The University of Tokyo has opened applications for the 2026 MEXT Scholarship, offering international students the chance to pursue higher education in Japan — entirely free of cost. The application process began on 15 October, 2025, allowing qualified candidates to apply for Master’s or PhD programmes.

What is MEXT?

The “MEXT” scholarship refers to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. Since 1954, the Japanese government has been offering this prestigious scholarship to students from over 160 countries. It is one of Japan’s most recognised and respected scholarship programmes, awarded to foster human resources who can serve as bridges of friendship between Japan and their home countries, and contribute to global development.

About the University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is a public research university, home to around 30,000 students across 10 faculties, including more than 2,000 international students. According to the QS World University Rankings, it currently ranks 24th globally and is the top university in Tokyo.

Eligibility criteria

• Minimum GPA of 2.30 (out of 3.0)
  
• Applicants must be born on or after 2 April, 1991
  
• Proficiency in English or Japanese is required
  
• Applicants must enter Japan with a “Student” visa on the designated date
  
• Those who have previously received a MEXT scholarship are not eligible
  
• Applicants currently residing or studying in Japan are ineligible
  

Scholarship benefits

• Monthly allowance:
  
  • Master’s: 144,000 yen
    
  • PhD: 145,000 yen
    
  • Additional 2,000–3,000 yen depending on research area
    
• Full tuition waiver
  
• Round-trip airfare between the nearest international airport in the applicant’s home country and Japan
  

Required documents

• Completed application form (available on the university’s website)
  
• Research plan and Statement of Purpose
  
• Dean’s recommendation letter
  
• Passport-sized photo
  
• Official academic transcript from the previous university
  
• Proof of language proficiency
  
• Thesis summary
  
• Certificate of graduation or expected graduation
  
• Copy of passport
  

Application process

1. Apply for admission to a Master’s or PhD programme at the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo.
   
2. Submit the required documents for the MEXT scholarship.
   
3. Applications must be submitted in English or Japanese.
   
4. Submit the tracking receipt after application submission.
   

Application Timeline

• Application opens: 15 October, 2025
  
• Deadline: 31 October, 2025
  

For more details and to apply, visit the official website of the University of Tokyo.

Also read: 

MEXT scholarship: All you need to know about the 7m yen Japanese scholarship