MEXT Scholarship Application Pack for Indian Students
The things you need before the Embassy of Japan's next call: a month-by-month India calendar and a document checklist, with templates for the research plan and the undergraduate study plan to follow. Free.
Get the free packChecked against the 2027 MEXT guidelines and the Embassy of Japan in India, 23 October 2026.
What's in the MEXT pack?
Plain one-page PDFs for the Embassy of Japan in India route.
When does MEXT open in India?
Research and Undergraduate: the Embassy of Japan in India opened the 2027 rounds on 20 April 2026 (Research) and 23 April 2026 (Undergraduate, College of Technology and Specialized Training College), with deadlines of 15 May and 25 May 2026. Both are closed. The 2028 rounds have not been announced; going by the last cycle, expect late April 2027.
Teacher Training and Japanese Studies run separately, from December to February.
| Research Students | Undergraduate | |
|---|---|---|
| Application window | 20 Apr – 15 May 2026 | 23 Apr – 25 May 2026 |
| How you apply | A preliminary application form by email, in Microsoft Word only, 1 MB maximum. Supporting documents only if shortlisted. | A full paper application by post, courier or in person: two sets (originals and copies) in one envelope. |
| Written exam | 5 Jul 2026 | 20 Jun 2026 |
| Interview | 16–19 Jul 2026 (online) | 22 Jun 2026 (online) |
| Places | Not announced | Up to 12 go on to MEXT's final screening |
| Start in Japan | April, September or October 2027 | April 2027 |
Undergraduate applications go to the embassy or consulate for your state. New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata each set their own schedule.
Am I eligible for MEXT?
| Category | For | Age (2027 entry) | Minimum in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Students | Master's or PhD | Born on or after 2 Apr 1992 (under 35) | Master's or PhD (first phase): Bachelor's with 70% (65% in humanities and social sciences). PhD (second phase): Master's with 70%, plus research, teaching or work experience |
| Undergraduate | Bachelor's (5 years, including 1 year of Japanese) | Born on or after 2 Apr 2002 | 80% in Class 12 |
| College of Technology (KOSEN) | Associate degree | Born on or after 2 Apr 2002 | 11 years of schooling |
| Specialized Training College | Vocational certificate | Born on or after 2 Apr 2002 | 12 years of schooling |
| Teacher Training | Serving school teachers, 5+ years | Born on or after 2 Apr 1991 (2026 round) | Teacher-training or university graduate |
| Japanese Studies | Undergraduates majoring in Japanese | Born 2 Apr 1996 – 1 Apr 2008 (2026 round) | 1+ year of Japanese Studies |
MEXT writes age limits as a born-on-or-after date, which moves forward one year every round. For 2028 entry, expect Research to need a birth date on or after 2 April 1993, but use the 2028 guideline once it's out.
Not sure which category fits? Read our MEXT scholarship guide →
What does MEXT pay?
- Monthly allowance: ¥143,000 (research preparatory and non-regular students), ¥144,000 (master's), ¥145,000 (doctoral); ¥117,000 for Undergraduate, College of Technology and Specialized Training College. Plus ¥2,000–3,000 a month in designated regions.
- Fees: entrance exam, matriculation and tuition fees are waived. For Research students, the 2027 MEXT guidelines add that the grantee pays the university entrance exam fee if not admitted to the university.
- Travel: an economy air ticket to Japan, and home at the end.
- Not covered: accommodation. MEXT advises bringing about US$2,000 for the first 1–1.5 months, before the first payment arrives.
- No application fee. The embassy warns that anyone charging a fee or a deposit for MEXT has no relation to the Japanese Government.
Embassy route or university route?
| Embassy recommendation | University recommendation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who nominates you | The Embassy of Japan in India or its consulate | A Japanese university approved by MEXT |
| Who it suits | Most Indian applicants: you are selected first and placed afterwards | Students already in a MEXT-approved special programme |
| What decides it | Document screening, written exam, interview, and your research or study plan | The university's own screening |
| 2027 onwards | Unchanged | Kyoto University says the General Program is expected to be discontinued from the 2027 academic year |
You can apply through only one category per round.
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MEXT application questions
When does the MEXT application open in India?
Research and Undergraduate open in late April and close in mid- to late May. In 2026 the Research window ran from 20 April to 15 May, and Undergraduate from 23 April to 25 May. Teacher Training and Japanese Studies run from December to February.
Is there an application fee for MEXT?
No. The Embassy of Japan in India charges no fee.
What documents do I need for MEXT?
Research: a preliminary form by email first. The full set (application form, field of study and research plan, placement preference form, transcripts, degree certificate, recommendation and the MEXT medical certificate) only if you are shortlisted. Undergraduate: the application form, mark sheets from Class 9, Class 10 and 12 certificates, a recommendation and the MEXT medical certificate, in two sets. The full list is in the pack.
What is the written exam for MEXT Research students?
Japanese and English. All applicants take both.
Who can sign the MEXT medical certificate in India?
Any general physician with an Indian Medical Council registration number, which must also appear on the doctor's stamp.
Planning your MEXT application?
Talk to a Galvanize study abroad advisor about your MEXT application and your Japan university shortlist.