Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in Japan? The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 offers eligible international students an opportunity to study at one of Japan’s leading universities with financial support from the Japanese government.
The scholarship is funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Depending on the graduate school and scholarship category, successful applicants may receive a monthly stipend, tuition exemption, exemption from entrance fees and round-trip airfare.
The University of Tokyo has several graduate schools offering programmes in science, engineering and other academic fields. However, scholarship opportunities and application deadlines differ by graduate school. You must check the requirements for your intended department before applying.
For applicants targeting the October 2027 intake, some graduate schools have an application deadline of October 30, 2026. Other departments may use different dates or application procedures.
University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027: Overview
Important: The October 30 deadline is not a universal deadline for every graduate school or MEXT scholarship category at the University of Tokyo.
What Does the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides financial support to eligible students selected under the relevant MEXT scheme.
1. Monthly Stipend
Successful scholarship recipients receive a monthly allowance under the applicable MEXT regulations. The amount depends on the scholarship category and level of study.
This allowance helps students cover living expenses while studying in Japan.
2. Tuition Fees
Eligible MEXT scholarship recipients receive tuition-fee support in accordance with the scholarship regulations.
3. Entrance Fees
The applicable scholarship arrangements cover the university entrance fee for eligible recipients.
4. Round-Trip Airfare
Eligible scholarship recipients may receive economy-class international airfare between their home country and Japan, subject to MEXT’s travel rules and conditions.
Applicants should read the scholarship guidelines carefully to understand the approved travel arrangements.
Please note: These benefits apply to students selected under the relevant MEXT scholarship scheme. Admission to the University of Tokyo does not automatically mean that you will receive a MEXT scholarship.
Available Graduate Schools and Departments
The University of Tokyo has multiple graduate schools, but their scholarship arrangements are not identical.
The following are examples of departments and graduate schools where applicants can investigate opportunities for 2027.
1. Graduate School of Science
The Graduate School of Science offers programmes in several scientific disciplines, including:
Applicants interested in scientific research should check the Graduate School of Science admission page for the relevant programme, eligibility requirements and MEXT scholarship instructions.
2. Department of Civil Engineering
Applicants interested in civil engineering and related areas can investigate the Department of Civil Engineering’s international graduate programmes.
Check the department’s official admission information for available programmes, scholarship arrangements and the application route that applies to your intended intake.
3. Other Graduate Schools
The University of Tokyo also has graduate schools and departments covering areas such as engineering, information science, agriculture, medicine, economics, education and other disciplines.
However, do not assume that every department offers the same MEXT scholarship opportunity for October 2027. Some university-recommended scholarship categories may be unavailable or may have different conditions.
Contact the graduate school directly to confirm whether it is accepting applications for your intended programme.
Who Can Apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship category and graduate school. Applicants should check the official guidelines before preparing their applications.
The general requirements may include the following.
1. Nationality
Applicants must meet the nationality requirements of the applicable MEXT scholarship category. The university-recommended programme generally targets eligible international students rather than Japanese nationals.
2. Academic Qualifications
Applicants seeking admission to a Master’s programme normally need a recognised bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants seeking admission to a PhD programme generally need a relevant master’s degree or an equivalent qualification, subject to the programme’s admission rules.
3. Academic Performance
Applicants must meet the academic requirements specified by MEXT and the graduate school.
The exact grading requirements and calculation method should be checked in the official scholarship guidelines. Do not rely on a general CGPA figure without confirming how it applies to your academic record.
4. Age Requirements
MEXT scholarship schemes can have age restrictions. The applicable age limit and the date used to calculate age depend on the official scholarship regulations.
Check the guidelines for the 2027 intake to confirm whether you qualify.
5. English or Japanese Language Requirements
Language requirements depend on the graduate school and the programme.
Some programmes taught in English may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, including proof that your previous degree was taught in English. Other programmes may require a specific test or additional evidence.
IELTS is not automatically waived for every University of Tokyo MEXT applicant. Contact the department to confirm which language documents it accepts.
6. University Admission Requirements
You must satisfy the admission requirements for your chosen graduate school, including any entrance examination, interview, research proposal or supervisor-related requirements.
Meeting the scholarship’s basic conditions does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.
