University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship (2026-2027)

University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Science) Master's / PhD Japan (Tokyo)

Scholarship Description

The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the Japanese Government (MEXT) through the University Recommendation scheme. The scholarship is administered by the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo, Japan's top-ranked university and one of the world's leading research institutions.

The program aims to foster human resources who will become bridges of friendship between their home countries and Japan through study in Japan, contributing to the development of both countries and the wider world. Scholars pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees in science-related fields at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Science, benefiting from world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and Japan's rich cultural environment.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan. The university has campuses in Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa, all located in the Greater Tokyo area.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications are accepted online through the University of Tokyo's electronic application system.

Application Period: October 15 – October 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)

Nominee Notification (Graduate School): Mid-February, 2027

University of Tokyo Selection Notification: April, 2027

Final MEXT Grant Notification: June, 2027 (tentative)

Start of Scholarship: October, 2027

Host Institution

The University of Tokyo – Japan's premier national university, consistently ranked among the top 25 universities globally. The Graduate School of Science is a world-leading research institution with Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Master's Program (2 years) and Doctoral Program (3 years).

Fields: Science disciplines offered by the Graduate School of Science, including but not limited to: Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Earth and Planetary Science, Mathematics, and related scientific fields. Applicants should apply for a field related to their previous studies.

Target Group

International students with outstanding academic records who wish to enter Japan in October 2027 as new students in the Master's or Doctoral Program at the Graduate School of Science. Applicants must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.

Exclusion: Applicants residing in Japan at the time of application are not eligible. "At the time of application" refers to the date on which application documents are submitted to MEXT. Short-term visitors (tourism, entrance exams) are not considered residents.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration:

Master's Program: October 2027 – September 2029 (2 years)
Doctoral Program: October 2027 – September 2030 (3 years)

Extension possibility: Master's students who proceed to a Doctoral program may have the scholarship period extended upon rigorous examination by MEXT, provided they achieve outstanding academic performance.

Monthly Stipend (AY2026 actual amounts – AY2027 TBD):

Master's Program: ¥144,000 / month
Doctoral Program: ¥145,000 / month
Additional ¥2,000–3,000/month for students in some designated regions.

Traveling Costs:

To Japan: Economy-class airline ticket from the international airport nearest to the recipient's residence to Japan.
From Japan: Economy-class airline ticket from Japan to the international airport nearest to the recipient's home country (upon graduation, within the final month of the scholarship period).

School Fees: Enrollment and tuition fees are fully exempted.

Accommodation: Recipients are guaranteed a room in the University of Tokyo International Lodge for the first year (approx. 50,000–70,000 yen/month, depending on campus).

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Monthly Stipend: ¥144,000–145,000 + Tuition Exemption + Travel Allowance (to/from Japan) + Guaranteed Housing (first year)

Scholarship Eligibility

Nationality: Non-Japanese nationals with diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals with dual nationality may apply if they renounce Japanese nationality before arrival.

Age: Born on or after April 2, 1992 (in principle).

Academic background: Must have the necessary qualifications to be admitted to the Graduate School of Science as a Master's or Doctoral student.

Academic performance: Grade point average of 2.30 or higher (on a 3.0 scale) according to MEXT's calculation formula. Current students must maintain the same standard.

Field of study: Must apply for a field related to previous university studies.

Language Proficiency (meet one of the following):

English: TOEFL iBT 72+ or IELTS 5.5+ (B2 CEFR or above), OR completed an English-medium program satisfying entrance requirements.
Japanese: JLPT N2 or higher, OR completed a Japanese-medium program satisfying entrance requirements.

Health: Physically and mentally healthy enough to pursue studies in Japan.

Arrival in Japan: Must be able to arrive within two weeks before or after October 1, 2027.

✅ Eligible Candidates

International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan.
Outstanding academic record (GPA 2.30+ on MEXT scale).
Born on or after April 2, 1992.
Meet English (TOEFL 72+/IELTS 5.5+) or Japanese (JLPT N2+) language requirements.
Not residing in Japan at the time of application.
Not previous MEXT scholarship recipients (with limited exceptions).

❌ Ineligible Candidates

Japanese nationals (except dual nationals renouncing Japanese nationality).
Applicants residing in Japan at the time of application (mid- to long-term residents).
Active military members or civilian military employees.
Previous MEXT scholarship recipients (unless 3+ years have passed).
Those applying for multiple MEXT scholarship programs for the same year.
Applicants who cannot provide proof of degree completion by the deadline.

