The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 offers eligible international students an opportunity to pursue fully funded master’s and doctoral studies in Japan. Through the Japanese Government’s MEXT Scholarship program, selected students can receive tuition exemptions, monthly living allowances, and international travel support.
For the 2027 academic year, the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science has announced an application period running from 15 October to 30 October 2026 for its University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship.
The opportunity targets academically outstanding international students seeking to begin graduate studies in October 2027.
However, applicants should understand that the University of Tokyo does not operate one universal MEXT application round. Scholarship arrangements differ between graduate schools, and certain university recommendation categories have been discontinued or remain subject to changes.
This article explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility conditions, available places, application documents, selection process, and deadlines for prospective international students, including eligible African applicants.
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 Overview
The University of Tokyo is one of Japan’s leading research universities. It participates in the Japanese Government Scholarship program administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
The Graduate School of Science has published a 2027 scholarship selection for international students seeking master’s and doctoral degrees.
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2027 |
| Host university | University of Tokyo |
| Country | Japan |
| Funding organization | Japanese Government (MEXT) |
| Study levels | Master’s and doctoral degrees |
| Relevant graduate school | Graduate School of Science |
| Scholarship coverage | Tuition exemption, monthly allowance, and eligible airfare |
| Eligible applicants | International students meeting the published conditions |
| The application opens. | 15 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Expected program start | October 2027 |
| Application route | University Recommendation |
| Application method | Online admission application plus separate MEXT application |
The dates above specifically concern the Graduate School of Science’s published 2027 University Recommendation selection.
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 Benefits
Successful scholarship recipients receive financial support intended to reduce the costs of studying and living in Japan.
Monthly Living Allowance
The University of Tokyo has not yet confirmed the monthly stipend for the 2027 academic year.
However, the university has published the 2026 rates as a reference.
| Degree level | Monthly allowance (2026 reference) | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s degree | ¥144,000 | ¥1,728,000 |
| Doctoral degree | ¥145,000 | ¥1,740,000 |
Students studying in designated regions may receive an additional ¥2,000 or ¥3,000 per month.
These figures are provided for planning purposes. The Japanese government may revise the actual 2027 payments.
Tuition and Enrollment Fee Exemption
Selected MEXT recipients receive exemptions from the applicable university tuition and enrollment fees.
This is particularly valuable for international students who would otherwise need substantial financial resources to undertake postgraduate education in Japan.
International Airfare
The scholarship provides eligible international travel support for students travelling to Japan within the officially approved arrival period.
Return travel support may also be available to eligible recipients who return to their home countries after completing their studies.
However, students should budget for expenses that are not covered, including certain local transportation costs, insurance, and personal travel expenses.
University Accommodation
The Graduate School of Science states that scholarship recipients are guaranteed a room in a University of Tokyo International Lodge for their first year.
Nevertheless, accommodation is not free.
The university indicates approximate monthly accommodation costs of ¥50,000 at Kashiwa and ¥70,000 at Komaba.
Therefore, students should plan to pay their accommodation and everyday living expenses from their monthly scholarship allowance.
Available Master’s and PhD Programmes
The published University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship is connected to graduate admission at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science.
Applicants should explore the participating departments and identify programs that correspond to their academic background and research interests.
Relevant scientific fields include:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biological sciences
- Earth and planetary sciences
- Astronomy and related research areas
The availability of specific supervisors and research programs must be confirmed through the relevant department.
Students interested in engineering and other science-related programs in Japan can also explore our published guide to the Science Tokyo IGP(A) 2027 Master’s and Integrated PhD Applications with MEXT Scholarship Opportunity.
That program is offered by the Institute of Science Tokyo, which is a different university. It provides another graduate admission route with possible MEXT scholarship consideration for selected applicants.
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy both the scholarship conditions and the admission requirements of their intended graduate program.
1. Nationality Requirements
Applicants must generally hold the nationality of a country maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan.
Japanese nationals are not normally eligible, although specific provisions exist for certain dual-nationality situations.
2. Academic Qualifications
Candidates must possess the academic qualifications necessary to enter their chosen master’s or doctoral program.
