University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Opportunities in Japan

Are you planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in Japan? The University of Tokyo Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship 2027 offers an opportunity for eligible international students to undertake postgraduate studies at one of Japan’s leading universities with financial support from the Japanese government.

The scholarship is offered to outstanding international students seeking admission to the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science for the October 2027 intake. Benefits include a scholarship allowance, travel costs, and exemption from enrollment and tuition fees.

Applications require candidates to complete both the graduate school admission process and the MEXT scholarship application before the stated deadline.

University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027: Overview

• Host institution: The University of Tokyo, Japan
• Scholarship provider: Japanese Government (MEXT)
• Eligible programmes: Master’s and Doctoral degrees
• Faculty: Graduate School of Science
• Study commencement: October 2027
• Scholarship duration: Two years for Master’s students and three years for Doctoral students
• Application deadline: October 30, 2026
• Eligible applicants: Qualified international students who meet the academic, language, and other eligibility requirements

Benefits of the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship

The scholarship provides financial and academic support to successful candidates throughout the standard duration of their approved postgraduate programmes.

1. Scholarship allowance

Selected students receive a scholarship allowance to support their living expenses in Japan. Applicants should consult the official scholarship announcement for the applicable monthly amount and payment conditions.

2. Travel expenses

The scholarship includes travel costs, subject to the programme’s rules and approved travel arrangements. Recipients must arrive in Japan within the period specified by the university and MEXT to qualify for the applicable travel support.

3. Tuition and enrollment fee exemption

Successful applicants are exempted from enrollment and tuition fees under the scholarship programme.

4. University accommodation

Recipients are guaranteed a furnished room at the University of Tokyo International Lodge for their first year.

The stated approximate monthly rents are:

• Kashiwa Lodge: ¥50,000 per month
• Komaba Lodge: ¥70,000 per month

Accommodation allocation depends on the location of the recipient’s research laboratory. Students whose laboratories are at the Hongo Campus are assigned to Komaba Lodge, while those at the Kashiwa Campus are assigned to Kashiwa Lodge.

Applicants should note that accommodation is not described as rent-free; the stated monthly rent still applies.

Scholarship Duration

The scholarship begins in October 2027 and covers the standard period required to complete the approved degree programme.

Programme	Scholarship period	Duration
Master’s degree	October 2027 – September 2029	2 years
Doctoral degree	October 2027 – September 2030	3 years

Can Master’s students extend the scholarship for a PhD?

Yes, an extension may be possible for recipients who wish to progress from a Master’s programme to a Doctoral programme. However, an extension is not automatic.

Applicants must meet the required academic performance criteria, obtain approval for the scholarship extension, pass the relevant graduate school entrance examination, and enrol as regular degree-seeking students.

Recipients cannot transfer to another university’s graduate school for their Doctoral studies under this extension arrangement. Progression to another university may be possible as a self-funded student.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility conditions before beginning their applications.

1. Nationality

Applicants must hold the nationality of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan.

Japanese nationals are generally ineligible, subject to the specific exception described in the official guidelines for certain dual nationals who will renounce their Japanese nationality before arrival.

2. Age requirement

Applicants must, in principle, have been born on or after April 2, 1992.

3. Academic qualifications

Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science at either Master’s or Doctoral level.

Candidates who have completed their latest degree must have a final grade point of at least 2.30 under the MEXT grading formula. Current students must also have a grade point of at least 2.30 in their current courses and be expected to maintain the required academic standard throughout the scholarship period.

Important: The grade point is calculated according to MEXT’s specified formula. Applicants should not assume that their home university’s GPA scale can be compared directly without checking the official requirements.

4. Field of study

Applicants should select a field related to the subject they previously studied at university. They must also choose a research area they can pursue at their intended host institution in Japan.

A suitable research plan should demonstrate the connection between the applicant’s academic background and the proposed postgraduate research.

5. English or Japanese language proficiency

Applicants must meet at least one of the specified language requirements.

