The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 is a Japanese Government scholarship opportunity for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies or eligible graduate research pathways at the University of Tokyo. Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the scholarship provides financial support through tuition exemption, a monthly stipend, and eligible international airfare. Applicants can explore the Embassy Recommendation route or eligible University Recommendation programs, depending on their intended graduate school and enrollment category. The application process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines vary by department, so applicants must follow the specific guidelines for their chosen graduate school.

University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 Details

  • Host Country: Japan
  • Host University: The University of Tokyo
  • Scholarship Provider: Japanese Government (MEXT)
  • Study Level: Master’s and PhD,
  • Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
  • Deadline: 30th October 2026

About the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship supports international students who wish to pursue advanced education and research in Japan. At the University of Tokyo, graduate applicants may apply through an eligible scholarship route associated with their intended graduate school.

Applicants seeking a master’s or doctoral degree must meet the admission requirements of their chosen department. Depending on the route, a student may first enter as a graduate research student without a degree or apply for a regular master’s or doctoral program. Admission as a research student does not automatically guarantee progression to a degree program; applicants may need to pass a separate graduate entrance examination.

The University of Tokyo offers graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, medicine, information science, humanities, social sciences, and other research fields. Available scholarship categories and admission arrangements differ between graduate schools.

Financial Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship generally provides the following benefits to selected graduate scholars, subject to the official scholarship regulations.

  • Full Tuition Coverage: Tuition and applicable university fees are covered under the scholarship rules.
  • Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance is provided to support living expenses in Japan.
  • International Airfare: Eligible travel to Japan and return travel are provided according to MEXT regulations.
  • Research Opportunities: Scholars can study and conduct research at the University of Tokyo under the conditions of their approved program.
  • Access to Graduate Education: Scholars can pursue eligible graduate research or degree pathways according to their admission status.

Monthly Stipend

MEXT stipend amounts depend on the scholar’s enrollment status. The standard published rates for research students are approximately:

  • Non-degree research students: ¥143,000 per month.
  • Master’s students: ¥144,000 per month.
  • Doctoral students: ¥145,000 per month.

These are standard rates and may be revised under MEXT regulations. Additional regional allowances may apply in designated areas. Applicants should confirm the amount in the official guidelines for their scholarship category.

Airfare and Other Expenses

Eligible scholars may receive international airfare under MEXT’s travel rules. Travel support is subject to the prescribed route, travel dates, and other conditions. Applicants should budget for expenses that are not covered by the scholarship, including any personal costs or travel-related charges excluded by the applicable regulations.

Available Graduate Study Programs

Graduate School of Science MEXT Scholarship: The Graduate School of Science is accepting applications for the 2027 MEXT University Recommended Scholarship. The school has five departments: Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences.

Department of Civil Engineering: The Civil Engineering Department is also accepting applications for the 2027 MEXT Scholarship.

The University of Tokyo has 15 Graduate Schools. Check the department’s website for the MEXT Scholarship and its application process. Here is a List of Graduate Schools at the University of Tokyo.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions of the relevant MEXT scholarship category and University of Tokyo graduate school. General requirements for graduate applicants may include:

  • Hold citizenship of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan, subject to the official rules.
  • Meet the age requirement specified in the applicable MEXT guidelines.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification for master’s admission.
  • Hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification for doctoral admission.
  • Have a strong academic record and meet the department’s admission requirements.
  • Propose a field of study or research suitable for the chosen graduate school.
  • Meet the applicable language-proficiency requirements.
  • Submit the required application documents within the specified period.
  • Meet any additional requirements imposed by the selected graduate school or scholarship category.

For the MEXT research-student category, the standard guidelines generally require applicants to be under 35 years old, with educational qualifications appropriate to the intended graduate-level study. Exact eligibility must be checked against the relevant 2027 guidelines.

Is IELTS Required?

IELTS is not a universal requirement for every University of Tokyo MEXT applicant. Language requirements depend on the graduate school, program, and scholarship route. Some departments require formal English or Japanese language evidence, while others specify alternative criteria.

Applicants should check the official guidelines for their intended department before assuming that IELTS is waived or that a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate will be accepted.

Required Documents

The exact document list depends on the application route and graduate school. Applicants may be required to prepare:

  • MEXT scholarship application form.
  • Academic transcripts.
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree certificate, as applicable.
  • Expected-graduation certificate, if still studying.
  • Research plan and field-of-study statement.
  • Recommendation letter from an academic referee.
  • Medical certificate in the prescribed format.
  • Proof of nationality or passport information, as required.
  • Thesis abstract or research publications, where requested.
  • Language-proficiency documents, if required.
  • Additional forms specified by the embassy or graduate school.

How to Apply

  1. Choose Your Graduate Program: Identify the University of Tokyo graduate school and master’s, doctoral, or research pathway that matches your academic background.
  2. Choose the MEXT Application Route: Determine whether you are eligible for Embassy Recommendation or an available University Recommendation category.
  3. Read the Official Guidelines: Review the scholarship conditions, academic requirements, language rules, and application schedule for your selected route.
  4. Contact the Correct Office: For University Recommendation, follow the instructions of the relevant graduate school. The University of Tokyo advises applicants not to contact faculty members directly for Embassy Recommendation provisional-acceptance requests; use the contact points specified in its official instructions.
  5. Prepare Your Documents: Complete the required forms and collect transcripts, degree certificates, recommendation letters, and your research plan.
  6. Submit Your Application: Follow the application method and deadline specified by the embassy or graduate school.
  7. Complete the Selection Process: Attend any required examinations, interviews, or departmental admission assessments.
  8. Follow the Final Instructions: If nominated and selected, complete the remaining procedures required by the university and MEXT.

Official Website and Application Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

Yes. The MEXT scholarship generally covers tuition, provides a monthly stipend, and includes eligible international airfare under the applicable regulations.

Is this scholarship for bachelor’s students?

This article focuses exclusively on graduate-level opportunities, including eligible master’s, doctoral, and graduate research pathways. It does not cover undergraduate scholarships.

Can international students apply for master’s and PhD programs?

Yes, if they meet the relevant MEXT eligibility criteria and the admission requirements of the University of Tokyo graduate school they intend to join.

Is IELTS required?

There is no universal IELTS rule for every graduate program. Applicants must check the language requirements of their chosen graduate school and scholarship category.

What is the application deadline for 2027?

The deadline depends on the application route and graduate school. Several Embassy Recommendation deadlines for 2027 entry have already passed, while some graduate-school-specific University Recommendation programs may have separate schedules.

Does MEXT cover tuition and living expenses?

Yes. The scholarship generally covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend. Eligible international airfare is also provided according to MEXT’s rules.

Where can I find the official application information?

Start with the University of Tokyo’s official MEXT scholarship page at https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/mext_scholarship.html and follow the instructions for your chosen graduate school and application route.

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