The Institute of Science and Technology, Tokyo (TITECH) is inviting applications for the 2027 MEXT Scholarships aimed at international students. This scholarship provides full funding for master’s and PhD programmes, covering tuition fees and air travel expenses, and offers a monthly stipend of JPY 148,000 for eligible candidates. The announcement details essential information regarding the opportunity, including application requirements, benefits, and the application process for interested and qualified students.
Application Deadline:
November 30, 2026
Tell Me About The Program:
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for Graduates (University Recommendation via Priority Scheme) is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan through Institute of Science Tokyo. Designed for international students pursuing science and engineering fields, the scholarship supports candidates admitted to the International Graduate Program (A) (IGP(A)), an Integrated Doctoral Education Program combining Master’s and Doctor’s degrees starting in September.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Science and Engineering fields (Note: Medicine, dentistry, health care sciences, and oral health care sciences are excluded from this application route).
Type:
Fully Funded Japanese Government Graduate Research & Degree Scholarship (University Recommendation – Priority Scheme)
Who can Apply:
- Nationality & Relations: Must hold the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan (excluding Japanese nationals, except for dual nationals willing to renounce Japanese nationality prior to arrival). At least 75% of nominees are chosen from countries designated by MEXT.
- Age Requirement: Must be 34 years old or younger as of April 1 of the first year of the MEXT Scholarship period.
- Academic Background: Must be a graduate of a university (or possess equivalent/superior academic ability) with an excellent academic record, achieving a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.30 or above (out of 3.00) in their last-attended degree program.
- Language Proficiency: Must possess English proficiency equivalent to CEFR level B2 or higher (e.g., via accepted score reports like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or TOEIC L&R with supporting evaluation, or via an English-medium degree certificate).
- Health & Status: Must be physically and mentally fit to pursue studies, able to arrive in Japan within two weeks of the start of the third quarter (late September), and eligible to obtain a “Student” visa.
- Exclusions: Active military personnel/civilian employees, past MEXT scholarship recipients (unless meeting specific 3-year return/work exceptions), applicants concurrently applying for other MEXT scholarships, or individuals already enrolled in Japan under “Student” status (unless applying through an eligible priority program accepting in-Japan residents) are ineligible.
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates apply for the MEXT Scholarship simultaneously with their application for the International Graduate Program (A) at Science Tokyo. Science Tokyo evaluates and recommends top candidates to MEXT under the Priority scheme, following which MEXT makes the final official selection and award announcement.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Countries with diplomatic relations with Japan (with preference/priority given to MEXT-designated target countries for at least 75% of nominees).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan.
How Many Fellows:
Allocated according to MEXT’s annual Priority scheme recommendation slots assigned to specific IGP(A) programs.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Monthly Stipend: Up to JPY 147,000 to 148,000 per month (JPY 147,000 for Master’s students; JPY 148,000 for Doctoral students).
- Tuition & Fees Waiver: Enrollment fees and tuition are fully waived by Science Tokyo; entrance examination fees are reimbursed if allocated the scholarship.
- Travel Expenses: Air tickets to and from Japan provided by MEXT under specified conditions.
How Long Will it Last:
- Master’s Program: Initial period of 2 years.
- Doctoral Extension: Extendable upon proceeding to a doctoral program, provided the student maintains a GPA of 2.50 or above out of 3.00 and meets renewal criteria.
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to the International Graduate Program (A) (IGP(A)) at Science Tokyo during the application window (mid-September to late November).
- Complete and submit the required scholarship materials alongside your IGP(A) application:
- Application Form for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (using the designated tentative format).
- A recommendation letter from the dean or equivalent official of your home university addressed to the President of Science Tokyo (free format).
- English language proficiency evidence (valid IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC L&R score report taken within the last two years, or an official certificate proving your previous degree program was taught entirely in English).
- Await the internal nomination results in March, followed by MEXT’s official announcement between July and August.