They must also demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
For the Graduate School of Science’s published 2027 selection, applicants must meet a minimum academic performance index of 2.30 under the MEXT grading calculation.
Importantly, this is not the same as simply obtaining a GPA of 2.30 on a conventional four-point grading scale.
3. Age Requirement
Applicants must generally have been born on or after 2 April 1992, subject to the exceptions specified in the scholarship guidelines.
4. Relevant Academic Background
Applicants should select a program and research area that are consistent with their previous studies.
For example, a graduate seeking admission to a scientific research program should demonstrate sufficient preparation in the relevant discipline.
5. Language Proficiency
Applicants must satisfy the university’s published English or Japanese proficiency requirements.
The Graduate School of Science recognizes qualifying language test results and certain alternative evidence of previous education in English or Japanese.
| Language requirement | Examples of acceptable evidence |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | CEFR B2 or higher |
| English language test | IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 72, as listed in the scholarship criteria |
| English-medium education | Qualifying previous education conducted primarily in English |
| Japanese proficiency | JLPT N2 or equivalent qualifying evidence |
Applicants should check whether their intended graduate department imposes additional language requirements.
6. Residence and Other Restrictions
The published university recommendation scheme includes restrictions affecting applicants residing in Japan at the relevant application stage.
Consequently, international students already living in Japan should not assume they qualify for this particular route.
Applicants must also review the rules concerning previous MEXT awards, simultaneous scholarship applications, and other financial support.
Can African Students Apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027?
Yes. Eligible applicants from African countries can be considered, provided they satisfy the nationality, academic, language, residence, and other conditions.
Potentially eligible nationalities include applicants from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, and other countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan.
However, eligibility does not guarantee selection.
The Graduate School of Science evaluates academic achievement, admission eligibility, and other scholarship conditions before recommending candidates.
African applicants should therefore prepare their academic documents carefully and ensure that their chosen research area aligns with their previous qualifications.
How Many Scholarships Are Available in 2027?
The University of Tokyo has not yet confirmed the final number of nominations for the 2027 Graduate School of Science selection.
According to the published university information, the previous selection round permitted each graduate school to nominate a maximum of one candidate, while the University of Tokyo could nominate a maximum of three candidates to MEXT.
These figures describe the previous nomination limits. They are not a confirmed number of awards for 2027.
Applicants should therefore regard the scholarship as highly competitive.
Documents Required for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027
Applicants must follow the Graduate School of Science’s official document checklist.
| Required document | Important information |
|---|---|
| MEXT application form | Complete the prescribed university form. |
| Field of Study and Research Plan | Describe the intended research clearly. |
| Recommendation letter | Must satisfy the university’s specific recommender and signature rules |
| Academic transcripts | Provide the required official academic records. |
| Graduation certificate | Evidence of completed or expected qualifications |
| Language proficiency evidence | Submit accepted test results or qualifying alternative documentation |
| Graduation thesis abstract | Summarise previous academic research where required |
| Passport photograph | Follow the specified size and format |
| Passport copy | Provide the identification details required by the application |
The university requires the recommendation letter to be addressed to the President of the University of Tokyo and signed by a dean or higher-ranking university official.
Applicants should not substitute a general recommendation letter without checking these conditions.
All required documents must be complete and submitted through the designated application system.
How to Apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027
The application process involves graduate admission and a separate MEXT scholarship submission.
Step 1: Identify Your Graduate Programme
Visit the Graduate School of Science’s official website and review the available master’s and doctoral programmes.
Choose a department and research area that match your qualifications.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check the nationality, academic performance, age, language and residence requirements.
Applicants should also review the university’s conditions relating to previous scholarships and simultaneous applications.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Collect your transcripts, degree certificates, language evidence, recommendation letter and research plan.
Make sure the information in your documents is consistent and that all required signatures and formats are correct.
Step 4: Complete the Graduate Admission Application
Apply through the Graduate School of Science’s Special Selection for International Applicants.
For the relevant October 2026 round, the admission application period is 15–30 October 2026.
Step 5: Submit the Separate MEXT Application
After completing the required admission application, submit the MEXT scholarship documents through the university’s designated electronic form.
The university requires both applications to be completed within the prescribed deadline.