Required Application Documents
The required documents differ by department and scholarship category. Applicants may be asked to provide the following:
Prepare clear, complete documents and follow the instructions for file format, translation and certification.
Do not submit this list without checking the official checklist for your specific programme. Some departments may request additional documents or use a different application procedure.
How to Apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027
Follow these steps to investigate and apply for the scholarship.
Step 1: Choose Your Graduate School
Identify the graduate school and department offering the programme you want to study.
Make sure the programme matches your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Check the MEXT Scholarship Route
Visit the university’s official MEXT scholarship page and the website of your chosen graduate school.
Confirm whether your department is accepting applications for a university-recommended MEXT scholarship for the October 2027 intake.
Some applicants may need to follow a different route, such as the Embassy Recommendation scheme.
Step 3: Read the Official Application Guidelines
Download the latest application guidelines for your department.
Check the eligibility criteria, academic requirements, age restrictions, language requirements, required documents and deadline.
Step 4: Contact the Graduate School
If the instructions require you to contact a supervisor or the graduate school office, follow that procedure before submitting your application.
Do not assume that contacting a professor alone counts as a completed scholarship application.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your academic transcripts, certificates, research plan, recommendation letter and other required documents.
Make sure your research proposal is relevant to your chosen department and can be supported by its academic staff.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Complete the online application or follow the submission process specified by the graduate school.
Some departments use their own online systems, and the application route may differ by programme.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Results
The university and MEXT will assess applications under the applicable selection process.
Applicants may need to complete additional admission requirements or confirm their intention to enrol if selected.
A successful application does not guarantee a scholarship until the required selection and approval stages are complete.
What Is the Application Deadline?
The supplied announcement gives October 30, 2026, as the deadline for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027.
Official University of Tokyo information confirms that October 30 is a deadline for certain graduate-school application routes. For example, the Graduate School of Science lists an application period from October 15 to October 30, 2026, for applicants seeking admission in April or October 2027.
However, other departments have different schedules, and some university-recommended MEXT scholarship categories may not be offered in the 2027 academic year.
If you intend to apply, check your department’s official page immediately. Do not assume that an application is still open simply because another graduate school has a later deadline.
Official Application Links
Use these official University of Tokyo pages to check the latest requirements.
1. University of Tokyo – MEXT Scholarship Information
Read the university’s general explanation of the Japanese government scholarship and its application routes.
2. Graduate School of Science – MEXT Scholarship
Check scholarship details and application dates for eligible science programmes.
3. Department of Civil Engineering – Admissions
Review admission information and scholarship routes for civil engineering programmes.
The official links are provided below in the source section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Eligible MEXT scholarship recipients may receive a monthly stipend, tuition support, entrance-fee support and round-trip airfare under the applicable rules. The exact benefits depend on the scholarship category and official conditions.
2. Can students from Ghana apply?
Applicants from Ghana may be eligible if they meet the nationality, academic and other requirements of the relevant MEXT scholarship route. Check the programme guidelines and confirm any country-specific requirements.
3. Is IELTS required?
Not necessarily. Some programmes may accept proof that your previous degree was taught in English, but requirements differ. Confirm the accepted evidence with your chosen graduate school.
4. Can I apply for a PhD?
Some University of Tokyo graduate schools offer doctoral programmes under applicable MEXT scholarship routes. You must meet the programme’s academic requirements and confirm that the scholarship is available for your intended department and intake.
5. Can I apply directly to MEXT through the University of Tokyo?
For the university-recommended route, you apply through the relevant graduate school or department. The university conducts its selection and recommends eligible candidates to MEXT. Embassy Recommendation follows a separate application process through the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate.
6. Is October 30, 2026, the deadline for every department?
No. Deadlines vary by graduate school, programme and scholarship route. Always follow the official deadline for your chosen department.
7. Does admission to the University of Tokyo guarantee a scholarship?
No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions, and scholarship funding is competitive.
Final Thoughts
The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027 may provide a valuable opportunity for international students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan.
The most important step is to identify the right graduate school and confirm whether it offers a suitable MEXT scholarship route for your intended intake.
Prepare your academic documents, research plan and other required materials early. Most importantly, check the official department deadline and language requirements before applying.
Scholarship arrangements can change between academic years, so rely on the current official guidelines rather than assuming that every programme follows the same rules.
