Institute of Science Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2026

Omran Aburayya
Oct 11, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

If you are an ambitious student in science or

engineering aiming for graduate study in Japan, the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship via University Recommendation at the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo, formed by the merger of Tokyo Tech and Tokyo Medical & Dental University) offers a top-tier pathway. This fully funded award supports outstanding candidates through a Master’s or integrated Master’s–Doctoral education under the International Graduate Program A (IGP(A)). Apply in fall 2025 for entry in September/October 2026 — here’s everything you need to know.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

Location: Tokyo, Japan (Institute of Science Tokyo)
Study level: Master’s or Integrated Master’s + Doctoral (IGP(A))
Target group: International students in science & engineering fields
Fields / eligible programmes: Science & Engineering disciplines under IGP(A)
Value & coverage:
- Monthly stipend: JPY 147,000 (Master’s) / JPY 148,000 (Doctoral)
- Tuition & enrollment fees: Fully waived (tuition & entrance exam fees reimbursed)
- Travel expenses: Round-trip airfare from home country (under conditions)
Duration: Up to standard period for degree (2 years for Master’s; extension into PhD for integrated path possible)
Application period: Mid-September to late November (IGP(A) application)
Decision announcements: University admission results in early March; MEXT final results in July–August
Start date: September / early October 2026

📚 Scholarship Overview

The International Graduate Program (A) is the route through which Science Tokyo recommends candidates to MEXT.
Under IGP(A), you may enroll in either a pure Master’s or an integrated Master’s + Doctoral (Integrated Doctoral Education Program).
If you choose the integrated path, you begin at the Master’s level and proceed to doctoral studies under a continuous program.
The curriculum is research-oriented: early identification of a faculty supervisor (you must obtain consent before application); research proposal, coursework, seminars, and possible teaching or departmental duties.
Performance and GPA requirements must be met to continue the scholarship and, in integrated cases, to obtain extension to doctoral phase.

💲 Benefits

Stipend: JPY 147,000/month (Master’s) or JPY 148,000/month (Doctoral)
Tuition & fees waiver: Enrollment fee and tuition are fully waived. Also, the application / entrance examination fee is reimbursed if you are allocated by MEXT.
Travel support: Round-trip airfare is included under certain conditions.
No financial burden on tuition: As a MEXT recipient, you do not need to pay tuition or enrollment fees.
Extension possibility: If you perform well (e.g. GPA ≥ 2.50/3.00 in Master’s), you may be granted extension into the doctoral phase of the integrated program.
Academic prestige & networking: Being a MEXT scholar at Science Tokyo enhances your international profile, and gives you access to strong research networks in Japan.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for recommendation to MEXT via Science Tokyo’s IGP(A), you must meet all of the following:

Academic performance: Minimum GPA of 2.30 / 3.00 in your latest degree program.
Nationality: Must hold nationality of a country which has diplomatic relations with Japan. Dual nationals who also hold Japanese citizenship may apply (under conditions) but must renounce Japanese citizenship before arrival.
Age limit: Generally must be 34 years or younger as of April 1 of the first year of the MEXT period.
Academic background: Must hold a degree or equivalent (for Master’s track). Must meet or exceed the academic standard of a Japanese university graduate.
Field: The scholarship is limited to science & engineering fields (not medicine, dentistry, etc.) under IGP(A).
English proficiency / language: Applicants must demonstrate adequate English skill under one of these conditions:
1. Hold a valid English test score equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
2. Or, have completed a program where instruction was entirely in English at an institution recognized for eligibility into a graduate program.
3. Or, be assessed by Science Tokyo to have equivalent proficiency.
Health: Must be physically and mentally fit for study in Japan.
Visa / arrival requirement: Must be able to obtain a “Student” visa and arrive in Japan within two weeks of the start of the third quarter (late September / early October).
Non-eligibility / restrictions:
- If you are military personnel or employed in military roles, you are ineligible.
- If you've already received a MEXT Scholarship (with some exceptions), you may not qualify.
- Cannot apply concurrently under multiple MEXT routes for the same year.
- Applicants already enrolled in Japan as privately funded international students are generally excluded unless specific program allowances apply.

📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must follow the application guidelines for IGP(A)
Choose your desired department under IGP(A) and identify a faculty member (or potential supervisor) whose research aligns with your interests.
Contact that professor to obtain consent (email or letter) to serve as your supervisor.
Submit that consent to the Admissions Division to get access to the online application system.
Prepare and submit your IGP(A) application during the official window (mid-September to late November).
Along with your IGP(A) application, submit the MEXT scholarship application form (tentative format until finalized).
Wait for the university to nominate you (if selected) to MEXT.
MEXT makes the final decision; successful candidates are announced in July–August.

🗂️ Required Documents

You will typically need:

Application form for IGP(A)
MEXT Scholarship application form
Official academic transcripts & degree certificates (or proof of expected graduation)
Research proposal / study plan
Consent letter from prospective supervisor
Recommendation letter from dean or equivalent of your home university addressed to the President of Science Tokyo
English language certificate (if required) or proof of English-medium instruction
Health certificate
Passport / identification documents
Any additional department-specific forms or supporting materials

Make sure translations are provided in English or Japanese, if original documents are in another language.

🔍 Selection & Extension Conditions

After IGP(A) admission, Science Tokyo will recommend a subset of applicants to MEXT for scholarship under Priority or General scheme, depending on quotas.
For Priority scheme recipients, you must maintain a GPA ≥ 2.30 / 3.00 each year, or the scholarship may be revoked.
For integrated doctoral extension, in the Master’s phase you often need to achieve a GPA of ≥ 2.50 / 3.00 to be eligible.
The scholarship may be terminated if:
- Academic performance falls below required thresholds
- You fail to maintain student visa status or leave Japan without approval
- You proceed to a higher degree (e.g. from Master’s to Doctorate) without prior approval for extension

💡 Additional Notes & Tips

The English test requirement has recently been relaxed for IGP admission, with evaluation shifting toward interviews and internal assessments.
Dormitory placement is offered in many cases, but not guaranteed. Also, monthly dorm fees may range from JPY 20,000 to 65,000 depending on dormitory type.
Your first stipend may take 6–8 weeks after arrival to be deposited, so bring sufficient funds (e.g., USD 2,000 or equivalent) for initial expenses.
Retain your flight boarding passes to submit as proof for reimbursement of airfare benefit.
Once admitted, ensure you complete “Pledge to MEXT,” health report, and other enrollment formalities by deadlines.
Because Science Tokyo is a newly formed institution (post-merger), stay alert for updates and confirm all guidelines in the official IGP(A) / MEXT application guide at the time you apply.
You may view the PDF of “The allocation of MEXT slots for IGP(A)” to see which programs have Priority vs General scheme slots.