Study in Japan for Free: University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan. Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT), this fully funded scholarship is available for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs at UTokyo.

The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly allowance, and round-trip airfare. Applicants must not be residing or studying in Japan, and must not be receiving any other scholarship. The University of Tokyo is Japan’s top university and ranks 24th globally (QS Rankings). With a strong reputation for academic excellence and research, it’s an ideal place to pursue graduate studies. This is a great opportunity to study in Japan for free under one of the most prestigious scholarships. Similar MEXT scholarships are also offered by other institutions like APU and Tokyo Institute of Technology.

Benefits of the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship

• Students will receive a monthly allowance (the amount for AY2026 is not decided yet, below is the AY2025 amount as an example):
• 144,000 yen per month for Master’s Program
• 145,000 yen per month for the Doctoral Program
• Furthermore, an additional stipend of 2,000 or 3,000 yen per month may be added to some research students.
• The traveling cost will be covered according to the designated route, an economy class ticket from the airport nearest the residence. MEXT will not cover any cost of local travel expenses and baggage expenses.
• The successful applicants’ enrolment and the successful students’ tuition fees will be exempted.
• The fully funded MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship 2026 is an opportunity to experience Japanese culture and Study in Japan for free

Check: Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2026 in Japan | Fully Funded

Eligibility Criteria for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship

• The Graduate School of Science will nominate the number of applicants to the University of Tokyo.
• Graduated international students must have a grade point of 2.30/ higher.
• International students who are currently doing their graduation should have a grade point of 2.30/higher in their recent courses to be eligible for the MEXT Japan Scholarship 2026.
• Applicants must have an excellent academic record.
• They must belong to one of the countries stated in the list below to apply for the University of Tokyo MEXT scholarship 2026 in Japan.
• Applicants must be born after April 2, 1991.
• Furthermore, they should have completed the prerequisite education for a master’s and PhD in the exact or related field they are applying for.
• Students must be proficient in the English language or Japanese; check the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship requirements on the official website.
• Applicants should enter Japan with a resident status of “Student.” They must have obtained the visa before traveling to Japan.
• Applicants must be physically and mentally fit for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan.
• Applicants must arrive in Japan on the specified date by their university.
• The former scholarship holder is not eligible for the University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship.

Required Documents

• Application form (download from official website).
• Research plan and field of Study (download from official website).
• Letter of recommendation from the Dean.
• Passport photo.
• Official transcript from the university attended last.
• Language proficiency score.
• Abstract of the thesis.
• Official statement of graduation expected (for students expected to graduate after applying).
• Copy of passport.
• The documents must be in Japanese or English; A4 format using MS Word must be duplex printing. If the documents are in another language, they should be accompanied by a translation.
• The documents will not be returned; if the application is submitted after the deadline, it will not be accepted. The application will be rejected if the application or necessary documents are not complete or correct.
• The MEXT Japanese scholarship 2026 will not cover travel expenses if the applicant reaches Japan after or before the designated time. If they cannot travel during the specified period, they should decline the scholarship if the students arrive without a newly obtained visa.