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30 August 2025

5 minutes read

How to Study Abroad in Japan for Free and Avail Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students and Indian Students?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

30 August 2025

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • How to study abroad in Japan for free becomes possible through MEXT, JASSO, and private foundations scholarships covering tuition and living costs.
  • How to study abroad in Japan for free also includes applying via Japanese embassies, universities, and exchange programs that provide financial support.
  • How to study abroad in Japan for free ensures international students access to Japanese universities, cultural immersion, and career opportunities in Japan.

Studying in Japan is often too good to be true, because of tuition, cost of living, and all that is involved but there are many ways for international aspirants and Indian students, in particular, to study for free. There are a range of scholarships available and you will also be part of a great education system in the world as well as experience a cultural immersion like no other in Japan.

Japanese universities are designed to help their students succeed and that includes supporting their ability to access higher education in Japan, while maximizing the experience of the student, culturally and academically, as little or no cost.

Why do Indian Students Study in Japan for Free?

Did you know that Japan has more than 700 universities, many of which are ranked globally for their education in science and tech? The large number of scholarships available and their commitment to developing foreign students as future global leaders makes Japan an appealing place for Indian students wanting to study abroad.

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Japan has scholarships in the form of government scholarships, private foundation scholarships, and university scholarships to help international aspirants in Japan to have an incredible opportunity experiencing life in Japan at little or no cost.

ReasonDetails
Quality of EducationJapanese universities are ranked among the top globally, with a focus on research students and innovation.
ScholarshipsUniversity scholarships, MEXT scholarship, JASSO, and private foundations scholarships provide full coverage.
Language AdvantageCourses in Japanese language or English language can be availabled, and Japanese language institutions aid Japanese language proficiency.
Culture and EnvironmentJapanese culture and foreign cooperation make way for a supportive international environment.
Post-Study OpportunitiesStudents in Japan can find a job in Japan easily after graduation due to strong employer demand.

How to Study Abroad in Japan for Free as an International Student?

Fun fact: Japan offer scholarships not only to graduate students but also to undergraduate students, teacher training students, specialized training college students, and even Japanese studies students.

This particular inclusivity facilitates students to go for scholarships and study free within Japan.

  • Apply for Scholarships: Several scholarships are available to students through Japan-embassies, private-foundations, or direct institution acceptance for international aspirants. Applying for a scholarship ensures financial support.
  • University Scholarships: Institutions in Japan provide scholarships to students living in their district or outside Japan, covering tuition and living costs completely free.
  • Student Exchange Support Program: Students can come to Japan on exchange programs supported by JASSO and the ministry of education, making them able to study in Japan without bearing costs.

Tuition Fees at Universities in Japan and Cost of Living in Japan

Fun fact: Even though tuition fees at Japanese universities are lower compared to many western countries, international aspirants often worry about living costs.

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Scholarships and tuition fee waivers make university admission for international aspirants affordable and sometimes completely free.

UniversityTuition Fees (Approx.)Cost of Living (Monthly)Exams RequiredDocuments Required
University of Tokyo¥535,800¥80,000–¥120,000EJU, IELTS/TOEFL, GRETranscripts, GPA, letter of recommendation, personal statement
Kyoto University¥535,800¥75,000–¥110,000EJU, IELTS/TOEFL, ACT/SATStatement of purpose, transcripts, resume
Osaka University¥535,800¥70,000–¥110,000EJU, GMAT, TOEFL/IELTSLetter of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts
Tohoku University¥535,800¥65,000–¥100,000EJU, GRE/GMATTranscripts, GPA, statement of purpose
Nagoya University¥535,800¥65,000–¥95,000EJU, IELTS/TOEFL, SATPersonal statement, letter of recommendation, resume
Hokkaido University¥535,800¥60,000–¥95,000EJU, TOEFL, ACTGPA, transcripts, resume, statement of purpose
Kyushu University¥535,800¥65,000–¥100,000EJU, IELTS/TOEFL, GRELetter of recommendation, transcripts
Waseda University¥1,000,000¥90,000–¥130,000EJU, IELTS/TOEFL, GMATResume, transcripts, personal statement
Keio University¥1,200,000¥90,000–¥140,000EJU, GRE/GMAT, IELTSGPA, statement of purpose, recommendation letter
Tokyo Institute of Technology¥535,800¥75,000–¥110,000EJU, GRE/GMATTranscripts, resume, personal statement

What are Some Scholarships in Japan Offered by the Japanese Government for Degrees in Japan?

