The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded Japanese Government scholarship for international students pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree at its Graduate School of Science, starting October 2027. Under the University Recommendation route, it covers a monthly stipend (144,000 JPY for Master’s and 145,000 JPY for Doctoral students, AY2026 reference rates), full enrollment and tuition fee exemption, and a round-trip economy air ticket. Applicants need the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan, a minimum CGPA of 2.30, birth on or after April 2, 1992, and both the admission application and the MEXT scholarship application completed. Applications run from October 15 to October 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time), electronically via the official online form only.

  • Host Country: Japan
  • Host University: The University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Science)
  • Provider: Japanese Government (MEXT) – University Recommendation
  • Study Level: Master’s (2 years) and Doctoral (3 years), October 2027 intake
  • Coverage: Fully Funded – stipend, tuition exemption, airfare
  • Eligibility: All countries with diplomatic relations with Japan (no Japanese nationals)
  • Deadline: October 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)

About the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027

Under the University Recommendation track, each participating university conducts its own preliminary selection and nominates candidates to MEXT for final screening. Applications are handled at the graduate-school level: the Graduate School of Science – covering Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences – is accepting applications for students beginning their Master’s or Doctoral program in October 2027.

Applicants must first complete their admission application under the Special Selection for International Applicants, then submit the MEXT scholarship application. After nomination by the Graduate School of Science and a University of Tokyo-wide selection, the finalists go to MEXT for the final screening decision.

See also  Monash University Review 2027: Admission, Acceptance rate, Cost, Program

Important note: MEXT has notified universities that the University Recommendation (General Category) is expected to be discontinued from AY2027 onward, and some UTokyo graduate schools have already stopped recruiting. The Graduate School of Science is running the 2027 cycle – confirm the status on your target graduate school’s official page.

Benefits of the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship

  • Monthly stipend: 144,000 JPY (Master’s) or 145,000 JPY (Doctoral) per month (AY2026 amounts; AY2027 amounts are yet to be determined).
  • Tuition exemption: enrollment and tuition fees are fully exempted.
  • Airfare: an economy-class ticket to Japan and a return ticket after completing the program, under designated terms.
  • Accommodation support: a guaranteed University of Tokyo International Lodge room for the first year (approx. 50,000-70,000 JPY/month).
  • Duration: 2 years for the Master’s (October 2027 – September 2029) and 3 years for the Doctoral program (October 2027 – September 2030); outstanding Master’s recipients may extend into the Doctoral program upon MEXT examination.

Eligibility Criteria for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027

  • Nationality: a country with diplomatic relations with the Japanese government; Japanese nationals are ineligible (a narrow dual-nationality exception applies).
  • Age: in principle, born on or after April 2, 1992.
  • Academic record: a grade point of 2.30 or higher (by the MEXT formula) for graduates, or 2.30 or higher in current courses for current students.
  • Academic background: qualified for admission to the Graduate School of Science as a Master’s or Doctoral student, in the same or a related field.
  • Language proficiency: English: CEFR B2 or above (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5) or a prior degree taught primarily in English (no IELTS/TOEFL needed for English-medium graduates); Japanese: JLPT N2 or above or a degree taught primarily in Japanese.
  • Admission application: must have completed admission under the Special Selection for International Applicants.
  • Arrival: healthy enough to study in Japan and able to arrive within about two weeks before or after October 1, 2027; applicants residing in Japan under a mid- to long-term residence status are ineligible.
  • No conflicting applications: must not apply for another MEXT AY2027 program, must not be a previous MEXT recipient (limited exceptions), and must not hold other Japanese government-funded support.
See also  Free Online High School Diploma Programs For Adults In 2027

How to Apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027

  1. Apply for admission first: complete your admission application to the Master’s or Doctoral Program under the Special Selection for International Applicants; the scholarship application follows the admission application.
  2. Prepare your documents: the MEXT application form (double-sided print), Field of Study and Research Plan, a recommendation letter addressed to the President of the University of Tokyo from a dean or above on university letterhead, a passport-type photo taken within the last 6 months, official transcript(s) with grading-system explanation, proof of language ability, an abstract of your graduation thesis, an official statement of (expected) graduation, and a copy of your passport.
  3. Download the official forms: use the application form and research plan templates on the Graduate School of Science scholarship page.
  4. Submit electronically: scan each document and upload it through the designated online application form before the deadline. Email and late submissions are not accepted.
  5. Await the results: Graduate School of Science nominees are notified by email in mid-February 2027; University of Tokyo-level nominees in April 2027; the official MEXT grantee decision in June 2027 (tentative).

APPLY NOW FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO MEXT SCHOLARSHIP

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the deadline for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027?
October 15 to October 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time). Both the admission application and the MEXT scholarship application must be completed electronically before October 30, 2026.

See also  NSTC Taiwan International Internship Program 2027 (600 Places)

How much is the MEXT stipend at the University of Tokyo?
As a reference, AY2026 monthly amounts were 144,000 JPY (Master’s) and 145,000 JPY (Doctoral); AY2027 amounts are yet to be determined. Enrollment and tuition fees are fully exempted, and a round-trip economy air ticket is provided under designated terms.

Is IELTS required for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship?
Not necessarily. You may qualify with a CEFR B2 English score (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS 5.5), JLPT N2, or a previous degree taught primarily in English or Japanese – English-medium graduates need no IELTS/TOEFL score.

Can I apply if I am currently living in Japan?
No. Applicants residing in Japan under a mid- to long-term residence status are ineligible.

What is the difference between University Recommendation and Embassy Recommendation?
The graduate school conducts the preliminary selection and nominates candidates to MEXT in the University Recommendation route; in the Embassy Recommendation route you apply through the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You may not apply for both routes for AY2027.

Is the University Recommendation MEXT route continuing in 2027?
MEXT has notified universities that the General Category is expected to be discontinued from AY2027 onward. The Graduate School of Science is running the 2027 cycle – check your target graduate school’s official page for the latest status.

Related Scholarships in Japan

Also check these fully funded opportunities: