MEXT 2027 scholarship India
The Embassy of Japan in India opened the MEXT 2027 scholarship India applications on April 20, 2026 . Research Students must apply by May 15, 2026 , while Undergraduate Students have until May 25, 2026 .
MEXT 2027 scholarship India: Deadlines and key dates
Key selection dates are fixed by the embassy and the exam stage follows quickly after the application window closes. Shortlist notices for Research applicants arrive in early June 2026 ; UG shortlists come in the second week of June 2026 .
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | April 20, 2026 |
| Research Students deadline | May 15, 2026 |
| Undergraduate Students deadline | May 25, 2026 |
| UG written exam | June 20, 2026 |
| UG interview (online) | June 22, 2026 |
| Research written exam | June 28, 2026 |
| First screening results (UG) | End of July 2026 |
| Scholarship start (UG) | April 2027 |
| Scholarship start (Research) | April/September/October 2027 |
Who can apply and basic eligibility
Research Students: born on or after April 2, 1992 (under 35). Minimum 70% in bachelor's for science/engineering; 65% for humanities/social sciences. Degree must be obtained by September 30, 2027 for October 2027 intake.
Undergraduate Students: born on or after April 2, 2002 . Minimum 80% in Class 12 (or 80% in Class 10 with school certificate for expected 2027 boards). Preference for Japanese language proficiency.
PhD second-phase applicants need a master’s with minimum 70% plus relevant research or work experience.
What the scholarship covers — money and costs
The scholarship waives tuition in full and pays a monthly living stipend. The embassy covers round-trip economy airfare at the start and end of the scholarship.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% waived |
| Research monthly stipend | ¥143,000–¥145,000 (~₹84,300–₹85,500) |
| Undergraduate monthly stipend | ¥117,000 (~₹68,900) |
| Estimated personal expenses | ¥30,000–¥50,000/month (~₹17,700–₹29,500) |
Exchange rate used: 1 JPY = ₹0.5898 . Around 70–100 Indian students are selected annually across MEXT categories. The global acceptance rate is estimated at 2–9% .
How to apply (practical steps)
Research Students must email the Preliminary Application Form in Microsoft Word format, under 1MB , to scholarship-india@nd.mofa.go.jp before May 15, 2026 . PDFs or files over 1MB will be rejected.
Undergraduate applications cannot be emailed. Send your packet by post or courier to the correct Japanese consulate for your state before May 25, 2026 .
Prepare a clear research plan if you apply as a Research Student. Past exam papers are available from official Japanese study-abroad portals and help for the June written tests.
Coverage gaps applicants should note
The embassy notice does not list the exact number of Research Students slots for India, a full list of the 20 research disciplines, or detailed consulate postal checklists. Verify these specifics with official embassy pages before submitting.