Are you looking to study in Japan’s most prestigious university on a fully funded scholarship? The Tokyo University MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommended) could be your golden opportunity. Offered by the Japanese Government under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), this scholarship targets outstanding international students wishing to pursue Master’s or PhD programs at the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, starting in October 2026. With full tuition, monthly stipends, travel allowance, and international accommodation support, this is one of the most generous scholarships in Asia.

About the University of Tokyo

Ranked among the top 30 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings and THE Rankings, the University of Tokyo is Japan’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. With Nobel laureates, pioneering researchers, and a robust international environment, it offers a world-class platform for cutting-edge research in science and technology. Studying here means becoming part of a global academic powerhouse known for innovation, discipline, and excellence.

Tokyo University MEXT Scholarship 2026  Overview

Scholarship Name	University Recommended MEXT Scholarship 2026
Host University	University of Tokyo – Graduate School of Science
Degree Level	Master’s & Doctoral (PhD) Programs
Eligibility	International students with strong academic profiles
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel, Housing)
Application Period	October 15 – October 31, 2025 (JST)
Study Start Date	October 2026
Host Country	Japan

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates will receive the following generous benefits of this fully funded scholarship in Japan 2026:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver (100% exemption of enrollment and tuition)
• Monthly Stipend:
• ¥144,000/month for Master’s students
• ¥145,000/month for Doctoral students
• Extra ¥2,000–¥3,000 for students in designated remote regions
• Economy class round-trip airfare to and from Japan
• Accommodation Guarantee in the University of Tokyo International Lodge for 1 year
• Health Support: Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to study abroad

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the MEXT Scholarship at the University of Tokyo, you must meet the following conditions:

• Nationality:
  • Applicant must hold citizenship from a country that has diplomatic ties with Japan
  • Applicants with Japanese nationality are not eligible
• Academic Requirements:

1. Must apply for a Master’s or Doctoral program at the Graduate School of Science
2. Must have completed or be about to complete the required academic background
3. Must have a GPA of 2.30 or above in the most recent academic degree

• Age Limit:
  • your date of birth must be on or after April 2, 1991
• Field of Study:
  • Must apply in a field previously studied or a related field available at the university
• Language Proficiency (either one required):
  • English:
  • CEFR B2 or above (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+)
  • OR completed a degree taught in English
  • Japanese:
  • JLPT N2 or above
  • OR completed a degree taught in Japanese
• Health Condition:
  • Your health should be good physically and mentally
• Visa Requirement:
  • Must enter Japan on a “Student” visa
• Arrival Period:
  • Must arrive in Japan around October 1, 2026 (within two weeks before/after)

Application Process

Follow these steps to successfully apply for the 2026 MEXT Scholarship (University Recommended):

• Step 1: Submit an application to the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
• Step 2: Complete the MEXT Scholarship Application Form provided by the university
• Step 3: Submit both the admission application and the MEXT scholarship documents by the deadline
• • Step 4: The university conducts the preliminary selection
• Step 5: MEXT will make the final selection of nominees around mid-2026.

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before starting your application:

• Completed MEXT Scholarship Application Form
• Field of Study and Research Plan
• Recommendation Letter from dean or higher academic authority
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Official academic transcript from the last university
• Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT, or language certificate)
• Graduation thesis abstract
• Copy of passport page with photo

Important Dates

• Application Opens: October 15, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
• Notification of Nominees (Graduate School): Mid-February 2026
• Notification of Nominees (University-wide): April 2026
• Final Result by MEXT: June 2026 (tentative)
• Arrival in Japan: Around October 1, 2026

Comparison with Similar Fully Funded Opportunities

Scholarship	Host Country	Degree Level	Deadline	Funding
MEXT University of Tokyo	Japan	Master’s/PhD	Oct 2025	Full
DAAD EPOS Scholarship	Germany	Master’s	Aug–Oct 2025	Full
CSC Scholarship (Chinese Govt.)	China	Master’s/PhD	Jan–Mar 2026	Full
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Master’s/PhD	Varies by country	Full
Korean Government Scholarship (GKS)	South Korea	Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD	Feb–Apr 2026	Full

FAQs – Tokyo University MEXT Scholarship 2026 

1. Can I apply if I don’t have JLPT or TOEFL?
   Yes, if your previous degree was taught in English or Japanese, you can submit a language of instruction certificate instead.
2. Is the scholarship open to all nationalities?
   Only to nationals of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan. Japanese citizens are not eligible.
3. What is the acceptance rate for MEXT University Recommended scholarships?
   It’s competitive, but nomination by a university like Tokyo significantly increases your chances.
4. Can I change my field of study for University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026?
   You must apply in your previous or a related academic field that is offered at the Graduate School of Science.
5. Is it necessary to find a supervisor before applying?
   It’s strongly advised to reach out to potential supervisors early to ensure your research plans align.
6. Is accommodation provided?
   Yes, a room in the International Lodge is guaranteed for the first year at subsidized rent.
7. Is it allowed to apply for multiple MEXT scholarships simultaneously?
   No, applicants cannot apply for multiple MEXT schemes in the same year.
8. Is the scholarship renewable?
   No, the duration is fixed: 2 years for Master’s, 3 years for Doctorate.
9. Can I work part-time on this visa?
   Yes, with permission, students can work limited hours under the “Student” visa.

10. What happens if I’m not selected by MEXT after nomination?

    You will still be notified by the university. It’s encouraged to explore other scholarships or admission options at that time.

If you’re aiming for world-class research exposure in one of the most developed and academically advanced nations, the MEXT Scholarship at University of Tokyo 2026 is a life-changing opportunity. Get started now, align your research interests, prepare your documents, and apply within the timeline. APPLY NOW.

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