The INPEX Japan Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded Japan master’s scholarship opportunity available annually to talented graduate students from Indonesia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established in 1981 by the INPEX Scholarship Foundation, its primary mission is to promote mutual understanding and international cooperation by funding academic pursuits at top Japanese universities. The scholarship is comprehensive, covering full tuition, a generous monthly stipend of ¥160,000, round-trip airfare, and settlement allowances. The program specifically targets master’s level studies for a duration of up to two years and eight months.
Eligibility requirements vary by country but generally require a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00, being under 30 years old, and securing a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan from a Japanese university graduate school or professor prior to application. Fields of study are focused on Natural Sciences for Indonesian applicants, while Australian and UAE applicants may apply with backgrounds in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Natural Sciences. The foundation has supported nearly 150 international students to date, signifying its strong commitment to educational exchange and global development, establishing it as a highly competitive Graduate Scholarship Japan.
Studying in Japan is a fantastic dream for many, offering world-class universities, a fascinating culture, and unparalleled professional opportunities. However, the costs associated with international tuition and living expenses can often feel overwhelming, presenting a significant obstacle to pursuing advanced education. That is where the INPEX Japan Scholarship steps in, removing the financial barriers completely.
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This is not just another financial aid program; it is a highly prestigious, fully funded master’s scholarship designed to foster international goodwill and academic excellence. If you are a high-achieving student from Indonesia, Australia, or the UAE and you dream of pursuing your master’s degree without the burden of educational debt, this is the essential guide you need. We will walk you through exactly what the scholarship entails, detailing who qualifies, exploring the extensive financial package, and outlining the precise steps you must take to submit a winning application for the 2026 cycle. We are committed to helping you turn your Japanese academic ambition into a fully realized reality.
What Exactly is the INPEX Scholarship Foundation?
The INPEX Japan Scholarship is managed and sponsored by the INPEX Scholarship Foundation. This non-profit organization was first established in 1981 with a very clear and important goal: to build stronger relationships and improve mutual understanding between Japan and Indonesia. Over the decades, the foundation’s vision for global friendship expanded, and it now proudly includes students from Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in its annual intake, making it a key player in Japan cultural exchange programs.
The foundation is deeply dedicated to providing complete financial and academic support to highly motivated students who are ready to pursue advanced, graduate-level studies at some of Japan’s most respected universities. The core belief driving the organization is that by investing in the education of future leaders from these key partner nations, INPEX is actively contributing to long-term cooperation and cultural exchange that benefits all countries involved. This makes the scholarship a unique form of private sector support alongside options like the Japanese government-supported scholarship (MEXT).
The Foundation’s Global Impact and Mission
The INPEX Scholarship Foundation does far more than simply provide money; it actively supports scholars throughout their studies, helping them adapt to life and research in Japan. The foundation’s mission is centered on the following key pillars:
- Promoting International Exchange: Creating opportunities for students to live, learn, and research in a new cultural environment, fostering personal and academic growth.
- Developing Future Leaders: Supporting individuals who are expected to return home and apply their Japanese education and experience to contribute significantly to the progress of their home countries.
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Serving as an effective bridge for cooperation and understanding between Japan and the three scholarship-eligible countries.
Who Has Benefited From This Competitive Scholarship?
The long-standing success of this Graduate Scholarship Japan program is clearly evident in the numbers. The foundation has been a life-changing opportunity for many students, both international and Japanese. As of March 2025, the foundation proudly reports that 149 international students have benefited from the program, successfully completing their graduate degrees in Japan. Furthermore, the foundation has also supported 67 Japanese students through its outbound program, enabling them to study in the partner nations of Indonesia, Australia, or the UAE. This balanced approach ensures the cultural exchange is robust, meaningful, and mutually beneficial to all participants.
INPEX Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage 2026
One of the most appealing aspects of the INPEX Japan Scholarship is its status as a fully funded master’s scholarship. This means selected scholars receive absolute financial security from the INPEX Scholarship Foundation, allowing them to focus entirely on their challenging studies and vital research without worrying about the cost of living or tuition fees. The financial package is notably generous and designed to cover every major expense associated with moving to, living in, and studying in Japan for a master’s program.
