Institute of Science Tokyo MEXT Fully Funded Scholarship 2026 Cohort Announcement
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026 through the University Recommendation route has opened applications for international students aiming to pursue advanced studies in science and engineering fields at the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo).
This Japanese scholarship program for the cohort of 2026 at Institute of Science Tokyo —offered under Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)—provides comprehensive financial support, enabling global students to undertake their Master’s or Doctoral (Integrated) degrees starting in September 2026 without financial burden.
A Prestigious Pathway for International Scholars
The MEXT Scholarship is one of the most competitive and globally recognized awards for postgraduate study in Japan. Each year, Science Tokyo recommends a limited number of top-performing candidates for nomination to MEXT.
Applicants must apply through the International Graduate Program (A), known as IGP(A)—a fully English-taught degree track designed for students pursuing research in science and engineering.
Under this route, there are two schemes for recommendation—Priority and General—depending on the availability of MEXT-allocated slots for each program. Applicants do not choose the scheme themselves; it depends on the program they apply to.
The Priority Scheme primarily benefits students from MEXT-designated countries, where at least 75% of nominees must belong to eligible nations. On the other hand, the General Scheme is applicable for programs without Priority slots, though eligibility may still be limited to designated countries.
Degrees and Admission Period
Applicants may pursue either of the following degrees:
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree (Integrated Doctoral Education Program)
All programs begin in September 2026, aligning with the academic calendar of the International Graduate Program (A) at Science Tokyo.
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The MEXT Scholarship at Institute of science Tokyo covers nearly every cost associated with graduate study in Japan. Successful applicants receive:
- Monthly Stipend: ¥147,000 for Master’s students and ¥148,000 for Doctoral students to cover living expenses.
- Full Tuition and Fees Waiver: Science Tokyo fully exempts tuition and enrollment fees, while the entrance application fee is reimbursed for candidates officially allocated to the university by MEXT.
- Travel Expenses: MEXT provides round-trip airfare from the recipient’s home country to Japan under specific conditions.
- Scholarship Duration: Covers the entire standard period of study for the respective degree.
Recipients under the Priority Scheme must maintain an annual GPA of at least 2.30 out of 3.00 to remain eligible for funding.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Intake
To be considered for recommendation, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country maintaining diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Academic Background: Applicants for the Master’s program must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; those for the Doctoral program must hold a Master’s degree.
- Field of Study: Limited to disciplines within science and engineering. Applicants for medicine, dentistry, or health-related fields should apply through separate channels.
- Age Requirement: Candidates should have been born on or after April 2, 1990, ensuring alignment with MEXT’s upper age limit (to be reconfirmed in November 2025).
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove English proficiency through a valid test score (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or TOEIC L&R taken within two years before January 2026) or by submitting a certificate showing that their most recent degree was taught entirely in English.
- Health: Applicants must be medically fit to pursue academic work in Japan.
- Visa Requirement: All recipients must enter Japan on a “Student” visa and retain this status during their studies.
Scholarship Duration and Extension Policy
The scholarship initially covers two (02) years for Master’s studies. For students enrolled in Integrated Doctoral Education Programs, an extension of funding is possible when progressing to the Doctoral phase—provided that they maintain a GPA of 2.50 or higher and meet all academic performance requirements.
Under the General Scheme, however, extensions are competitive and depend on academic excellence and limited availability.
Failure to uphold academic standards, maintain student visa status, or abide by university regulations can lead to immediate termination of scholarship benefits.
Application Requirements and Procedure
Candidates must first apply for admission to IGP(A) at Science Tokyo, simultaneously submitting additional documents for MEXT consideration. The following materials are required:
-
Application Form for MEXT Scholarship (Tentative Format):
Applicants must initially submit the provisional version before MEXT releases the final form. Once the new version becomes available, candidates may be asked to resubmit. -
Recommendation Letter:
A formal letter issued by the Dean (or equivalent authority) of the applicant’s home university, addressed to the President of Science Tokyo.
The letter may be co-signed or confirmed by the Dean if written by the applicant’s academic supervisor. -
Proof of English Proficiency:
Applicants must submit a test score report or English-medium certificate demonstrating proficiency. Those submitting TOEIC L&R results may need to verify writing and speaking abilities through an interview or additional submissions.
Application Timeline for Fall 2026 Entry
The official timeline for the MEXT University Recommendation process at Science Tokyo is as follows:
- Mid-September to Late November 2025: Application period for IGP(A).
- November 2025: MEXT announces eligibility criteria and allocation of Priority Scheme slots.
- Early March 2026: Science Tokyo finalizes admission decisions and nominates scholarship candidates to MEXT.
- July–August 2026: MEXT announces final scholarship recipients.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible to ensure full consideration.
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