English-language options:

• An English proficiency score equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher, such as TOEFL iBT 72 or above or IELTS 5.5 or above.
• Completion of an educational programme taught primarily in English that satisfies the Graduate School of Science admission requirements.

Japanese-language options:

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher.
• Completion of an educational programme taught primarily in Japanese that satisfies the relevant admission requirements.

Applicants should verify the accepted evidence and any programme-specific language conditions before submitting their documents.

6. Health requirements

Candidates must be physically and mentally healthy enough to pursue their studies in Japan.

7. Arrival and visa requirements

Successful applicants must be able to arrive in Japan within the period specified by the accepting university, generally within two weeks before or after October 1, 2027.

Recipients are ordinarily required to obtain a Japanese Student visa and enter Japan under the appropriate student residence status. Failure to obtain the required status may result in suspension of scholarship payments.

Applicants should also follow any applicable pre-arrival health screening requirements communicated by the Japanese authorities.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The official guidelines identify several categories of applicants who cannot receive the scholarship. These include:

• Active military personnel and civilian employees of the military during the scholarship period.
• Applicants unable to arrive in Japan within the designated period, except where an approved exception applies.
• Applicants who are simultaneously applying for another Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship programme for the 2027 academic year.
• Applicants residing in Japan under a mid- to long-term residence status at the time of application.
• Applicants planning to receive other scholarships, fellowships, or financial support from the Japanese government or affiliated organisations after the MEXT scholarship begins.
• Applicants who cannot provide the required proof of graduation by the specified deadline.
• Applicants planning extended fieldwork, internships outside Japan, or long-term leave during the scholarship period.
• Applicants who do not intend to pursue a regular degree programme or do not plan to obtain a further academic degree.

Previous recipients of Japanese Government MEXT scholarships are generally ineligible, although the guidelines provide specific exceptions for certain categories of applicants. Candidates with previous MEXT funding should review the official rules carefully before applying.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the necessary documents for the scholarship application. According to the provided guidelines, the required documents include:

1. Completed application form: The form must be prepared according to the prescribed instructions, including double-sided printing where required.
2. Field of Study and Research Plan: A clear explanation of the proposed research area and study objectives.
3. Letter of recommendation: Issued by a dean or a higher-ranking university official, addressed to the President of the University of Tokyo, printed on the university’s letterhead, and signed by the recommender. Digital signatures are not accepted under the stated requirements.
4. Recent passport-style photograph: Taken within the last six months, measuring 4.5 × 3.5 cm.
5. Official academic transcript: From the latest university or graduate school attended. Current university students must also provide the relevant transcript for their current programme.
6. Proof of language proficiency: Such as an accepted TOEFL, IELTS, or JLPT result, or an eligible certificate confirming the language of instruction.
7. Abstract of graduation thesis: A concise summary of the applicant’s thesis.
8. Graduation certificate or expected graduation statement: Official evidence confirming completed or expected graduation, as applicable.
9. Passport copy: A copy of the page containing the applicant’s photograph and personal details.

Applicants whose transcripts do not explain the grading system must also provide an official document describing it.

All application documents must be prepared in Japanese or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation, according to the stated instructions. Applicants should use A4-sized documents and follow the prescribed file formats and submission requirements.

How to Apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027

The application process requires candidates to complete both the graduate school admission application and the MEXT scholarship application.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the admission requirements

Read the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science instructions for international applicants seeking admission to a Master’s or Doctoral programme.

Confirm that your academic background, intended research field, and qualifications meet the admission requirements.

Step 2: Apply for the graduate programme

Complete the admission application for the relevant Master’s or Doctoral programme under the Special Selection for International Applicants.

Step 3: Prepare the MEXT scholarship documents

Gather all required documents, including your academic transcripts, research plan, recommendation letter, language proficiency evidence, thesis abstract, graduation documents, photograph, and passport copy.