Full Financial Security for International Scholars
For international recipients from Indonesia, Australia, and the UAE, the scholarship provides a complete umbrella of financial security for up to two years and eight months of study. This generous duration is highly valuable as it allows ample time for preliminary Japanese language study or essential research preparation before formally entering the required master’s degree program.
The coverage includes the following critical components, easily surpassing what many other scholarships offer:
- Full Tuition Coverage: All required university fees are covered entirely. This includes the substantial admission fees for the university, any necessary entrance examination fees, and the tuition itself. The scholar does not need to pay for their education whatsoever.
- Round-Trip Airfare: The cost of one economy-class round-trip ticket is provided. This covers the flight from the student’s home country to Japan at the very start of the program, and the return flight home upon the successful completion of their studies.
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a substantial monthly allowance of ¥160,000 (Japanese Yen). This money is intended to cover all daily living expenses, such as food, utilities, and personal necessities. This stipend is considered very generous by Japanese scholarship standards and ensures the scholar can maintain a comfortable and focused life while studying.
- Preparatory/Settlement Allowance: Upon arrival in Japan, the scholar is given a settlement allowance. This initial lump sum is designed to help cover the immediate, one-time costs associated with moving, such as buying necessary household goods, securing initial lodgings, and setting up bank accounts.
- Commuter Pass Expenses: Japan’s public transit system is efficient but can be costly. The scholarship covers the expenses related to a commuter pass, ensuring the scholar can travel reliably and efficiently between their residence and their university or research laboratory.
Support for Japanese Scholars Going Abroad
The INPEX Scholarship Foundation also supports Japanese citizens wishing to study or conduct research in one of the three partner nations: Indonesia, Australia, or the UAE. This “outbound” scholarship offers:
- Monthly Stipend: A solid stipend of ¥150,000 per month.
- Round-Trip Airfare: The cost of round-trip air travel between Japan and the specified destination country.
- Duration: The financial support lasts for up to two years.
Eligibility for INPEX Scholarship for the Study in Japan Fully Funded: Who Can Apply?
The eligibility requirements for the INPEX Japan Scholarship are precise and must be followed exactly. The criteria vary slightly based on the applicant’s nationality and academic background, but all applicants must aim to pursue a master’s degree and meet a standard age limit.
Key General Requirements for International Applicants
All international applicants from Indonesia, Australia, and the UAE must satisfy these two crucial requirements:
- Age Restriction: You must be under 30 years old at the time of the application deadline. This is a strict, non-negotiable limit.
- Academic Acceptance: You must obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan from a Japanese university graduate school or a specific professor before you can submit your scholarship application. This is arguably the most critical and challenging requirement.
Requirements for Indonesian Candidates to study in japan
The requirements of the Scholarship for Indonesian students in Japan are focused specifically on technical fields, demonstrating the foundation’s need for advanced technical skill development:
- Citizenship: Must be an Indonesian citizen.
- Degree Focus: Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in the Natural Sciences field from an Indonesian university. This specifically includes majors such as Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, and related technical disciplines. The scholarship does not currently cover humanities or social sciences for Indonesian applicants.
- GPA Requirement: Must have achieved a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.00.
- Acceptance: Must obtain a required Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan from a Japanese graduate school or professor. This prepares you for Masters in Natural Sciences Japan.
Requirements for Australian Candidates to study in japan
The requirements for citizens of Australia are broader in terms of academic discipline:
- Citizenship: Must be an Australian citizen.
- Degree Focus: Must have graduated from a major Australian university in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Natural Sciences. This allows a much wider range of applicants to qualify, including those from fields like Economics, History, International Relations, Literature, in addition to science and engineering.
- GPA Requirement: Must have a minimum GPA of at least 3.00/4.0 or 5.25/7.0, or the recognized equivalent on other academic scales.
- Acceptance: Must obtain the required Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan from a Japanese graduate school or professor.
Requirements for UAE Candidates to study in japan
The requirements for nationals of the UAE mirror those of the Australian applicants in their scope:
- Citizenship: Must be a UAE national.
- Degree Focus: Must have graduated from a recognized UAE university in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Natural Sciences.
- GPA Requirement: Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- Acceptance: Must submit the mandatory Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan from a Japanese university professor or graduate school.
Application Process: How to Secure Your INPEX Japan Scholarship in 2026
Step 1: Obtain the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan
This step is crucial and cannot be skipped. It is the core difference between this program and many other scholarships. You must prove a Japanese university is ready to accept you before INPEX will consider funding you.
