University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommended)

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The University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommended) is a prestigious, fully funded graduate scholarship offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) through direct nomination by UTokyo.

This route allows outstanding international students to apply directly to the University of Tokyo for Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) programs — bypassing the Japanese embassy process. It’s one of the most competitive and rewarding scholarships in Asia, designed for students with exceptional academic and research potential.

Overview

Host Institution: The University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
Scholarship Provider: MEXT (Ministry of Education, Japan)
Program Level: Master’s and Doctoral (PhD)
Language of Instruction: English or Japanese (varies by program)
Duration: 2 years (Master’s), 3 years (Doctorate)
Application Route: University Recommendation
Deadline: Varies by Department

Scholarship Benefits

The University Recommended MEXT Scholarship covers all major academic and living costs, including:

Full tuition, admission, and application fee waiver
Monthly stipend:
- ¥144,000/month for Master’s students
- ¥145,000/month for Doctoral students
Round-trip airfare between your country and Japan
Accommodation & visa support
Health insurance coverage throughout your stay

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship (University Recommended), you must:

Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for Doctoral applicants)
Have an outstanding academic record and research potential
Be under 35 years of age as of April 1, 2026
Be in good health, both physically and mentally
Meet English or Japanese language proficiency requirements (depending on program)

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Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents via the University of Tokyo online portal:

Completed MEXT Application Form
Research Plan / Statement of Purpose
Official Transcripts and Degree Certificates
Two Letters of Recommendation
Proof of English (TOEFL/IELTS) or Japanese (JLPT) proficiency
Passport Copy or government-issued ID
Medical Certificate (UTokyo format)
Thesis Abstract (if applicable)

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Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Find a Prospective Supervisor
- Identify a professor at UTokyo aligned with your research interest.
- Contact them with your CV, transcripts, and research proposal.
Prepare & Submit Application to UTokyo
- Submit all required documents to your Graduate School office (usually between November and December 2025).
Internal Screening by UTokyo
- The University reviews your academic merit, research potential, and alignment with program goals.
Nomination to MEXT
- The University of Tokyo officially recommends shortlisted candidates to MEXT for final approval.
Final Result & Visa Process
- Successful candidates receive a final selection notice from MEXT (March–April 2026) and begin visa processing.

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