The 2027 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship at the Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for outstanding international students who wish to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Japan.
The scholarship is part of the Japanese Government’s MEXT programme and is administered through a university recommendation process. For the 2027 intake, the Graduate School of Science is accepting applications from international students with strong academic records who intend to begin a Master’s or Doctoral programme in October 2027.
Successful recipients receive a monthly scholarship allowance, exemption from enrollment and tuition fees, and airfare to and from Japan under the conditions specified by MEXT. The scholarship also provides support for the standard duration of the selected graduate programme.
📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | 2027 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship |
| Institution / Organisation | Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo |
| Country | Japan |
| Study Level | Master’s and Doctoral |
| Programme | Graduate programmes at the Graduate School of Science |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | International students with outstanding academic records |
| Duration | Master’s: 2 years; Doctoral: 3 years |
| Expected Start | October 2027 |
| Monthly Allowance | 2027 amount to be determined; 2026 actual amount was ¥144,000/month for Master’s and ¥145,000/month for Doctoral |
| Tuition / Enrollment Fees | Exempted |
| Airfare | Economy-class airfare under MEXT conditions |
| Application Period | October 15–30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) |
| Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Application | Online |
The University of Tokyo states that the number of candidates it can nominate will be finalized after the application period. In the previous round, the Graduate School of Science could nominate up to one applicant and the University of Tokyo could nominate up to three applicants to MEXT.
📌 About the MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship is a Japanese Government scholarship programme designed to support international students studying in Japan.
Under the University Recommendation route, the applicant first applies to the university or graduate school where they wish to study. The Graduate School of Science conducts its preliminary selection, the University of Tokyo conducts a further university-wide selection, and the final scholarship decision is made by MEXT.
For the 2027 University Recommended scholarship at the Graduate School of Science, applicants must first complete the relevant admission application for the Master’s or Doctoral programme and then submit the MEXT scholarship application within the specified period. Both applications must be completed before the deadline for the scholarship application to count.
💰 What Does the MEXT Scholarship Cover?
The 2027 monthly stipend has not yet been determined. The University of Tokyo gives the following 2026 actual amounts as a reference:
- 💵 ¥144,000 per month for Master’s students
- 💵 ¥145,000 per month for Doctoral students
- ➕ An additional ¥2,000 or ¥3,000 per month may apply for students studying or researching in designated regions
- 🎓 Enrollment fees are exempted
- 📚 Tuition fees are exempted
- ✈️ Economy-class airfare to Japan under MEXT’s specified conditions
- ✈️ Return airfare under the conditions specified by MEXT after completion of the scholarship period
The University of Tokyo specifically states that the 2027 stipend amount is still to be determined, so applicants should not assume that the 2026 amounts will remain unchanged.
The scholarship does not necessarily cover every travel-related expense. For example, certain domestic transportation, airport taxes, insurance and baggage costs are the recipient’s responsibility.
🎓 What Programme / Courses Does It Support?
The scholarship supports Master’s and Doctoral programmes at the Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo.
The Graduate School of Science includes fields such as:
- 🔬 Physics
- 🌌 Astronomy
- 🌍 Earth and Planetary Science
- 🧪 Chemistry
- 🧬 Biological Sciences
Applicants must choose a field related to their previous university studies and one that they can conduct research in at their chosen host university in Japan.
The specific admission requirements can differ between departments, so applicants should carefully check the requirements of their intended department before applying.
👤 Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for international students with outstanding academic records who wish to enter Japan in October 2027 as new Master’s or Doctoral students at the Graduate School of Science. Applicants must also complete the relevant admission application for the graduate programme.
Applicants should meet the required:
- Academic qualifications
- Academic performance requirements
- Language requirements
- Nationality conditions
- Age requirement
- Graduate admission requirements
- Health and arrival requirements
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes. Nigerian applicants can apply if they meet the scholarship and Graduate School of Science admission requirements.
The scholarship requires applicants to hold the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with the Japanese government. Nigeria falls within this eligibility framework. Applicants must also satisfy the academic, language and other requirements of the programme.
Nigerian applicants should therefore prepare their academic documents and verify all requirements carefully before submitting the application.
🌍 Eligible Countries
The University of Tokyo does not provide a specific list of eligible countries on the scholarship page. Instead, it states that applicants must be nationals of a country that has diplomatic relations with the Japanese government.
Applicants who hold Japanese nationality at the time of application are generally ineligible under this scholarship route.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following important requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Applicants must have the qualifications required for admission to the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science.
- Applicants who have already completed their latest degree must have a final grade point of at least 2.30 under the MEXT calculation method.
- Current students must have a grade point of at least 2.30 in their current courses and be expected to maintain the same academic standard during the scholarship period.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must, in principle, have been born on or after April 2, 1992.
Nationality
- Applicants must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Japanese nationals are generally not eligible at the time of application.
Language Requirements
Applicants must satisfy one of the approved English or Japanese language conditions.
English:
- CEFR B2 or above, such as TOEFL iBT 72 or above or IELTS 5.5 or above; or
- Completion of an educational programme whose primary language of instruction was English and which satisfies the Graduate School’s admission requirements.
Japanese:
- JLPT N2 or higher; or
- Completion of an educational programme whose primary language of instruction was Japanese and which satisfies the Graduate School’s admission requirements.
Other Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Be physically and mentally healthy enough to study in Japan.
- Be able to arrive in Japan within the period specified by MEXT and the University.
- Obtain the appropriate Student visa/status.
- Intend to enter a regular degree-seeking programme.
- Meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School of Science.