Did you know that the Monbukagakusho (MEXT-Scholarship) has helped thousands of international students in Japan study free since its launch?

The Japanese government, through the education ministry, science and tech, continues to provide scholarships and tuition-fee waivers.

ScholarshipsType of ScholarshipEligibilityCoverage
MEXT ScholarshipGovernment (monbukagakusho)Undergraduate students, graduate students, teacher training students, research students, specialized training college studentsTuition-fees, living costs, student visa, airfare
JASSO ScholarshipStudent Exchange Support ProgramExchange students, Japanese studies studentsMonthly stipend, partial tuition
Private-Foundations ScholarshipsPrivateStudents in Japan, students outside Japan applying for a scholarshipTuition coverage, living support

What is the Role of MEXT in Japan?

Fun fact: MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Japan. It provides scholarships to students living in their district and beyond, supporting higher education in Japan. Through its scholarship program, MEXT helps international students in Japan by covering tuition-fees, living costs, and student-visa arrangements.

What are the Formalities to Arrive in Japan for International Students?

Fun fact: You cannot come to Japan for studies without the correct visa, no matter how many scholarships are available.

Japanese-embassies and the Japan official website provide scholarships information and visa instructions to help international students.

FormalityDetails
Student-VisaApply through embassy with recommendation from a Japanese embassy or university
DocumentsTranscripts, GPA, statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, personal statement, resume
LanguageProof of Japanese language proficiency or English skills (IELTS/TOEFL)

Job Opportunities in Japan After Higher Studies

Fun fact: Many international students in Japan successfully transition to a job in Japan after graduation.

Japanese schools, universities, and companies often help international students in Japan with placements.

OpportunityDetails
Research & AcademiaPositions available to students with advanced degrees in Japanese studies or science and technology
Corporate JobsJapanese universities maintain links with industries offering jobs in Japan
International Cooperation RolesOpportunities for students with Japanese language skills and international environment experience

Conclusion

Japan provides scholarships to international students who want to study free, ensuring access to quality of education at Japanese universities. From tuition-fee coverage to student-visa support, the scholarship program options like MEXT, JASSO, and private scholarships make life in Japan affordable.

If you wish to pursue higher-education in Japan, get in touch with the experts at Ambitio today!

FAQs

How to study abroad in Japan for free through government programs?

How to study abroad in Japan for free is possible through the MEXT scholarship, which covers tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and provides a student visa.

How to study abroad in Japan for free without Japanese language skills?

How to study abroad in Japan for free is possible even without Japanese language proficiency since many Japanese universities offer courses in English.

How to study abroad in Japan for free as an undergraduate student?

How to study abroad in Japan for free as an undergraduate is possible by applying for the MEXT scholarship or JASSO student exchange support program.

How to study abroad in Japan for free with the help of Japanese embassies?

How to study abroad in Japan for free can be done by applying for scholarships via a recommendation from a Japanese embassy, which forwards applications to universities.

How to study abroad in Japan for free using university scholarships?

How to study abroad in Japan for free is achievable by applying directly to university scholarships that provide tuition waivers and financial aid.

How to study abroad in Japan for free if you are a graduate student?

How to study abroad in Japan for free as a graduate student is possible through research-focused scholarships like MEXT or private foundations scholarships.

How to study abroad in Japan for free and still find job opportunities later?

How to study abroad in Japan for free allows students to build networks, gain skills, and later secure a job in Japan across industries and research institutions.

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