Scholarship applications sent by ordinary email are not accepted.
Step 6: Await the Selection Results
The Graduate School of Science conducts an initial assessment and identifies candidates for nomination.
Selected candidates then proceed through the University of Tokyo’s nomination process.
Finally, MEXT makes the official scholarship decision.
Step 7: Complete Enrollment and Travel Arrangements
Successful candidates must follow the university’s enrollment instructions and satisfy the immigration requirements for studying in Japan.
They should also arrange accommodation and prepare for their approved arrival period.
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 Deadline and Selection Timeline
The published application period for the Graduate School of Science University Recommendation opportunity is 15–30 October 2026, Japan Standard Time.
| Selection stage | Date or expected period |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 15 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Graduate school nomination results | Mid-February 2027 |
| University-level nomination results | April 2027 |
| Final MEXT decision | June 2027, tentative |
| Scholarship commencement | October 2027 |
Applicants should not wait until the final day to complete their submissions.
Furthermore, the university notes that the schedule and other arrangements may change following additional instructions from MEXT.
Important Changes to University Recommendation for 2027
Applicants should be aware of changes affecting MEXT University Recommendation at the University of Tokyo.
The university’s central scholarship information indicates that recruitment under the University Recommendation General Category is not expected to operate from academic year 2026 onward, although some other categories may remain available.
At the same time, the Graduate School of Science maintains a published 2027 scholarship selection page, while warning that its arrangements may change.
This means students should not assume that all graduate schools are offering the same scholarship.
Instead, confirm the latest scholarship information for the department and programme you intend to join.
Other Scholarship Opportunities in Japan for 2027
Students interested in studying in Japan should consider more than one funding opportunity.
Apart from the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship, private foundations also provide financial support to international graduate students.
For example, the Honjo International Scholarship 2027 in Japan supports eligible international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at Japanese graduate schools.
The Honjo programme offers monthly funding of up to ¥230,000, depending on the degree duration. However, it has different eligibility rules, language expectations and funding arrangements from MEXT.
Importantly, applicants must also check restrictions on holding multiple scholarships simultaneously before accepting any additional award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
The published Graduate School of Science scholarship covers tuition and enrollment fees, provides a monthly living allowance and offers eligible international airfare. Students must still budget for accommodation and other expenses not covered separately.
What is the application deadline?
The Graduate School of Science University Recommendation application period is 15–30 October 2026. Other application routes may have different deadlines.
Can Cameroonian and Nigerian students apply?
Eligible Cameroonian and Nigerian nationals may apply if they meet all the relevant scholarship and admission conditions.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not for every applicant. The Graduate School of Science accepts certain alternative evidence of English-language proficiency, including qualifying English-medium educational backgrounds.
Is Japanese-language proficiency required?
Applicants can meet the published scholarship language criteria through qualifying English or Japanese proficiency. However, individual academic programmes may have additional requirements.
Can I apply for a master’s degree?
Yes. The published Graduate School of Science opportunity includes eligible master’s applicants.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. Eligible doctoral applicants can also apply under the published Graduate School of Science arrangements.
Does admission guarantee a MEXT Scholarship?
No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate processes. A student may satisfy the university’s academic admission requirements without receiving a MEXT nomination or award.
How many scholarships are available?
The final number of nominations for the 2027 Graduate School of Science selection has not been confirmed.
Can I apply if I already live in Japan?
The published University Recommendation selection contains restrictions concerning applicants residing in Japan. Check the detailed non-eligibility conditions before applying.
Final Thoughts
The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 provides a valuable opportunity for outstanding international students seeking fully funded postgraduate education in Japan.
Eligible applicants can pursue master’s or doctoral studies while benefiting from tuition exemptions, monthly financial support and eligible travel assistance.
For the Graduate School of Science, applications are scheduled from 15 October to 30 October 2026.
However, scholarship places are limited, and the university’s arrangements remain subject to the relevant MEXT guidelines.
Prospective applicants should therefore verify their eligibility, identify an appropriate graduate programme and complete both the admission and scholarship applications within the official deadline.
Official Links
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science — MEXT Scholarship 2027: https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/scholarship.html
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science — International Graduate Admissions: https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/graduate.html
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