About the Scholarship
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Undergraduate Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded international scholarship offered by JapanтАЩs Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
It enables meritorious students to pursue a bachelorтАЩs degree in Japan across various fields such as engineering, humanities, social sciences, and agriculture.
Moreover, selected candidates undergo preparatory Japanese language training, ensuring a smooth academic transition into Japanese universities.
Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship offers complete financial support, making it one of the most competitive global scholarships:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend 117,000 yen (approximately Rs.68,800 )
- Round-trip airfare (India тЖФ Japan)
- 1-year Japanese language training
- Accommodation and academic support
Additionally, scholars gain exposure to international education and cultural exchange.
Last Date to Apply
Application deadline:┬а25 May 2026
Notification of shortlisted candidates for written test/interview (on this page):┬аSecond week of June 2026
Written examination:┬а20 June 2026
Interview:┬а22 June 2026 (online)
Fields of Study
Applicants can choose from two broad academic streams:
1. Social Sciences & Humanities
- Law, Politics, Sociology, Literature, History
- Economics, Business Administration
- Japanese Language and related disciplines
2. Natural Sciences
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.)
- Agriculture, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Nursing
Note: Medicine and Dentistry are not offered for Indian applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply successfully, candidates must meet the following conditions:
Academic Requirements
- Minimum 80% marks in Class 12, OR
- 80% in Class 10 (if Class 12 results are awaited)
Age Limit
- Born on or after 2 April 2001
Educational Qualification
- Must have completed 12 years of schooling or equivalent
Additional Criteria
- Strong academic background
- Interest in chosen field of study
- Willingness to learn Japanese language
- Japanese language proficiency is preferred (not mandatory)
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The scholarship follows the Embassy Recommendation route, which involves:
Submit application to the Japanese Embassy in your country
Appear for written examinations (English, Japanese, Maths, Science)
Attend personal interview
Clear first screening by embassy
Final selection by MEXT (Japan)
Importantly, applicants must not send documents directly to MEXT.
Selection Process
The selection takes place in multiple stages:
- Document Screening
- Written Test (subject-based)
- Interview Round
- Final Screening by MEXT
Only top candidates from the embassy stage proceed to the final round.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts (Class 10 & 12)
- Recommendation letter
- Medical certificate
- Passport-size photographs
- Direct placement preference form (if applicable)
All documents must be submitted as per official guidelines.
Scholarship Duration & Number of Scholarships
- 5 years (including 1-year preparatory course), OR
- 4 years (for direct university placement)
- Approximately 12 candidates from India are shortlisted for final screening.
Important Notes
- Preference is given to students with Japanese language knowledge
- Applicants must choose subjects within the same academic stream
- Competitive selection process with limited seats
- Early preparation for written exams is highly recommended
Past Examination questions
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/p
Offical Website:
https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/Education/Undergraduate_Student.html
Contact Details
(1) For students residing in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha
Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata
55 M.N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge, Kolkata- 700 040
japanconsulate.culture@cc.mofa.go.jp
(website)
https://www.kolkata.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
(2) For students residing in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Consulate General of Japan in Chennai
No 12/1 Cenetoph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai 600018
https://www.chennai.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00371.html
(3) For students residing in Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Consulate of General of Japan in Mumbai
No.1, M.L.Dahanukar Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, 400026
https://www.mumbai.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
(4) For students residing in Karnataka
Consulate of General of Japan in Bengaluru
1st Floor, Prestige Nebula, No.8-14, Cubbon Road, Bengaluru 560001
https://www.bengaluru.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
(5) For students residing in the remaining states and union territories
Embassy of Japan,
50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: +91-11-46104865