📅 Important Application Information
Application Period
October 15 to October 30, 2026
The application must be submitted during this period according to Japan Standard Time (JST).
Important Admission Requirement
Applicants must complete the relevant Graduate School of Science admission application as well as the MEXT scholarship application.
The University of Tokyo states that both applications must be completed before the scholarship deadline for the application to be counted.
Scholarship Duration
- Master’s: October 2027 – September 2029
- Doctoral: October 2027 – September 2030
Selection Timeline
According to the University of Tokyo:
- Mid-February 2027: Graduate School of Science nominees notified
- April 2027: University of Tokyo selection-stage nominees notified
- June 2027 (tentative): Official MEXT scholarship results announced
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the academic, age, nationality, language and Graduate School of Science admission requirements.
Step 2: Choose Your Graduate Programme
Select an appropriate Master’s or Doctoral programme and research field related to your previous academic background.
Step 3: Complete the Graduate Admission Application
Apply for admission to the Graduate School of Science through the applicable international applicant admission process. The University requires applicants to complete the admission application before submitting the MEXT scholarship application.
Step 4: Prepare the MEXT Documents
Prepare the required scholarship documents, including the application form, research plan, recommendation letter, transcripts, language proof and other required documents.
Step 5: Submit the MEXT Scholarship Application
Upload the required documents through the designated online application form between October 15 and October 30, 2026.
Email submissions are not accepted for the MEXT electronic application.
Step 6: Wait for the Selection Process
The Graduate School of Science conducts its preliminary selection before nominees proceed to the University of Tokyo selection and ultimately MEXT’s final screening.
📄 Documents to Prepare
The University of Tokyo lists the following MEXT application documents:
- 📄 MEXT Scholarship application form
- 📝 Field of Study and Research Plan
- ✉️ Letter of recommendation from a dean or above
- 📸 Recent passport-type photograph
- 📚 Official transcript from the last university/graduate school attended
- 🌐 Proof of language ability, such as TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT or an acceptable language-of-education certificate
- 📑 Abstract of graduation thesis
- 🎓 Official statement of graduation or expected graduation
- 🛂 Copy of passport photo page
The recommendation letter must be addressed to “the President of the University of Tokyo,” printed on the applicant’s university letterhead and signed by a dean or higher-ranking official.
Applicants should also review the separate Graduate School admission requirements because additional documents may be required depending on the department and degree programme.
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship offers several important advantages for qualified international students:
- 💰 Monthly financial support
- 🎓 Exemption from enrollment fees
- 📚 Exemption from tuition fees
- ✈️ International airfare under MEXT conditions
- 🔬 Opportunity to study at one of Japan’s leading research universities
- 🌏 International academic and research exposure
- 🧪 Access to advanced scientific research environments
- 🎓 Support for a Master’s or Doctoral degree
The Graduate School of Science emphasizes research-based graduate education, with Master’s programmes normally lasting two years and Doctoral programmes three years.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The University Recommended MEXT Scholarship provides a monthly allowance, exemption from enrollment and tuition fees, and airfare under the conditions specified by MEXT. However, applicants should understand that certain personal, local travel and other expenses are not covered.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Nigerian applicants can apply if they meet the nationality, academic, language and Graduate School of Science admission requirements.
What degree does the scholarship support?
It supports Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes at the Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The 2027 amount has not yet been determined. For reference, the actual 2026 amounts were ¥144,000 per month for Master’s students and ¥145,000 per month for Doctoral students.
Is tuition covered?
Yes. Enrollment and tuition fees are exempted for MEXT scholarship recipients.
Do I need English or Japanese proficiency?
Yes. Applicants must satisfy one of the approved English or Japanese language requirements, unless they qualify through an accepted language-of-education route.
Can I apply without applying for admission?
No. Applicants must complete the relevant Graduate School of Science admission application as well as the MEXT scholarship application.
What is the deadline?
The MEXT scholarship application period is October 15 to October 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time).
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Start preparing your documents well before October 2026.
- Carefully check the requirements of your intended department.
- Make sure your previous field of study is related to your proposed research field.
- Prepare a strong and realistic research plan.
- Contact potential supervisors where required by your department.
- Arrange your recommendation letter early because it has specific requirements.
- Check your language qualification carefully.
- Complete both the graduate admission and MEXT applications.
- Upload all documents before the deadline.
- Use only the official University of Tokyo application channels.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying after the October 30 deadline.
- Submitting only the scholarship application without completing the required graduate admission application.
- Using an unofficial application website.
- Submitting incomplete documents.
- Providing a recommendation letter that does not meet the specified requirements.
- Ignoring the required language proficiency conditions.
- Choosing a research field unrelated to their academic background.
- Assuming the 2026 stipend amount is guaranteed for 2027.
- Sending the MEXT electronic application by email instead of using the designated online form.
- Providing false or inconsistent information.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The 2027 University Recommended MEXT Scholarship at the University of Tokyo is a strong opportunity for international students seeking a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Japan with substantial financial support.
The scholarship is particularly suitable for applicants with strong academic records, relevant academic backgrounds and clear research interests in the sciences. Nigerian applicants who meet the requirements can also apply.
If you are interested, the most important step is to begin preparing your graduate admission and MEXT scholarship documents early because both application processes must be completed within the required period.
🔗 Official Application
🔗 Official Application Link:
Apply Here – University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027📅 Application Deadline:
October 30, 2026
Application Period: October 15–30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)
Important: Applicants should always check the official University of Tokyo website before applying because requirements, application dates, scholarship amounts and programme details can change.