University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious academic awards for international students seeking to conduct advanced research in Japan. Funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this fully funded fellowship is designed to bridge international boundaries by supporting top-tier talent in their pursuit of Master’s and Doctoral degrees. As Japan’s leading research university, the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) offers an unparalleled environment for scholars to engage in cutting edge scientific discovery and cross cultural exchange.
The University of Tokyo scholarship operates primarily through two tracks: University Recommendation and Embassy Recommendation. For the 2026 cycle, UTokyo actively seeks candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic potential, particularly in fields like the Natural Sciences, Information Technology, and Social Sciences. Unlike traditional financial aid, the MEXT scholarship is a comprehensive package that covers everything from monthly living costs to international travel, allowing scholars to immerse themselves fully in the academic rigor of Tokyo without the burden of financial stress.
Becoming a MEXT scholar at UTokyo means joining a community of global leaders. Whether you are entering the Graduate School of Science or the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, you will be at the heart of Tokyo’s innovation hub. The program emphasizes “Independence of Thought” and “Global Partnership,” ensuring that graduates return to their home countries as experts capable of fostering international cooperation and solving complex global issues.
Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Host Institution | The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) |
| Level of Study | Master’s, PhD, and Research Students |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded |
| Monthly Stipend | ¥144,000 – ¥148,000 (approx. $1,000 – $1,050) |
| Academic Requirement | Minimum GPA of 2.30 / 3.0 (MEXT Scale) |
| Application Window | October – December 2025 (for Oct 2026 intake) |
| Duration | 2 years (Master’s) / 3 years (PhD) |
Scholarship Benefits
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship provides a complete support system for the entire duration of the degree program: Also check: University of Edinburgh Scholarships 2026 (UK)
- Full Tuition Exemption
- Monthly Living Stipend
- Airfare Coverage
- Research Support
- Japanese Language Training
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet stringent academic and personal requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Academic Excellence
- Age Limit: Applicants must generally be born on or after April 2, 1991 (under 35 years old).
- Language Proficiency: in English (e.g., IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL iBT 72+) or JLPT N2 or higher in Japanese.
- Field of Study: The proposed research must be in the same field as the applicant’s previous degree or a closely related discipline.
Required Documents
following documents must be prepared carefully, as UTokyo often requires the submission of physical originals for final selection:
- MEXT Application Form
- Field of Study and Research Plan
- Official Transcripts
- Recommendation Letter
- Certificate of Graduation
- Language Certificates
- Abstract of Thesis
Deadline
Deadlines vary significantly depending on the Graduate School you are applying to (e.g., Science, Engineering, or Medicine).
| Category | Deadline (Estimated for Oct 2026 Entry) |
| University Recommendation (GSS) | October 31, 2025 |
| University Recommendation (IST) | Mid-December 2025 |
| Embassy Recommendation (1st Screen) | Varies by Country (typically April–June 2025) |
| Final Selection Results | June – July 2026 |
| Enrollment Date | October 1, 2026 |
Step by step Application Process
- Identify a Supervisor: Before applying, you must find a faculty member at UTokyo whose research aligns with yours. Visit the Graduate School of Science faculty list and contact them to obtain informal consent for supervision.
- Verify Eligibility: Use the MEXT GPA formula to ensure your grades meet the 2.30 threshold.
- Prepare the Research Proposal: This is the most critical part of the application. It should clearly demonstrate the feasibility and significance of your project.
- Online/Email Submission: Submit the digital versions of your application documents to the relevant Graduate School’s International Liaison Office.
- University Screening: UTokyo will conduct an internal review and interview the top candidates.
- Official Recommendation: If selected, UTokyo will formally recommend you to the MEXT ministry in late February.
- MEXT Review: The Ministry performs a final screening of all university recommendations.
- Visa and Travel: Once the final results are announced in June/July, you will begin the visa application process and prepare for arrival in Tokyo for the October semester.
- Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)
- Check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)
