Japanese Government scholarshipsis part of a programme comprising seven different categories of scholarships to cover the education of Indian students at various level of study. Commonly referred to as MEXT scholarships, these scholarships are offered by the Government of Japan for students worldwide who wish to pursue higher education at Japanese universities/institutions. If you aspire to study abroad in Japan, Japanese Government scholarships can help you to fund your education. Different types of scholarships covered under this programme include scholarships for undergraduate students, research students, college of technology students, students of Japanese studies, teacher training students, specialised training college students, and young leaders program students.
Want to know more about all types of Japanese Government scholarships? This article provides you with all the relevant information related to it. You will get an insight into the eligibility conditions, application process, timeline, award details, number of scholarships, and more.
Japanese Government Scholarships The Complete Overview
Students who wish to pursue their higher studies in Japan are open to seven types of scholarships offered by Japanese Government, namely, Scholarships for Research Students, Scholarships for Undergraduate Students, Scholarships for College of Technology Students, Scholarships for Specialised Training College Students, Scholarships for students of Japanese Studies, Scholarships for Young Leaders Program Students, and Scholarships for Teacher Training Students. The table below provides a brief overview of all types of Japanese Government Scholarships. It helps you with relevant information like the level of study for which the scholarship is applicable, application timeline, and the total number of scholarships available.
Brief Overview of Japanese Government Scholarship
| S.No. | Scholarship Type | Level of study | Application Timeline | Number of Scholarships |
| 1. | Scholarships for Research Student | Research/ Masters/ PhD course | Between April and May (for 2020, the last date to apply is 13 May 2019) | NA |
| 2. | Scholarships for Undergraduate Students | Bachelors degree course | Between April and June (for 2020, the last date to apply is 14 June 2019) | Approx. 18 |
| 3. | Scholarships for College of Technology Students | Associate degree or diploma | Between April and June (for 2020, the last date to apply is 14 June 2019) | Approx. 18 |
| 4. | Scholarships for Specialised Training College Students | Certificate course | Between April and June (for 2020, the last date to apply is 14 June 2019) | Approx. 18 |
| 5. | Scholarships for Japanese Studies Students | Certificate course in Japanese Language and Culture | Between December and January | Approx. 20 |
| 6. | Scholarships for Young Leaders Program Students | Masters degree course | Between September and October | Approx. 4 |
| 7. | Scholarships for Teacher Training Students | Certificate course in Education | Between December and January | Approx. 18 |
Furthermore, find a detailed description of each type of Japanese Government Scholarship here under.
Japanese Government Scholarships for Research Students
Students who wish to pursue research, masters or PhD level courses from any of the universities/institutions in Japan, can apply for this Japanese Government Scholarships for Research Students. Applicable only for some specified fields of study, the scholarships cover the tuition fees of the students and offer additional benefits to them in the form of stipend and airfare.
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Eligibility
- The age of the applicant should be below 35 years.
- He/she must be willing to pursue a research/masters/PhD degree course in one of the following fields
- Japan-related Humanities
- Social Science related to Japan
- Mathematical Science
- Physics
- Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Agriculture & Fishery
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geology & Geo-informatics
- Architecture
- Material Science/Engineering
- Electronics & Communications Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
- Sports Science
- Information Technology
- For Masters or Research course, applicants must possess a bachelors degree in relevant stream with at least 65% marks.
- For PhD degree, applicants must possess a masters degree in relevant stream with at least 65% marks. (Note: Students who have practical work/teaching/research experience after the prescribed qualification can also apply).
- For Masters or research course in the Japanese Language, applicants must have a bachelors or masters degree in the Japanese language from a recognised university or must have a bachelors degree in any subject with an N2 Certificate of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) conducted by the Japan Foundation.
- For PhD degree in the Japanese language, the applicants must have a masters degree in the Japanese language.
Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship through the Embassy of Japan in India by following the below-mentioned steps
Step 1: Download the application form from the official website of the Embassy of Japan in India.
Step 2: Complete the application form.
Step 3: Save the application form file with the name field of study-name of the applicant.docx (For example β Chemistry-priya.docx)
Step 4: Send the completed application form to the Embassy at scholarship-india@nd.mofa.go.jp with the subject line Research Student.
Note: Applicants should note that the size of the file should not be more than 200 KB.
