Introduction
The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 supports international students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in Japan. Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Science, and Technology, this fully funded scholarship provides tuition support, a monthly allowance, and eligible airfare. The university-recommendation opportunity described here is administered through the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science. It is intended for students entering Japan in October 2027.
Scholarship Overview
The scholarship combines financial support for postgraduate study with a university nomination process. The Graduate School of Science will nominate applicants to the University of Tokyo, with the number of nominees determined after applications close. Applicants must complete both the relevant admission application and the scholarship application. The application window runs from October 15 to October 30, 2026.
- Scholarship: University of Tokyo University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship 2027
- Study destination: Japan
- Host: University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science
- Levels: Master’s and doctoral programs
- Funding: Fully funded, subject to specified coverage and exclusions
- Entry: October 2027
Host Country
Scholarship recipients will study in Japan and must obtain a new “Student” visa before entering with student residence status. Arrival must take place within the accepting university’s designated period, generally within two weeks before or after October 1, 2027. Applicants already residing in Japan at the time of application are ineligible.
Host Institution or Organization
The University of Tokyo is a public research university in Tokyo, Japan. It has 10 faculties and approximately 30,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students. For this scholarship route, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School of Science. That school is also responsible for nominating candidates to the university.
Degree Level
The scholarship supports master’s and doctoral study rather than undergraduate education. The stated duration is two years for a master’s program and three years for a doctoral program. Applicants must intend to enter a regular degree program and pursue further academic qualifications.
Available Fields of Study
Applicants should propose study in their previous university field or a related discipline that can be researched at the Japanese host institution. This opportunity is connected to admission to the Graduate School of Science. When considering a research direction, applicants should therefore assess its relationship to their academic background and the relevant degree program.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive an exemption from enrollment and tuition fees, alongside a monthly allowance. The allowance amounts for academic year 2027 have not yet been decided. The 2026 figures below are examples only and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 payments.
- Master’s allowance example: 144,000 yen per month for academic year 2026.
- Doctoral allowance example: 145,000 yen per month for academic year 2026.
- Regional supplement: An additional 2,000 or 3,000 yen monthly may apply to study or research in designated regions.
- Travel to Japan: An economy-class ticket from the international airport nearest the recipient’s residence, following the designated route and schedule.
- Return travel: Eligible recipients may receive an economy-class ticket home after completing their studies, subject to scholarship rules.
Although described as fully funded, the scholarship excludes certain travel-related expenses. Domestic travel, airport taxes, baggage costs, insurance, and local transportation are not covered. Applicants should account for these exclusions when planning their finances.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have an outstanding academic record and the qualifications required for admission to the relevant master’s or doctoral program. Graduates need a grade point of at least 2.30. Current students also need at least 2.30 in their current courses and must maintain the required academic standard during the scholarship.
- Applicants must have been born on or after April 2, 1992.
- They must hold nationality from a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Japanese nationals are ineligible, except eligible dual nationals who renounce Japanese nationality before arrival.
- Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy enough to study in Japan.
- Those expecting to graduate must provide graduation evidence by the designated deadline.
- Applicants must meet the arrival and student visa requirements.
Candidates must satisfy an accepted English or Japanese language requirement. English options include proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher, such as TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS 5.5, or completion of an eligible English-taught educational program. Japanese options include JLPT N2 or higher or completion of an eligible Japanese-taught educational program.
Previous MEXT recipients are generally ineligible, subject to exceptions in the official guidelines. Applicants must not apply for another Japanese Government MEXT scholarship for 2027 or plan to receive other scholarships or financial support from the Japanese government or affiliated organizations during this award. Those planning long-term fieldwork, an internship outside Japan, or a long-term leave of absence are ineligible.
Required Documents
The application requires academic records, identity documents, language evidence, and research-related materials. Documents must be in English or Japanese, prepared in A4 format, and printed double-sided. Documents in another language must include a Japanese translation.
- Application form downloaded from the official website.
- Field of Study and Research Plan downloaded from the official website.
- Recommendation letter from the Dean or above, addressed to the President of the University of Tokyo, on university letterhead and signed by the recommender; digital signatures are not accepted.
- Passport-type photograph taken within the previous six months.
- Official transcript from the last university or graduate school attended, plus the current degree transcript for current students.
- Proof of English or Japanese proficiency.
- Graduation thesis abstract.
- Official graduation or expected-graduation statement.
- Copy of the passport photograph page.
Application Process
First, complete the Graduate School of Science admission application for the intended master’s or doctoral program, following the instructions for international applicants. Then submit the required university-recommendation MEXT scholarship documents. Apply through the organizer’s official website and use its designated online application form.
All required documents must be uploaded before the deadline. Applications sent by email or other methods will not be accepted. After submitting electronically, check the automated confirmation email to verify submission.
Important Dates and Deadline
The application period opens on October 15, 2026, and closes on October 30, 2026. Both the Graduate School of Science admission application and the MEXT scholarship application must be completed before the deadline. The scholarship is for entry into Japan in October 2027, with arrival governed by the accepting university’s instructions.
Tips for Applicants
As general preparation advice, create a checklist covering both applications rather than treating them as a single submission. Request transcripts, graduation statements, and the recommendation letter early enough to check their accuracy and formatting. Pay particular attention to the recommender’s required seniority, letterhead, addressee, and signature. Review travel exclusions before making a personal budget.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
As general writing guidance, make the research plan clear, focused, and consistent with your previous studies. Explain the research question, its academic relevance, and the approach you propose to take without overstating expected results. Check that the research plan, transcripts, and thesis abstract present a coherent academic background. Before submission, review every uploaded file for readability and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship available for undergraduate study?
No, this opportunity supports master’s and doctoral programs. Applicants must qualify for admission to the Graduate School of Science. The stated durations are two and three years respectively.
Are the monthly payments confirmed for 2027?
No, the 2027 allowance has not yet been decided. The listed 144,000-yen and 145,000-yen amounts refer to 2026. They are examples rather than guaranteed 2027 rates.
Can I submit the scholarship application by email?
No, email submissions are not accepted. Applicants must upload documents through the designated online application form. They should then check the automated submission email.
Conclusion
The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 provides postgraduate funding through the Graduate School of Science university-recommendation route. Applicants should review eligibility, prepare the required documents, and distinguish confirmed benefits from illustrative allowance figures. Both applications must be completed by October 30, 2026.
Discover more from Scholarship Road
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
