The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) offers prestigious scholarships to international students seeking to pursue graduate studies at the newly established Institute of Science Tokyo. While applications for the 2025 program have closed, prospective students can begin preparing for the 2026 fall program, with applications opening in September 2025.
Note: The Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University merged to establish the Institute of Science Tokyo on October 1, 2024.
MEXT Scholarship Overview
The MEXT Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities for international students in Japan. The Institute of Science Tokyo recommends scholarship candidates from among applicants to the International Graduate Program (A) (IGP(A)). There are two recommendation schemes: Priority and General, each with different eligibility conditions and qualification requirements for scholarship extension.
Key Information
Application Period: Mid-September to early December of the year prior to intended enrollment
Program: International Graduate Program (A)
Degree: Master + Doctor (Integrated Doctoral Education Program)
Admission: September
Monthly Stipend: Up to JPY 148,000
Duration: Within the standard period for program completion
Recommendation Schemes
Priority Scheme
Some IGP(A) programs have recommendation slots under the Priority scheme. While anyone meeting the qualifications can apply, 75% or more of nominees are chosen from countries designated by MEXT. Students recommended under this scheme must maintain a grade point average of 2.30 or above each year to retain their scholarship.
General Scheme
Applicants for IGP(A) programs without Priority scheme slots may be recommended under the General scheme. For the 2024 academic year, only applicants from MEXT-designated countries were eligible for this scheme. Extension of the scholarship under this scheme is not guaranteed and is granted to a limited number of students based on academic achievements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MEXT Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Excellence: Demonstrated excellent academic achievement with a grade point average of 2.30 (out of 3.00) or above in the last-attended degree program
Nationality: Must have nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan. Japanese nationals are generally not eligible, with some exceptions for dual citizens
Age: In principle, must be 34 years old or younger as of April 1 of the first year of the scholarship period
Academic Background: Must be a graduate of a Japanese university or have equivalent academic ability
Field of Study: Must be in the same field the applicant majored in at university or a related field
Language Proficiency: Must possess English proficiency equivalent to CEFR level B2 or higher, or have completed education in English, or be determined by Science Tokyo to have equivalent proficiency
Health: Must be physically and mentally able to pursue studies in Japan
Arrival in Japan: Must be able to arrive in Japan within two weeks of the start date (late September or early October)
Visa: Must obtain a "Student" visa from a Japanese diplomatic mission in their country of nationality
Non-Eligibility Conditions
Certain individuals are not eligible for the scholarship, including:
Military personnel or civilian military employees
Those unable to arrive in Japan by the specified date
Previous MEXT Scholarship recipients (with some exceptions)
Those concurrently applying for other MEXT Scholarships
Those already enrolled at Japanese universities as international students (with some exceptions)
Those unable to satisfy academic background requirements by the required date
Dual nationals who cannot verify renunciation of Japanese nationality
Those planning long-term research outside Japan or long-term leave from Science Tokyo
Those with no intention of obtaining a degree
Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT Scholarship provides comprehensive support to recipients:
Monthly Stipend: JPY 147,000 for master's students; JPY 148,000 for doctoral students
Education Fees: Enrollment fee and tuition waived by Science Tokyo; entrance examination fee reimbursed if allocated to Science Tokyo by MEXT
Travel Expenses: Air tickets to/from Japan provided by MEXT under certain conditions
Scholarship Period
The initial scholarship period is for two years of the master's program. Students accepted to integrated doctoral education programs may apply for an extension when proceeding to a doctoral program, provided they maintain a grade point average of 2.50 or above out of 3.00 in the master's program and satisfy certain criteria.
Application Process
Applicants must follow the application guidelines for IGP(A) and submit additional materials during the application procedures:
Application Form for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Recommendation letter from the dean or equivalent official of the applicant's home university addressed to the President of Institute of Science Tokyo
Materials showing English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC L&R, or certificate showing English as medium of instruction)
Application Timeline
Mid-September to late November: Application period for IGP(A)
November: MEXT's official announcement on qualifications and conditions; decision on allocation of Priority scheme slots
Early March: IGP(A) admission decision and recommendation of scholarship candidates from Science Tokyo to MEXT
July to August: Official announcement of successful scholarship candidates by MEXT
The MEXT Scholarship represents an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue graduate studies in Japan with comprehensive financial support. Recipients are expected to contribute to mutual understanding between Japan and their home countries during their studies and after graduation.
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