraduate students | ¥117,000 per month |
| Specialized training college students | |
| College of Technology students | |
| Japanese Language Studying Applicants | |
| Young Leaders Program (YLP) students | ¥242,000 per month |
MEXT Scholarship Dates 2025-26
While applying for the MEXT scholarships, you are required to know the concerned dates like application deadlines, exam dates, interview dates, results dates, etc. Usually, the result of your application will be announced within 1 month and the written and interview dates will be scheduled in the second month after the application deadline. The application for the MEXT scholarship 2025 has closed except for 3 scholarship types which are mentioned below:
Upcoming MEXT scholarship 2025 deadlines India
Scholarship Type | Application Timelines 2025 |
Teacher training students | December -January |
Japanese studies students | December - January |
Young Leaders Program (YLP) students | July - September |
Explore More Articles:
MEXT Scholarship Duration
The duration of the MEXT scholarship varies as per the student. Here is the duration of MEXT scholarships for different student types:
- Research students: The duration of the MEXT scholarship is more than 1.5 years, including Japanese language education.
- Undergraduate students: The duration of the scholarship for students pursuing undergraduate degrees is 5 years including language training (for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary science, the duration is 7 years)
- College of technology students: The duration of MEXT scholarship for these students is 4 years, including Japanese language training (for students enrolled in merchant marine courses, the duration is 4 years and 6 months).
- Specialized College Training Students: The duration of MEXT scholarship for these students is 3 years, including Japanese language training.
- Japanese Language students: The duration is 1 academic year.
- Teacher Training Students: The duration is 1 year 6 months, including Japanese language education.
Examinations Required for Embassy Recommendation
| Research students | Japanese and English |
| Teacher training students | Japanese and English |
| Undergraduate students | Japanese, English, mathematics, science (*Only science faculty examinees are required to choose two out of the following three subjects: chemistry, physics, or biology) |
| Japanese studies students | Japanese |
| College of technology students | Japanese, English, mathematics, and physics or chemistry |
| Specialized training college students | Japanese, English, and mathematics |
Top Japan Universities for Indian Students 2025
As of now, you checked the details of the MEXT scholarships to study in Japan, and you know the top universities suitable for your study. Since you will be enrolling for the course in 2026 we are providing the list of top universities in Japan based on QS World University Ranking 2025. The QS gives these rankings based on various parameters academic ratings, employability, international research work, faculty-to-student ratios, etc., and more.
Top Universities in Japan 2025
Name of University | QS World Ranking 2025 |
=32 | |
=50 | |
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) | =84 |
86 | |
107 | |
=152 | |
=167 | |
173 | |
Waseda University | =181 |
Where can you get the MEXT application form?
You can get the application form for MEXT scholarships 2026 on the official embassy websites till January 2026. The applicants can Tdownload the PDF version of the MEXT Japanese scholarship application, fill it out and send it with the following documents in an envelope to the concerned authorities.
Also Read:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Japanese necessary for MEXT?
A:
While it is not mandatory to know Japanese language for MEXT, knowing it can enhance the scholaship application significantly. This is because, several undergraduate programs are taught in Japanese, requiring students to complete at least a preparatory language course for those who don't know Japanese. Strong Japanese skills can also lead to direct university placement and potentially shorten the preparatory phase.
Q: Is IELTS compulsory for the MEXT scholarship?
A:
Yes, IELTS is compulsory for the MEXT scholarship to demonstrate high proficiency in English language. Students are required to secure a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 or an IELTS academic score of 6.0 or more overall.
Q: Is studying in Japan worth it?
A:
Yes, studying in Japan for international students is totally worth it. It offers a unique blend of academic excellence, culture and personal growth. However, it becomes important to know the pros and cons of studying in Japan before moving there.
Q: How to crack mext scholarship?
A:
If you want to crack the MEXT scholarship in Japan successfully, the first step is to focus on securing excellent grades in academics, develop a strong research plan, working on language proficiency, and giving it all while preparing for the interview.
Q: Is GPA important for MEXT?
A:
Yes, securing an excellent Grade Point Average (GPA) is crucial for getting the MEXT scholarship. It is mandatory for students to score at least 2.30 GPA on a scale of 3.00 scale.
Q: What is the syllabus of MEXT scholarship?
A:
The syllabus for MEXT scholarship in Japan varies depending on the field of study (e.g., mathematics, physics, engineering, humanities, social sciences). The subjects covered are relevant to the chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree program, often including math, science, and language components.
Q: How much stipend does MEXT give?
A:
MEXT Scholars receive 143,000-145,000 yen living expenses stipend per month (plus cost-of-living adjustments) Full coverage of tuition and entrance exam expenses.
Q: How many students get a MEXT scholarship in India?
A:
In India, around 12 applicants can be awarded the MEXT scholarship. Therefore, it is advised to apply early and apply a year prior as the application closes in the admission year. For example, the application for fall intake 2025 has already been closed.
Q: How to apply for a MEXT scholarship in 2026?
A:
The application for the MEXT 2026 scholarship is offline. You can approach your nearest Japanese Embassy in India and submit the MEXT scholarship application form and required documentation.
Q: How much does a MEXT scholarship pay?
A:
The MEXT scholarship allowance is 117,000 yen which is approximately INR 66,900) per month. An additional regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month is also added to the monthly scholarship amount. This is to support the applicants in their studies or for conducting research.
Articles
Upcoming Studyabroad Exams
Applications for Admissions are open.
University of Liverpool, Bengaluru Campus
ApplyStudy at a world-renowned UK university in India | Admissions open for UG & PG programs.
University of York, Mumbai
ApplyUG & PG Admissions open for CS/AI/Business/Economics & other programmes.
Victoria University, Delhi NCR
ApplyApply for UG & PG programmes from Victoria University, Delhi NCR Campus
University of Bristol, Mumbai Enterprise Campus
ApplyBristol's expertise meets Mumbai's innovation. Admissions open for UG & PG programmes
Study in Ireland
ApplyWant to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
Study in Canada
ApplyExplore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study