This is a fantastic opportunity- the University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship for international students who want to pursue a fully funded Master’s or Doctoral degree in Japan at the prestigious Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo. If you dream of studying in Japan and building strong academic and cultural ties, this scholarship could be your perfect pathway.
Keep reading to find out all you need to know – eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Contents
- 1 University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Summary
- 2 University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Details
- 3 University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
- 4 University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Benefits
- 5 Required Documents for the University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship
- 6 How to Apply for the University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
- 7 Deadline
- 8 Receive the Latest Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Study Abroad: Study in Asia
- Host Institution: University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Science)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full tuition and fees paid, monthly allowance, travel costs, etc
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
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University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Details
This scholarship is part of the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Program and is offered through a university recommendation system. That means you must first apply to the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo, and if selected, they will nominate you for the MEXT scholarship.
In 2025, each graduate school could nominate one applicant, and the University of Tokyo could recommend up to three students to MEXT. So, competition is tough – make sure your application is strong and complete.
This scholarship is not just about academic study — it’s about building strong, lasting connections between Japan and the rest of the world. The goal is to support students who will become bridges of friendship between their home countries and Japan. By living, learning, and growing in Japan, scholars will gain valuable experiences and perspectives that help them contribute meaningfully to the development of both their own countries and Japan, and to making a positive impact on the wider global community.
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University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, you must meet the following conditions:
- Academic Qualifications
- You must apply to a Master’s or Doctoral Program at the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo.
- Your grades must be equivalent to a GPA of 2.30 or higher, and you should maintain good academic standing throughout the program.
- Nationality
- You must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic ties with Japan.
- You cannot apply if you hold Japanese nationality, unless you plan to give up your Japanese citizenship before arriving in Japan.
- Age
- You should be born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Language Proficiency
You must meet one of the following requirements:- English proficiency: CEFR B2 level or higher (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+), or
- Japanese proficiency: JLPT N2 or higher, or
- You studied your last degree entirely in English or Japanese.
- Health
- You must be physically and mentally fit to study in Japan.
- Visa
- You must enter Japan with a “Student” visa.
- Arrival
- You must arrive in Japan around October 1, 2026, within a two-week window before or after the semester begins.
Ineligible criteria are;
- You must not be receiving another scholarship from the Japanese government.
- You must not currently live in Japan.
- You cannot apply for more than one MEXT program at the same time.
- You must not have received a MEXT scholarship in the past unless you meet specific conditions.
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University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers everything you need for your studies in Japan:
- Monthly Allowance
- 144,000 yen/month (Master’s)
- 145,000 yen/month (Doctoral)
- Extra 2,000–3,000 yen/month if you study in designated areas in Japan.
- Travel Costs
- Flight to Japan (economy class) from your home country.
- Return flight home after you complete your degree.
Note: If you leave Japan early or delay your arrival, you may lose travel support.
- Tuition and Fees
- Full exemption from enrollment and tuition fees.
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Required Documents for the University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship
You’ll need to prepare and upload the following documents (double-sided A4 print, in English or Japanese):
- Application form
- Field of Study and Research Plan
- Letter of recommendation from a dean or higher (addressed to “President of the University of Tokyo”)
- Passport-style photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- Official transcripts from your current and previous universities
- Language test results (TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT, or certificate from your university)
- Graduation thesis abstract
- Proof of (expected) graduation
- Passport copy (photo page)
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How to Apply for the University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
- Apply to the Graduate School of Science for admission to the Master’s or Doctoral Program.
- Gather all required MEXT documents listed above.
- Scan and upload your documents via the official electronic form.
- Wait for email confirmation after successful submission.
Note: Email submissions are not accepted. You must apply through the designated online portal.
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Deadline
The application deadline for the University of Tokyo 2026 Japan Government (MEXT) Scholarship is October 31, 2025 (Japan Standard Time).
Note: Make sure you complete both the admission application and the MEXT scholarship application by the deadline.
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