Award Details
- Tuition fees exempted
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 144,000
Scholarship Tenure
The tenure of the scholarship is decided on the basis of the course for which you have applied. For a masters degree course, the scholarship is tenable for 2 years and for a doctoral degree course, the scholarship is applicable for three years. This term of scholarship can further be extended if the student outperforms in academics and fulfills the conditions set by the MEXT. Furthermore, if students require preparatory education of 6-months, it can also be included in the term of the scholarship.
Selection Procedure
The selection of the students for this scholarship is done in two stages. The initial stage involves the screening of the applications received. Furthermore, the shortlisted applicants are called for a written test and interview. The final decision is based on the performance of students in the written test and interview which is conducted in the month of June. For 2020, the dates of written test and interview are 22 June 2019, 23 June 2019, 29 June 2019, and 30 June 2019.
Japanese Government Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
The students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree programme in the fields of Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities from a university/institution in Japan can apply for Japanese Government scholarships for undergraduate students. Find below the eligibility conditions, application process, award details and other information related to the scholarship.
Eligibility
- The scholarship is only open for students willing to pursue an undergraduate degree programme at a Japanese university/institution.
- For 2020, the applicant should be born between 2 April 1995 and 1 April 2003 which means the age of the applicant should be between 16 and 24 years as on the last date of application submission.
- The students must be a high-school graduate i.e. class 12 passed.
- Only following streams of Natural Sciences and Social Science & Humanities are applicable
- Natural Science It comprises Science, Electric & Electronic Studies, Mechanical Studies, Chemical Studies, Civil Engineering & Architecture, Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Biotechnology, Maritime Engineering, Agriculture Studies, Hygienic Studies, Medicine and Dentistry.
- Social Science & Humanities It comprises Law, Politics, Sociology, Pedagogy, Literature, History, Japanese Language, Economics and Business Administration.
Application Process
The students willing to apply for this scholarship need to refer their respective Japanese Consulate for online application. Find below the list of consulates for different regions through which the prospective students can apply
| S.No. | Region | Where to Apply? |
| 1. | West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar | Apply online through official website of Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata |
| 2. | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh | Apply online through official website of Consulate General of Japan in Chennai |
| 3. | Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Apply online through official website of Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai |
| 4. | Karnataka | Apply through official website of Consulate General of Japan in Bengaluru |
| 5. | For remaining states and union territories | Apply online through official website of Japan Information Centre (JIC), New Delhi |
Note: The students can also find the past examination question papers on their respective consulates website.
Award Details
- Exemption of tuition fee
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 117,000
Scholarship Tenure
This scholarship is tenable for 5 years that also includes the training period of 1 year for the Japanese language. The students must note that the training period can be exempted if they have good command over the Japanese language or are taking admission in a course available in the English language.
Selection Procedure
Just like the research scholarship, this Japanese Government scholarship involves two stages of selection procedure that includes an initial screening of the applications followed by the written test/interview. The due date of the written test/interview for 2020 is 13 July 2019.
Japanese Government Scholarships for College of Technology Students
As the name suggests, Japanese Government scholarships for College of Technology students are applicable for students who wish to pursue an associate degree or diploma in technical streams. The scholarships tend to award deserving students with suitable financial assistance to cover the tuition fee and round-trip airfare.
Eligibility
- Students who are a high-school graduate or have passed class 12 examination can apply for this scholarship.
- They must be willing to pursue an undergraduate level course that leads to an associate degree or diploma in any of the following streams
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information, Communication & Network Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Material Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Maritime Engineering
- Other fields
- The applicant should be born between 2 April 1995 and 1 April 2003 for 2020 which means the age of the applicant should be between 16 and 24 years as on the last date of application submission.
Application Process
The application process for these Japanese Government Scholarships is similar to the scholarships for undergraduate students. The respective consulates through which the students can apply are given in the table below.
| S.No. | Region | Where to Apply? |
| 1. | West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar | Apply online through official website of Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata |
| 2. | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh | Apply online through official website of Consulate General of Japan in Chennai |
| 3. | For remaining states and union territories | Apply online through official website of Japan Information Centre (JIC), New Delhi |
Note: Students can also find the past examination question papers on their respective consulates website.
Award Details
- Exemption of tuition fee
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 117,000
Scholarship Tenure
The scholarships are tenable for 4 years including the one-year training period of the Japanese language.
Selection Procedure
The selection procedure for the scholarships is similar to the scholarships for undergraduate students. The final selection of the candidates is based on their performance in the written test/interview. The written test/interview for 2020 is scheduled to be held on 14 July 2019.
