If you’re applying for the 2026 Embassy Recommendation (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship for Research Students in Japan, getting a Certificate of Admission from your chosen university is one of the most important—and sometimes confusing—steps. This guide walks you through the entire process with clarity, useful tips, and official links to ensure you don’t miss anything!
Let’s make this smooth and successful for your future in Japan .
Step 1: Pass the Embassy Preliminary Examination First
Before you can request a Certificate of Admission from the University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Frontier Sciences – GSFS), you must pass the preliminary screening by the Japanese Embassy in your country.
Find your Japanese Embassy or Consulate: Embassy Locator – MOFA Japan
What is this screening? – It usually includes document submission, language exams, and an interview. Once selected, you’ll receive a Certificate of the Preliminary Examination Result—your golden ticket to approach universities.
Step 2: Choose Your Department & Contact a Supervisor
Once you pass the embassy stage:
- Explore the departments at GSFS, University of Tokyo.
- Find a faculty member whose research aligns with your field.
- Reach out via email (politely and professionally) asking if they can be your supervisor.
- Search Faculty Here: GSFS Faculty List
TIP: Keep your email concise. Attach your CV, research plan, and explain your research interests.
Step 3: Prepare & Submit Application Materials to GSFS ILO
If a professor agrees to supervise you, prepare the following:
| Required Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| (a) Certificate of Preliminary Exam Result | From Japanese Embassy |
| (b) Set of All Embassy Documents | Must be certified copies from the embassy |
| (c) GSFS Application Form | Use only the official form from GSFS site |
| (d) Letter(s) of Recommendation | Only needed if not already submitted in (b) |
| (e) Bachelor’s Transcript | Only needed if not already in (b) |
Important Reminder: Even if a professor agrees to supervise you, and you submit all documents, it does not guarantee admission. Final decisions are made by the GSFS Committee.
Step 4: How to Submit Your Documents
Preferably upload your documents via the online application link:
Upload Link: GSFS Online Submission Portal.
Step 5: Know the Deadline
Application Deadline: 17:00 (Tokyo time), Monday, September 1, 2025.
Step 6: When Will You Receive the Certificate of Admission?
Here’s when you can expect the result:
| Submission Date | Result Notification |
|---|---|
| By August 21, 2025 | On or after Sept 10, 2025 |
| After August 22, 2025 | On or after Sept 24, 2025 |
If successful, you will receive your Certificate of Admission, which you’ll submit to your local Japanese Embassy as part of the final MEXT nomination process.
Final Thoughts: Why This Step Matters?
The Certificate of Admission is not just a formality—it proves a Japanese university is ready to host and supervise your research. For MEXT 2026, it’s your bridge between diplomatic approval and academic opportunity.
Pro Tip: Act early. Professors receive multiple inquiries—stand out with a clear, well-aligned research plan and a respectful tone.
Ref: https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/assets/files/2_4%20Guideline_Research%20Student_E.pdf.
Full Guide: https://daadscholarship.com/japanese-government-mext-scholarship-2026-for-research-students/.