University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Government of Japan, invites applications from international students for postgraduate degrees (Master’s and Doctoral programs) at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo). Explore full tuition waivers, monthly stipends up to 145,000 JPY, and flight ticket coverage.
Scholarship Summary Table
| Host Country | Japan |
| Host University | The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) • 東京大学 |
| Funded By | Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) |
| Target Study Levels | Master’s Degree (2 Years), Doctoral / PhD Degree (3 Years), Research Student Track |
| Eligible Fields | Natural Sciences (Chemistry, Material Sciences, Physics, Biological Sciences), Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, Agriculture, Information Science & Technology |
| Application Period | University Recommendation Track: October − December (for October 2027 enrollment) |
| Application Portal | Official University of Tokyo Graduate Admissions Portal |
Scholarship Benefits & Complete Financial Coverage
The UTokyo MEXT Scholarship is one of the world’s most comprehensive government awards, covering all academic and living expenses:
100% Tuition Fee Exemption
Full waiver for admission fees, examination fees, and semester-wise university tuition fees at the University of Tokyo.
Monthly Living Allowance (Stipend)
144,000 JPY per month for Master’s students.
145,000 JPY per month for Doctoral (PhD) candidates.
(Subject to a 2,000−3,000 JPY regional cost-of-living increment in designated zones).
Free International Airfare
Round-trip economy class flights between your nearest international airport in your home country and Tokyo (Narita/Haneda).
Housing Support & University Dorms
Priority allocation for international student residences (UTokyo International Lodges) and accommodation guarantee assistance.
National Health Insurance (NHI)
Support for Japan’s National Health Insurance scheme, covering 70% of medical and clinical costs throughout your degree tenure.
Language & Research Infrastructure
Free Japanese language immersion classes and access to world-leading laboratory equipment and research facilities across campuses.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following baseline qualifications stipulated by the Ministry of Education (MEXT) and UTokyo:
- Nationality: Must hold citizenship of a country maintaining official diplomatic relations with Japan. (Japanese nationals are ineligible).
- Age Limit: Generally born on or after April 2, 1992 (under 35 years of age at the time of enrollment).
- Academic Background:
- For Master’s Program: 16 years of formal education (equivalent to a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or 3-year BSc + 1-year postgraduate bridge).
- For Doctoral (PhD) Program: A completed Master’s degree (MSc, MTech, MPhil) in a relevant scientific or technological discipline.
- Minimum Academic Standing (GPA): Minimum 2.30 out of 3.00 on the official MEXT GPA conversion scale over the preceding two academic years.
- Language Proficiency:
- English: CEFR B2 level or higher (e.g., TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS Academic 5.5+), OR an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your graduating university.
- Japanese (Optional): JLPT N2 or higher (required only if enrolling in Japanese-taught research programs).
Step-by-Step Application Procedure (University Track)
Follow this systematic procedure to apply for the University Recommendation track:
- 1Select Graduate School & Research Field
Visit the official UTokyo department directories (e.g., Graduate School of Science, School of Engineering, or Frontier Sciences) and identify laboratory focus areas matching your background.
- 2Contact a Prospective Faculty Supervisor
Email your prospective professor with a well-articulated CV, academic transcripts, and a concise 2-page Research Proposal. Obtain informal consent or an acceptance email confirming their willingness to host your thesis research.
- 3Prepare Official Documentation
Assemble prescribed MEXT forms, certified graduation certificates, letters of recommendation from deans/professors, English scores, and proof of research achievements (papers, abstracts).
- 4Submit via the UTokyo Admissions Portal
Upload your digital portfolio via the University of Tokyo T-cens online application portal within the stipulated departmental deadline.
- 5Screening, Interview & Final MEXT Endorsement
Shortlisted candidates undergo faculty interview panels. Following institutional approval, UTokyo forwards your recommendation to MEXT in Tokyo for final award endorsement and visa processing.
Official University of Tokyo Scholarship Portal
Review the department-specific application guidelines, supervisor databases, and downloadable MEXT forms directly on the university’s international affairs portal.
Visit UTokyo MEXT Official Portal →