Application Procedure

Complete admission application first – Applicants must first apply for admission to the Graduate School of Science (Master's or Doctoral Program) following the "Instructions for International Students applying to the Graduate School of Science (Special Selection for International Applicants)".
Prepare MEXT scholarship application documents – Gather all required documents (see list below) in Japanese or English, printed double-sided on A4 paper.
Submit electronic application – Upload all application documents through the designated online application form between October 15 and October 30, 2026. Email submissions are not accepted.
Graduate School nomination – The Graduate School of Science reviews applications and nominates candidates. Nominations are extremely competitive — in recent rounds, each Graduate School was allowed to nominate at most one applicant.
University of Tokyo selection – Nominated candidates proceed to a university-wide selection process. The University of Tokyo nominates at most three applicants to MEXT.
MEXT final selection – MEXT conducts the final screening and decides the grantees.
Notification – Nominees are notified in mid-February 2027 (Graduate School level), April 2027 (University level), and final grantees in June 2027.

Required Application Documents:

Application form (double-sided print, downloadable from UTokyo website)
Field of Study and Research Plan
Letter of recommendation from "dean or above" – addressed to "the President of the University of Tokyo", on university letterhead, signed by dean or above (digital signature not accepted)
Passport-type photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, taken within 6 months)
Official transcript from last university/graduate school (with grading system explanation if not indicated)
Proof of language ability (TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT, or language of education certificate)
Abstract of graduation thesis
Official statement of (expected) graduation
Copy of passport (photo page)

Important notes:

Both MEXT scholarship application and Graduate School admission application must be completed before the deadline.
Submitted documents will not be returned.
Documents not in Japanese or English must include Japanese translations.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Official Website & Application Link

University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science – MEXT Scholarship Page

Contact: International Team, Academic Affairs Group, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Application Portal: Access via the official webpage – electronic application form available during the application period (October 15–30, 2026).

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world. With a monthly stipend of approximately ¥144,000–145,000, full tuition exemption, travel allowance, and guaranteed housing for the first year, scholars can focus entirely on their research at Japan's top university.

Key strategies for a successful application:

Ensure your GPA meets the 2.30+ requirement on MEXT's calculation scale.
Secure a strong letter of recommendation from a dean or higher – this is a unique and critical requirement.
Meet language requirements: TOEFL iBT 72+ / IELTS 5.5+ OR JLPT N2+.
Prepare a detailed and compelling Field of Study and Research Plan.
Apply for admission to the Graduate School of Science BEFORE applying for the MEXT scholarship.
Do not be residing in Japan at the time of application (mid- to long-term residents are ineligible).
Submit all documents during the narrow window: October 15–30, 2026.

Important reminders: The scholarship is highly competitive – in recent years, each Graduate School nominated at most one applicant, and the University of Tokyo nominated at most three to MEXT. Previous MEXT scholarship recipients are generally ineligible unless at least three years have passed. Scholars are expected to contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and their home countries, both during and after their studies.

University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026-2027 – FAQ

What does the MEXT Scholarship cover?

Monthly stipend (¥144,000 for Master's, ¥145,000 for PhD), full tuition exemption, economy-class travel allowance to/from Japan, and guaranteed housing at University of Tokyo International Lodge for the first year (approx. 50,000–70,000 yen/month).

What is the application deadline?

The application period is October 15 – October 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time).

Who is eligible to apply?

International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, with outstanding academic records (GPA 2.30+), meeting language requirements (TOEFL 72+/IELTS 5.5+ or JLPT N2+), born on or after April 2, 1992, and not residing in Japan at the time of application.

Do I need to apply for university admission first?

Yes. Applicants must first apply for admission to the Graduate School of Science (Special Selection for International Applicants) BEFORE applying for the MEXT scholarship.

How competitive is this scholarship?

Extremely competitive. In recent rounds, each Graduate School was allowed to nominate at most one applicant, and the University of Tokyo nominated at most three applicants to MEXT.

Can I apply if I already have a MEXT scholarship?

Previous MEXT scholarship recipients are generally ineligible unless at least three years have passed since the end of the previous scholarship payment.

When does the scholarship start?

The scholarship begins in October 2027. Scholars must arrive in Japan within two weeks before or after October 1, 2027.

Is there a service commitment after graduation?

There is no formal bond, but scholars are expected to act as bridges of friendship between their home country and Japan and to participate in activities organized by Japanese government missions overseas.