Japan has opened one of its most prestigious fully funded research pathways for the 2026–2027 academic cycle. Tokushima University is now accepting applications for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026 under the University Recommendation – Research Students (General Category), offering international graduates a direct, university-nominated route to conduct advanced research in Japan.
What type of opportunity is this?
This is a fully funded Japanese government scholarship designed for international students who want to pursue research-based study in Japan before progressing to a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship is awarded through university recommendation, meaning applicants are first screened and nominated by Tokushima University and then finally approved by MEXT.
Who is this opportunity for?
This opportunity is ideal for international bachelor’s or master’s degree holders who plan to work closely with a Japanese academic supervisor, develop a structured research plan, and immerse themselves in Japan’s research ecosystem during the 2026–2027 academic period.
Availability for the 2026–2027 cohort
The MEXT University Recommendation (Research Students) Scholarship is available for Academic Year 2026, covering research enrollment that typically begins in October 2026 or April 2027, making it fully aligned with the 2026–2027 cohort.
What does the MEXT Scholarship offer?
Selected scholars under this program receive comprehensive support from the Japanese government, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage at Tokushima University
- Monthly living stipend funded by MEXT
- Support for academic research under a Japanese supervisor
- Access to university research facilities and laboratories
- A structured pathway to transition into a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Japan
- Official nomination by the university to Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT)
This scholarship strongly emphasizes research quality, academic mentorship, and international collaboration.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are generally eligible for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 under the University Recommendation category if they are non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background and hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or are expected to graduate before the start of the scholarship period.
Candidates must present a clear and well-defined research proposal that aligns with Tokushima University’s academic and research fields and must obtain prior consent from a prospective academic supervisor at the university before applying. All application documents must be prepared in either English or Japanese in accordance with the official guidelines.
Applicants are also required to meet Japanese health and visa requirements, which may include pre-entry tuberculosis screening depending on nationality. Those who fail to meet the stated eligibility conditions will not be nominated by Tokushima University.
Application Process Overview
Applicants must consult and coordinate directly with a prospective academic supervisor or the relevant faculty at Tokushima University. The university conducts an internal screening and nominates selected candidates to MEXT. The final scholarship decision is made by MEXT after committee review.
Apply: https://www.isc.tokushima-u.ac.jp/english/scholarships/4872/
The application deadline for the MEXT Scholarship 2026 (University Recommendation – Research Students) at Tokushima University is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Since several documents must be prepared by the academic supervisor, applicants are strongly advised to complete and submit their materials by the end of December 2025.