MEXT Scholarship for Indian Students: Is Japanese Needed?

If you are searching for the MEXT scholarship for Indian students, you probably have two questions: how does it work, and do I need to know Japanese? This guide answers both in simple language. It is a good first step if you are thinking about study in Japan from India. Rules and dates change, so always confirm details on the official website before you plan anything.

What is the MEXT scholarship?

MEXT is the Government of Japan scholarship. In Japanese, a scholarship is 奨学金 (shōgakukin), and studying abroad is 留学 (ryūgaku). Students can apply through the Embassy of Japan in India or, in some categories, through a university recommendation. Not every category has both routes.

The seven MEXT categories

• Research students
• Teacher training
• Undergraduate
• Japanese studies
• College of technology
• Specialized training college
• Young Leaders Program

Each category has its own eligibility rules, so read the guidelines for your category carefully.

What does the scholarship include?

• Tuition exemption
• A monthly stipend, roughly 117,000 to 145,000 yen depending on the category (check current figures)
• Round-trip airfare
• In some categories, 6 to 12 months of Japanese preparation

The research student route (Embassy)

Many Indian applicants look at the research students category first. Here is what we know:

• The applicant must be under 35.
• You apply through the Embassy of Japan in India.
• Documents include the application form, a research plan, a health certificate and a recommendation letter.
• The selection process has a written exam and an interview.

For the 2027 intake, the deadline was 15 May 2026. The next cycle is expected in spring 2027, but it has not been announced yet. Please check in.emb-japan.go.jp for the latest news. Do not rely on any social media post for dates.

Do you need Japanese for MEXT?

Research tracks

Japanese is not required for most research tracks. Your research plan, your documents and your interview matter most.

Undergraduate and some other categories

The undergraduate category takes about 5 years, including a preparatory Japanese year. Some other categories also include a language period. So you can start from zero, but you will study Japanese seriously once you arrive.

So why learn Japanese before you go?

Even when it is not required, Japanese makes life easier. It helps with daily tasks, with talking to lab mates and neighbours, and with part-time work or future jobs. Starting early also means you do not begin from zero on day one. Even a little Japanese shows effort and respect, and that can feel good in an interview or a first meeting.

Here are a few phrases to start with:

• はじめまして (hajimemashite): nice to meet you
• よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu): please treat me well, a polite closing phrase
• 留学生 (ryūgakusei): international student
• 大使館 (taishikan): embassy

How to start learning Japanese online

1. Learn hiragana first. It has 46 basic characters, and most learners read them within a few days of daily practice. Start with あ (a), い (i), う (u), え (e), お (o).
2. Move to katakana. It is used for foreign words, like コーヒー (kōhī), which means coffee.
3. Learn whole sentences, not only single words. Try 私はインド人です (watashi wa indojin desu): I am Indian.
4. Practise out loud with a teacher. Live feedback on pronunciation is hard to get from videos alone.
5. Set a goal. JLPT N5 is a clear first target, and an online course that matches it keeps you on track.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trusting a deadline you saw in a reel instead of the official site.
• Believing anyone who guarantees a scholarship. No one can.
• Looking for GPA cut-offs or acceptance rates. There are no official figures, so be careful with any you see.
• Waiting until you are selected to start Japanese.

FAQ

Is MEXT free?

It includes tuition exemption, a monthly stipend and round-trip airfare. Check the current guidelines for what exactly is covered in your category.

Can I apply with no Japanese?

For most research tracks, yes, Japanese is not required. Undergraduate and some other categories include a language year.

When will the next application cycle open?

The next cycle for research students is expected in spring 2027, but it has not been announced. Check in.emb-japan.go.jp.

Does learning Japanese guarantee a scholarship?

No. Nothing can guarantee a scholarship or a visa. Japanese is a useful skill that supports your plan and your life in Japan.

Where should I begin if I am a beginner?

Begin with a Japanese language course for beginners and aim for JLPT N5. Our online live classes are open to learners across India.

Take the first step: free 2-day demo

At Japanese Ninjas Institute, we teach Japanese in live online classes. We are a language institute, not a scholarship agency, so we cannot promise a scholarship or a visa. What we can do is help you build your Japanese step by step. Our free 2-day live demo is a gentle way to begin. On Day 1 you will read some hiragana and say a real sentence. On Day 2 you will see the next steps, batch dates and fee plan in writing.

Book your free 2-day demo class or message us on WhatsApp at 8168282193. がんばりましょう (ganbarimashō): let's do our best! 🌸