University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 Japan

University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

The University of Tokyo is inviting outstanding international students to apply for the 2026 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – University Recommendation. This is a fully funded scholarship that offers a unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in scientific disciplines at one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, tuition waivers, and a high-quality research environment.

Country: Japan
University: University of Tokyo
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Fields of Study: Science and related subjects
Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Scholarship Duration: Master’s (2 years), PhD (3 years)

Available Degree Programs

The scholarship is available for graduate programs offered by the Graduate School of Science in the following fields:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Earth & Planetary Science

• Astronomy

• Biological Sciences

• Mathematical Sciences

Applicants must select a research field closely related to their previous academic background.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:

• Full tuition and admission fee exemption

• Monthly stipend:

  • Master’s: ¥144,000

  • Doctoral: ¥145,000

• Round-trip economy class airfare

• University accommodation for 1 year

• Access to world-class research facilities in Tokyo

Note: Monthly stipend may be subject to change based on Japan’s fiscal budget.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

• Apply for a Master’s or Doctoral program in the Graduate School of Science

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.30 (MEXT’s scale)

Nationality

• Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan

• Japanese nationals or dual citizens must renounce Japanese nationality before arrival

Age

• Must be born on or after April 2, 1991

Language Proficiency

• English: CEFR B2 or higher (e.g., TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+), or proof of education in English

• Japanese: JLPT N2 or higher, or proof of education in Japanese

Other Conditions

• Must be physically and mentally fit

• Must obtain a Student Visa before traveling to Japan

Ineligible Applicants

• Previous MEXT scholarship holders (some exceptions apply)

• Current residents of Japan

• Applicants receiving other scholarships

• Those who have not completed their previous degree before enrollment

• Applicants planning long-term research/internships abroad

Required Documents

All application materials must be submitted in English or Japanese, in A4 size, through the official online application portal.

• Completed MEXT Application Form

• Research Plan and Field of Study Form

• Letter of Recommendation (Dean or higher)

• Passport-size photograph (taken within the last 6 months)

• Official Academic Transcripts

• Abstract of Graduation Thesis

• Proof of Language Proficiency

• Certificate of (Expected) Graduation

• Passport Copy

Note: Only those who complete the University of Tokyo’s graduate program application will be considered for MEXT nomination.

Application Timeline

• Application Period: October 15 – October 31, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)

• Graduate School Nomination Results: February 2026

• University-Wide Nomination Results: April 2026

• Final MEXT Decision: June 2026 (tentative)

• Enrollment Date: October 2026

How to Apply

1. Apply to a Master’s or PhD program in the Graduate School of Science through the “Special Selection for International Students.”

2. Upload all required documents via the official MEXT Online Application Form during the application period.

3. Track your submission through the confirmation email.

Note: Applications via email or post will not be accepted.

Why Choose the University of Tokyo?

• Consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide

• Home to Nobel Laureates and world-leading researchers

• Exceptional research infrastructure and academic mentorship

• Welcoming and diverse international student community

• Study in Tokyo, one of the most innovative and safest cities globally

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for this scholarship if I have already received a MEXT scholarship before?

Generally no, but exceptions exist for those who have fulfilled the required obligations of the previous award.

2. Do I need to know Japanese?

Japanese is not mandatory if your program is taught in English, but having JLPT N2 or higher strengthens your application.

3. Can I apply directly to MEXT without applying to the university?

No. You must first apply for admission to the University of Tokyo. Only applicants who pass university screening are recommended to MEXT.

4. What happens if I fail to submit one of the required documents?

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Ensure all documents are prepared in advance and submitted on time.

5. How competitive is this scholarship?

Highly competitive. Candidates are assessed based on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with faculty expertise.