MEXT KOSEN Scholarship: How Two Indian Students Got It

A second attempt after a failed interview, a 75% in class 12, a college that wouldn't sign the documents. Two KOSEN scholars tell me how they made it to Japan anyway, and what nobody tells you about life there.

When I went to Japan in April with two of my students for their language school admission, I met two young MEXT KOSEN scholars in Tokyo. One studies computer software, the other materials engineering. Their stories are exactly what every student who thinks "I can't do it" needs to hear.

First, what is KOSEN? 🏫

KOSEN (高専, kōtō senmon gakkō) are Japan's colleges of technology, practical engineering colleges. The MEXT KOSEN scholarship is a Japanese government scholarship for students who've finished class 12. You first study Japanese for about a year (these two were at a JASSO Japanese language school in Tokyo), then join a KOSEN to study engineering, with tuition paid and a monthly allowance.

In India, you apply through the Embassy of Japan (or a Consulate General, depending on where you live): document screening, a written exam, an interview, and final placement.

Story 1: the second attempt 🔁

He first saw my videos in 2023 and applied in 2024. He passed the written exam but didn't clear the interview. In the middle of it, his grandmother passed away.

In 2025 he had a good college place in India. But one thought kept coming back: "No, I just have to go." So he applied to MEXT again, and during that round his grandfather passed away too.

He still decided he would clear the interview. And he did.

Sacrifices are part of doing something big. I know people who tried two or three times and are now in Japan. The ones who quit after one "no" never find out.

His interview

About 25 minutes. The main questions:

Why do you want to come to Japan?
What will you do to build a bridge between India and Japan?

His advice: "It's not that tough. You'll be nervous at the start, but as they talk, they joke a little, and you become comfortable. It's nothing like an IPS interview."

What matters in document screening

From his experience, three things stand out:

Your marks.
Your answers to the "pillar" questions in the application: what triggered your interest in Japan and what you'll contribute between India and Japan. I tell every student I mentor to put real work into these.
Your Japanese level. A JLPT or other Japanese certificate is a big plus.

The written exam

"JEE type, but a bit easier," he said. The other scholar, who had also sat the undergraduate exam, found the undergraduate paper tougher than the KOSEN one. If you're preparing for JEE, you can handle it.

Story 2: the 75% student who almost didn't apply 📉

He was scrolling reels when an ad said "Study in Japan for free." His first thought: Is this a scam? Will they take my money? A few days later one of my videos came up, his motivation shot up, and he decided to apply. He was in class 11.

He'd hoped for 80%+ in class 12 so he could apply for the undergraduate track. He got 75%. Instead of giving up, he thought: "I'll go to Japan anyway. I'm used to hard work. I'll build my career there." So he applied for KOSEN.

The documents fight

His college in India refused to give him his documents. So every day at 9 a.m., without breakfast, he cycled and took the train 2–3 km to the college and waited outside the office until the staff arrived. Eventually they gave him a two-line recommendation letter. They wouldn't even attest his documents properly, until he requested a teacher, who signed them.

With weak documents and basic Japanese, he almost gave up: "They won't select me anyway." His friends said: "It's just a trial. Give it." He did, and one morning the email came: selected. On his first attempt.

He also said the embassy staff were genuinely helpful. One officer personally called his college to get a document released. If you apply through a consulate, contact them. Don't do it all alone.

The reality of life in Japan 🇯🇵

I asked them what hit them after landing:

People stare a little, then quickly look away when you look back.
There are a lot of foreigners, more than Japanese people in some areas where they live.
Japan is a normal country. People live normal lives, with normal problems.
You do everything yourself. Cook, do laundry, wash your dishes at night, set alarms, track your marks, homework, career, and keep in touch with your parents.
You learn to manage money. As a scholar you get a fixed income, so you budget and save.

Many people watching YouTube think Japan will be fun: "We'll go there, enjoy, and our life is made." The pride of getting here on your own is real. But if you're not ready for the loneliness, or haven't thought about how you'll build a career, it's better not to come yet.

Their plans

One will study computer software.
The other studies materials engineering, wants to move into biomedical engineering, work in Japan for two or three years, then return to India and build things with Japanese companies.

And both started with Japanese at around N5 level. KOSEN means studying engineering in Japanese, including all the chemistry terms, so the language year matters.

What to take from their stories ✅

Apply even if you think you're not ready. 75% in class 12 still made it.
Fail? Apply again. A failed interview isn't the end.
Prepare the pillar answers deeply: why Japan, and how you'll connect India and Japan.
Start Japanese early. A certificate helps in screening, and you'll need it in KOSEN.
Practise for a JEE-level exam and a friendly but real interview.
Fight for your documents early. Colleges can be slow or difficult.
Be ready for life on your own.

Start your Japanese with our free course, read how to study in Japan for free, and if you want a mentor for MEXT KOSEN, STC or undergraduate applications, look at FS – Future's Scholar. And read how STC scholars made it straight after class 12.