Check every document against the official instructions before uploading it.

Step 4: Submit the scholarship application online

Upload the required documents through the designated MEXT electronic application form.

Applications submitted through email or other unauthorised methods will not be accepted under the stated instructions.

Step 5: Complete both applications before the deadline

Your graduate school admission application and MEXT scholarship application must both be completed through their respective online forms before the deadline.

After submission, check the automated confirmation email and retain the relevant application records.

Application Deadline

The stated application deadline is October 30, 2026.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications. Preparing academic records, securing a recommendation from the appropriate university official, and developing a strong research plan may take time.

Please confirm the deadline, time zone, application links, and any subsequent document submission requirements on the official University of Tokyo scholarship webpage before applying.

Selection Process and Important Dates

The selection process involves several stages.

Stage	Expected notification
Graduate School of Science nomination	Mid-February 2027
University-wide selection	April 2027
Final MEXT scholarship decision	June 2027, tentative

Candidates nominated by the Graduate School of Science proceed to the University of Tokyo’s university-wide selection process. The university then nominates candidates for final screening by MEXT.

Applicants will be notified of the results by email, including candidates who are unsuccessful at the relevant stages.

For enquiries about selection results, the provided contact details are:

International Team, Academic Affairs Group
Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo
Email: intl.s@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Important Tips for Applicants

Before submitting your application, consider the following:

• Check your eligibility first. Confirm your age, nationality, academic qualifications, language proficiency, and previous scholarship history.
• Develop a focused research plan. Your proposed field should connect clearly with your previous studies and the research you intend to undertake at the University of Tokyo.
• Request your recommendation letter early. The guidelines specify who may issue it, whom it must address, and how it must be signed.
• Verify your academic records. Ensure that transcripts, grading explanations, and graduation documents meet the requirements.
• Prepare digital copies carefully. Scan each document clearly and upload it in the format required by the application portal.
• Complete both applications. Submitting only the scholarship application or only the graduate school admission application is insufficient.
• Use official sources. Check the university’s current instructions for any updates, revised forms, or additional requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship fully funded?

The listed benefits include a scholarship allowance, travel costs, and exemption from enrollment and tuition fees. Recipients are also guaranteed a furnished room for the first year at a specified university lodge, but rent is payable. Applicants should consult the official announcement for the exact allowance and applicable funding conditions.

Can international students from Nigeria apply?

Applicants from Nigeria may be eligible if they satisfy the nationality, academic, language, age, admission, and other requirements. Final eligibility should be confirmed against the official guidelines.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?

Not necessarily. The stated guidelines also accept qualifying evidence that an applicant completed an eligible educational programme taught primarily in English. Applicants may alternatively satisfy one of the specified Japanese-language requirements.

Can I apply for both a Master’s and a PhD?

The scholarship covers applicants seeking admission to either a Master’s or a Doctoral programme, provided they meet the relevant admission requirements. Applicants should select the programme appropriate to their existing qualifications and follow its application instructions.

When will the scholarship begin?

The scholarship is scheduled to begin in October 2027.

Where can I submit my application?

Applicants must use the designated online forms for both the Graduate School of Science admission application and the MEXT scholarship application. Refer to the official University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science scholarship webpage for the current application links and instructions.

Final Thoughts

The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 offers qualified international students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan with substantial financial support. Its combination of tuition and enrollment fee exemptions, a scholarship allowance, travel support, and first-year accommodation arrangements makes it an opportunity worth considering for eligible Master’s and Doctoral applicants.

However, meeting the eligibility requirements is only the first step. Applicants should prepare a well-defined research plan, secure the required academic documents, follow the admission process carefully, and submit both applications before October 30, 2026.

Ready to apply? Visit the official University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science website to review the latest scholarship announcement, download the application forms, and access the designated online application portals.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied scholarship information. Scholarship conditions, application procedures, deadlines, and links may change. Always verify the latest details with the University of Tokyo before submitting an application.