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Scholarships 2026-27

Scholarships to Study in Japan

Japan's education ministry (MEXT) gives full scholarships through Japan's embassies. These are called MEXT scholarships. The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and universities offer more help. Here is what students from India and Pakistan can apply for.

Japan Scholarship Overview

Amounts are in Japanese yen (JPY).

How Scholarships Work in Japan

Some scholarships you apply for before you come, through the Japanese embassy or your university. Others you apply for after you arrive.

Do not plan only on a scholarship. Make a full money plan as well.

Why Apply for Scholarships?

  • MEXT research scholarship: tuition paid, a round-trip flight and a monthly allowance.
  • Many universities charge you less tuition, or none.

Kinds of Scholarships

Where scholarship money comes from in Japan.

Japanese government (MEXT)

Full scholarships through embassies or universities.

  • Research students (master's and doctoral)
  • Undergraduate students

JASSO

Help for privately funded students.

  • MEXT Honors Scholarship for students who pay their own costs: JPY 48,000 a month

Universities

Each university has its own.

  • Less tuition, or none
  • Scholarships for top applicants

Local governments and private groups

Cities and foundations offer some too.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

Given through the Japanese embassy in your country, or through a Japanese university.

India: Japan Information Centre, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, +91-11-46104865. Pakistan: Public Affairs Section, Embassy of Japan, Islamabad, +92 (51) 9072500.

MEXT research students: India

For master's and doctoral study. The round for students starting in 2027 closed on 15 May 2026. The written test was on 5 July 2026.

MEXT research students: Pakistan

For master's and doctoral study. The round for students starting in 2027 closed on 26 May 2026.

MEXT guidelines and forms

Guidelines, forms and past exam questions.

Key Benefits of Japan Government Scholarships

Tuition is paid for you.

Round-trip flight.

Monthly allowance: JPY 143,000 to JPY 145,000 for research students.

University Scholarships

Most universities give their own scholarships and tuition cuts.

Search tool

The Study in Japan website lets you search scholarships and tuition cuts.

Study in Japan scholarship search

Search scholarships and fee cuts by school.

How to Find University Scholarships

Where to Look

  • Your university's scholarship or financial aid page.
  • The Study in Japan scholarship search.

Application Tips

  • Apply early. At Waseda's School of International Liberal Studies (SILS), students who apply early and hear back early get a better chance at some scholarships.

Tips for Applying

How to give yourself the best chance.

Read the guidelines

Each round has its own guidelines. Read them fully before you apply.

Plan your research

The research student route asks for a field of study and research plan.

Practise the test

Past MEXT exam questions are on the Study in Japan website.

India

First you email a preliminary form (a first short form) in Word format. If you are picked, you send all your documents, sit a written test and have an online interview.

Pakistan

You post all your documents to the embassy. Only students who are picked are called for the test and interview.

Common Questions

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