For prospective postgraduate students aiming to pursue studies in Japanese universities, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has opened applications for scholarships for the academic year 2025. These scholarships are specifically for postgraduate research programs.
Japanese postgraduate schools are predominantly research-focused. Hence, applicants are required to identify a potential academic advisor and develop an original research plan that aligns with the advisor's research area in Japan. Additionally, a six-month preparatory Japanese language education program will be provided to the students before the commencement of their regular degree courses.
In adherence to the outlined Guidelines, the following eligibility criteria apply:
1. For the Doctoral course (first phase), candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 70% marks. The candidates are expected to obtain their mark sheets and degree certificates on or before September 30, 2025, for admission to the October 2025 batch.
2. For the Doctoral course (second phase), candidates should possess a Master’s degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 70% marks. Moreover, candidates must have acquired practical research, teaching, or work experience subsequent to obtaining the required qualification by September 30, 2025, for admission to the October 2025 batch.
Selected students will receive a monthly stipend of 145,000 Japanese Yen, approximately equivalent to Rs 79,700. The scholarship encompasses education-related expenses such as entrance exam fees, graduation fees, and tuition fees, as well as covering travel expenses. The application deadline is May 3, 2024, with the screening process scheduled for May and results set to be announced in the last week of May. Subsequently, selected candidates will undergo a written examination on June 15, 2024, followed by interviews commencing on the same day at 12 pm and continuing for the subsequent two days. Candidates are advised to make the necessary arrangements to participate in the interviews. While the exact number of available scholarships remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that approximately 30 candidates will be shortlisted for the scholarship.