- Identify Target Universities and Professors: Research Japanese universities and specific professors whose research aligns perfectly with your academic goals for your master’s program. Focus on institutions known for Masters in Natural Sciences Japan if you are Indonesian, or any relevant field if you are Australian or Emirati.
- Contact and Convince: Reach out to the professor(s) with a strong, well-written research proposal and your academic transcripts. You must effectively convince them to accept you as a research student or formal master’s student in their laboratory or department.
- Formal Acceptance: Once a professor or graduate school agrees to accept you, they will issue the LOA. This official document is mandatory for your INPEX application package.
Step 2: Assemble and Submit the Scholarship Application
After securing the LOA, the final steps for the scholarship application are as follows:
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the INPEX Scholarship Foundation website through the link provided below.
- Download Materials: Download the most current 2026 application guidelines and the corresponding application form specific to your country (Indonesia, Australia, or UAE).
- Prepare Documentation: Carefully gather all required supplementary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, the crucial LOA, your personal statement, and a clear, detailed study plan.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Submit your completed and signed application package by the official deadline. While a preliminary date often centers around October 31st, 2025, you must always check the official INPEX schedule for the exact, confirmed deadline for the 2026 cycle.
Tip: The selection committee seek evidence of a strong academic background, a clear and compelling study plan for your time in Japan, and a genuine motivation for contributing to positive relations between Japan and your home country upon your return. Emphasize how your proposed Masters in Natural Sciences Japan (or other field) aligns with the mission of the foundation.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
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- 2026 Scholarship Application Guidelines (for Indonesian)
- 2026 Scholarship Application Guidelines (for Australian)
- 2026 Scholarship Application Guidelines (for UAE)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the INPEX Japan Scholarship available for PhD studies? No, the primary INPEX Japan Scholarship program is exclusively available for master’s degree programs. The maximum duration of two years and eight months is specifically tailored for the master’s track at Japanese universities.
2. Is a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) required before applying for the scholarship? Yes, obtaining an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for Japan from your chosen Japanese university graduate school or a supervising professor is a mandatory and critical requirement that must be fulfilled before you submit your scholarship application.
3. What is the deadline for the INPEX Japan Scholarship 2026? The preliminary deadline is often around October 31st, 2025, but this is subject to confirmation. It is absolutely essential that all applicants download the official 2026 application guidelines from the INPEX Scholarship Foundation website to verify the precise submission date.
4. Can an Indonesian student apply with a degree in Humanities or Social Sciences? No, applicants who are Indonesian citizens are strictly required to have completed their undergraduate degree in the Natural Sciences. Students from Australia and the UAE, however, may apply from Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences backgrounds, which expands their eligibility for this Graduate Scholarship Japan.
5. How much is the monthly stipend provided to international scholars? The international scholars from Indonesia, Australia, and the UAE receive a generous monthly stipend of ¥160,000 (Japanese Yen). This substantial amount is provided to cover all living expenses during their stay in Japan.
6. Does the scholarship cover the costs of a preparatory Japanese language course? The scholarship covers full tuition and provides a generous stipend. While a separate specific language allowance is not always mentioned, the extended duration of two years and eight months often includes a research student period where language study can be conducted and is supported by the monthly stipend.
7. Is the INPEX scholarship considered a Japanese government-supported scholarship? No, the INPEX Japan Scholarship is a privately funded program sponsored by the INPEX Scholarship Foundation, which is a non-profit organization established by a major energy corporation. It is separate from, though comparable in benefits to, the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Japanese government-supported scholarship.
8. Can students who are over 30 years old still apply for the program? No, the eligibility criteria for international applicants strictly require the applicant to be under 30 years of age at the time of the application deadline. The age limit for Japanese outbound students is slightly higher, under 35.
9. What kind of academic field should an Indonesian student target for their application? Indonesian students should focus their research plan on achieving a Masters in Natural Sciences Japan. This includes subjects like engineering, physical sciences, medicine, or information technology.
10. What is the required minimum GPA for Australian and UAE applicants? The minimum required GPA for both Australian and UAE applicants is 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, or an equivalent academic achievement such as 5.25 on a 7.0 scale. Maintaining a high GPA is crucial for any fully funded master’s scholarship.