Japanese Government Scholarships for Specialised Training College Students
The Japanese Government Scholarships under this category are available for students who wish to pursue a certificate course at undergraduate level from one of the Japanese universities/institutions. Under this scholarship programme, students are provided with specialised training in their selected streams. Know all the significant details related to this scholarship here under.
Eligibility
- Students who are born between 2 April 1995 and 1 April 2003 are eligible to apply for this scholarship for the year 2020.
- They must be willing to pursue an undergraduate level programme that can lead to a certificate in the following streams
- Technology
- Education & Welfare
- Personal Care & Nutrition
- Cultural and General Education
- Business
- Fashion & Home Economics
- Other fields
- The students must have passed class 12 examination.
Application Process
Refer to the application process of the Japanese Government Scholarships for College of Technology Students.
Award Details
- Exemption of tuition fee
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 117,000
Scholarship Tenure
The total term of the scholarships is 3 years which also includes the 1-year training of Japanese language.
Selection Procedure
The selection of scholars is based on their performance in written test/interview. For 2020, the written test/interview is scheduled to be held on 14 July 2019.
Japanese Government Scholarship for Students ofJapanese Studies
Do you wish to pursue an undergraduate level study in Japanese Language and Culture at a recognised Japanese university/institution? If yes, then the Japanese Government scholarship for students of Japanese studies are especially for you. The scholarships provide financial support for your education leading to a certificate at a Japanese institution. A detailed overview of the scholarships is given here under.
Eligibility
- The scholarships are open for students who wish to pursue a certificate course at the undergraduate level in Japanese Language and Culture.
- They must be enrolled as undergraduate students in universities.
- The age of the applicant should be between 18 years and 29 years as on the last date of application.
Application Process
The eligible candidates can apply for the scholarships online through the official website of the Embassy of Japan in India.
Award Details
- Exemption of tuition fee
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 117,000
Scholarship Tenure
The scholarships are tenable only for one year.
Selection Procedure
The selection procedure for Japanese Government Scholarships for Students ofJapanese Studies also involves two stages. The initial stage involves screening of the application by the Japanese Diplomatic Mission. Thereafter, the MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) shortlists the final candidates for the scholarships out of the candidates referred by the Japanese Diplomatic Mission.
Japanese Government Scholarships for Young Leaders Program Students
The Government of Japan also offers this Young Leaders Program for candidates who wish to pursue a masters degree course at a Japanese university/institution. The scholarships under this programme are open for government officials as well as graduates who have relevant work experience of 3 to 4 years. Find below a detailed overview of the Japanese Government Scholarships for Young Leadersβ Program Students.
Eligibility
- The scholarships are open for masters degree applicants in one of the following streams
- Business Administration
- Law
- Local Governance
- Public Administration
- The age of the applicant for Public Administration, Local Governance, and Law should be below 40 years.
- The age of the applicant for Business Administration should be below 35 years.
- The government officials can apply for a masters course in Public Administration, Local Governance, and Law.
- The graduate candidates with a relevant work experience of 3 to 4 years can apply for Business Administration and Law.
Application Process
The eligible candidates for Masters degree in Public Administration, Law and Local Governance can apply through the Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India. The candidates for Masters degree in Business Administration can apply through CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) or FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry).
Award Details
- Exemption of tuition fee
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 242,000
Scholarship Tenure
The term of this scholarship is one year.
Japanese Government Scholarships for Teacher Training Students
The Japanese Government Scholarships for Teacher Training Students are exclusively meant for teachers with relevant work experience of at least 5 years. The scholarships are available for a specialised undergraduate level course that leads to a certificate in the field of Education. A detailed description of this scholarship is mentioned here under.
Eligibility
The teachers who have worked in primary or secondary schools for at least 5 years are eligible to apply for the scholarships.
Application Process
The teachers of CBSE, KVS and NVS can submit their application through their respective schools to their parent bodies who will further send the nomination to MHRD. The teachers from schools other than CBSE, KVS and NVS can send their applications to the Japan Information Centre in Delhi. To get detailed application procedure, refer to the official website of Embassy of Japan in India.
Award Details
- Exemption of tuition fee
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend of JPY 143,000
Scholarship Tenure
The scholarships are tenable for 1.5 years.
Japanese Government Scholarships Contact Details
In case you have any query related to any of the Japanese Government Scholarships, you can contact the Embassy of Japan in India on the below-mentioned address
Mr. S. Sinha
Japan Information Centre (JIC),
Embassy of Japan,
50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110021.
Email: jpemb.sinha@nd.mofa.go.jp
Phone: 011-46104865
