International Scholarships for Indian Students Expand as Japan Opens Doors

Japan Launches Navi Japan App to Attract Indian Students and Address Labour Gaps

Japan is intensifying its drive to recruit top-grade overseas students under a wider strategy to combat demographic and economic issues. With its Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) looking to expand intake levels at chosen universities, Japan is indicating a renewed interest in international education interaction. India, more specifically, has been a prime target for Japanese institutions due to its increasing reservoir of academically qualified candidates as well as the possibility of assisting in alleviating Japan's labour shortages resulting from an ageing population and decreasing birth rate. This development demonstrates an increasing alliance between the two countries, one that cuts across education and career development, economic investment, and long-term mobility of talent.

In the wake of recent diplomatic talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had reportedly agreed to raise Japanese private investment in India to about $6.8 billion per year over the next ten years, more than two times the average investment during the 2010s. This new economic alliance is said to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as technology, security, education and career growth.

Against this backdrop, a new mobile app, Navi Japan, was formally released on 8 September to facilitate Indian students studying overseas to discover education opportunities in Japan. Created by Acumen in partnership with the University of Tokyo, the app is a one-stop destination providing access to listings of universities, language labs, accommodation, scholarships for Indian students, and career advice.

The application offers features of real-time support in the form of live chat, video counselling, and local engagement activities at campuses and schools in India. These facilities are designed to enable students to make educated choices regarding study abroad opportunities and have a sense of support during their entire process, from interest generation to relocation. The app can be downloaded for free on both Android and iOS devices, with an aim to reach more than 100,000 Indian and South Asian students in two years' time.

Though today Japan has only about 1,400 Indian international students, the introduction of Navi Japan is likely to see that figure rise substantially. The move is part of Japan's wider strategy of becoming one of the best places to study abroad, with high-level education in AI, robotics, and cutting-edge manufacturing. University of Tokyo India Office Director Dr Kaori Hayashi was quoted as saying she had strong backing for the initiative. She said that Japanese universities provide diverse academic programmes, among them degree courses conducted in English, and pointed to the attractiveness of cheap tuition fees, a safe and friendly society, and lively campus culture. She further stated that the university is eager to collaborate with Acumen to bring more South Asian students to its ranks.

The app also supports students in navigating the student visa India processes and identifying international scholarships for Indian students, including those offered by Japanese institutions. While Japan is not yet as popular as destinations like the UK or the USA, it is increasingly being recognised among universities to study abroad for its innovation-led economy and strong graduate employment outcomes. As global competition for talent intensifies, initiatives like Navi Japan reflect a growing emphasis on career development, career network building, and long-term planning for my future career. For students weighing options across international universities, including top universities in the UK, universities in India, and study Europe pathways, Japan’s evolving education landscape offers a compelling alternative, one that blends academic excellence with practical career support.

Editor’s Note

Japan’s renewed push to attract high-achieving international students reflects a strategic response to pressing demographic and economic challenges. With its Ministry of Education (MEXT) expanding enrollment limits at selected universities, the country is positioning itself as a competitive destination for overseas education.  Particularly, India has emerged as a priority destination, providing its large pool of talented and qualified students, helping offset Japan’s labour shortages caused by an ageing Japanese population and declining birth rate. The recent agreement between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shigeru Ishiba to increase Japanese private investment in India to $6.8 billion annually over the next decade further strengthens bilateral cooperation across education, technology, and workforce development. In this regard, the inauguration of Navi Japan on 8 September is an important milestone in Japan's global outreach. Acumen and the University of Tokyo have developed an app that provides Indian students with an efficient platform to look into pursuing studies in Japan. It gives access to university listings, accommodation, language labs, Indian student scholarships, and career guidance, all underpinned by live features like live chat, video counselling, and local participation activities. With an ambition to reach more than 100,000 Indian and South Asian students within two years, the app is set to significantly boost the existing number of 1,400 Indian international students in Japan. As global competition for skilled talent intensifies, Japan is making a strategic push to enhance its appeal among international students, particularly those from India. With a growing number of English-taught degree programmes, affordable tuition fees, and safe, vibrant campus environments, Japanese universities are positioning themselves as attractive destinations for overseas education. The initiative also supports Indian students in navigating student visa processes and identifying international scholarships tailored to their needs. By offering structured guidance and practical resources, Japan is helping students make informed decisions about their education and career development abroad.

According to Skoobuzz, for those comparing study options across global universities, including top universities in the UK, leading universities in India, and study destinations across Europe, Japan presents a balanced alternative. It combines academic rigour with career support and long-term mobility, making it a compelling choice for students planning their future careers.

FAQs

1. How do Indian students apply to Japanese universities?
Indian students apply to Japanese universities directly by verifying course requirements, preparing academic records, and presenting language test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or JLPT. Certain universities also receive applications for embassy-recommended programmes. Students, after acceptance, need to apply for a student visa with supporting documents such as a Certificate of Eligibility, admission letter, and financial evidence.

2. What scholarships do Indian students get in Japan? 
Indian students have access to a variety of scholarships to study in Japan. These include the MEXT Scholarship from the Japanese government, private scholarships such as Mitsui & Co., and university awards. These scholarships assist in lowering tuition fees and financing students during their period of study abroad.

3. Is Japan a suitable choice for Indian students overseas?
Yes, Japan is turning out to be a suitable choice for Indian students because of its excellent education, low cost of tuition, secure environment, and good career prospects. Japanese universities provide English-language programmes and have a reputation for excellence in areas such as AI, robotics, and engineering. Post-study work opportunities are also available in the country, and it places a high value on international talent.

4. What are the requirements for student visas for Indian students travelling to Japan? 
To obtain a student visa, Indian students must have a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a Certificate of Eligibility from the university, an admission letter, and financial support documents. Language proficiency may be necessary based on the course. Visa lengths vary, and students can work part-time while studying.

5. What are the career prospects in Japan for Indian graduates? 
Indian graduates in Japan have access to careers in information technology, engineering, medical practice, education, and manufacturing. Such graduates with Japanese language proficiency and degrees from reputable schools are sought by businesses. Competitive salaries are offered in entry-level positions, and long-term work visas are provided for candidates interested in establishing a long-term career in Japan.