Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for Graduate Studies 2026 | Study Science and Engineering in Japan through the Prestigious MEXT Scholarship

Overview

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports outstanding international students who wish to pursue graduate studies in science and engineering fields at Science Tokyo through the International Graduate Program (A) (IGP(A)).
This scholarship offers fully funded support for a Master’s + Doctor (Integrated Doctoral Education Program) beginning in September 2026.
Applicants are recommended to MEXT by Science Tokyo under either the Priority or General scheme.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.

• Have an excellent academic record with a GPA of 2.30 or higher (out of 3.00) in their last degree program.

• Meet the academic and language requirements for the International Graduate Program (A).

• Be in good physical and mental health.

• Plan to arrive in Japan with a Student visa.

• Be under 35 years old at the time of enrollment (unless otherwise specified).

• Have a strong motivation for research and a desire to contribute to global scientific advancement.

Note: Applicants cannot hold Japanese nationality. Dual nationals must renounce Japanese citizenship before arriving in Japan.

Benefits

Scholarship recipients receive:

• Monthly stipend:

  • JPY 147,000 for Master’s students

  • JPY 148,000 for Doctoral students

• Full tuition and enrollment fee waiver by Science Tokyo.

• Travel expenses: Round-trip airfare between the home country and Japan (conditions apply).

• Entrance exam (application) fee reimbursement if allocated by MEXT.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Study under the International Graduate Program (A) at Science Tokyo.

• Integrated Master’s and Doctoral education.

• Advanced training in science and engineering disciplines.

• Two recommendation schemes:

  • Priority Scheme: Majority of nominees (75% or more) from MEXT-designated countries.

  • General Scheme: For applicants from MEXT-designated countries without priority slots.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Application form for the MEXT Scholarship (tentative format available).

• A recommendation letter from the Dean or an equivalent official of their home university, addressed to the President of Science Tokyo.

• English language proficiency proof, either:

  • IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or TOEIC L&R score taken within two years before January 1 of the enrollment year, or

  • A certificate showing that English was the medium of instruction in the previous degree.

• Official academic transcripts and certificates.

• Other required documents as specified by IGP(A) guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence (GPA and research capability).

• Research proposal quality and alignment with Science Tokyo programs.

• English language proficiency.

• Recommendation strength from the home institution.

• Potential for contribution to scientific research and innovation.

Application Process

1. Apply for the International Graduate Program (A) (IGP(A)) between mid-September and early December 2025.

2. Indicate interest in the MEXT Scholarship when submitting your IGP(A) application.

3. Submit all required documents before the deadline.

4. Science Tokyo will screen applicants and recommend top candidates to MEXT.

5. MEXT will make final selections and announce results by July–August 2026.

Important Dates

• Application Period: Mid-September – Early December 2025

• IGP(A) Admission Decision: March 2026

• MEXT Official Selection Announcement: July–August 2026

• Program Start Date: September 2026