International students can now apply for the University of Tokyo’s 2026 Government of Japan MEXT Scholarship to study in Japan.
The MEXT Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded award that pays for the tuition of chosen students at the University of Tokyo. It also gives them a stipend of ¥1,774,000 ($11,328) annually.
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For interested candidates, this post provides information on the specifics, prerequisites, advantages, necessary paperwork, and application process.
Application Deadline:
October 31, 2025
What is the 2026 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship?
The University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship allows Japanese universities to nominate top international students to MEXT for fully funded graduate studies (Master’s or PhD) in Japan. All applicants must first apply directly to the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science, which will conduct the preliminary selection.
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📌 Key Details
- Host University: The University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Science)
- Country: Japan
- Start Date: October 2026
- Programs: Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Number of Nominees: Limited; each graduate school can recommend 1, and the university submits 3 total to MEXT.
🎓 Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Must be from a country with diplomatic relations with Japan. Dual nationals with Japan must renounce Japanese citizenship before arrival.
- Age: Born on or after April 2, 1991
- Academic Performance: GPA of 2.30/3.00 or above (MEXT formula)
- Field of Study: Must be in the same or a related field as previous studies.
- Health: Must be physically and mentally healthy.
- Language Proficiency:
✅ English: IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT 72+ or equivalent CEFR B2 level
✅ OR proof of completing previous education in English
✅ Japanese: JLPT N2+ or equivalent education in Japanese - Arrival: Must be able to arrive in Japan within 2 weeks of October 1, 2026.
❌ Non-Eligibility Conditions
You are ineligible if you:
- Are a previous recipient of a MEXT Scholarship (with some exceptions)
- Are applying for another MEXT program for 2026
- Are already residing in Japan
- Cannot graduate before October 2026
- Plan to do fieldwork abroad during the scholarship
- Will receive another scholarship from the Japanese government
- Fail to meet visa or travel requirements
💰 Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)
- Monthly Allowance:
- Master’s: ¥144,000 (~$920/month)
- Doctoral: ¥145,000 (~$925/month)
- Additional ¥2,000–3,000 for research in certain regions
- Tuition Fee: 100% exempted
- Travel:
- Round-trip economy airfare (to/from Japan)
📄 Documents Required
You must complete both the admissions application and MEXT scholarship application, including:
- Application form for University of Tokyo
- MEXT scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of language proficiency
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal
- Passport copy
- Medical certificate
(The full checklist is typically released with the application guidelines by the Graduate School.)
📥 How to Apply
- Choose a program and supervisor at the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science.
- Apply for admission following the “Special Selection for International Applicants” procedure.
- Indicate your interest in the MEXT Scholarship during the application process.
- If selected by the Graduate School, your application will be recommended to MEXT.
🔗 Official Website – Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
