University of Tsukuba MEXT Japan Scholarship 2026

Omran Aburayya
4 days ago
3 min read

Are you an aspiring student seeking to pursue higher education in Japan? The University of Tsukuba offers the prestigious MEXT Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for international students aiming for undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees. Sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this scholarship is accessible through both Embassy and University Recommendation routes, providing a gateway to world-class education in the heart of Tsukuba Science City.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

Location: Tsukuba, Japan
Host Institution: University of Tsukuba
Funded By: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
Study Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees
Target Group: International students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Fields of Study: Select programmes on the list available on this webpage
Award Value and Coverage:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend:
  - Undergraduate: ¥117,000
  - Master’s: ¥144,000
  - Doctoral: ¥145,000
- Round-trip airfare to and from Japan
- Assistance with accommodation and daily expenses
- Comprehensive medical support during the study
Award Duration:
- Undergraduate: 4-5 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- Doctoral: 3 years
Application Deadlines:
- Embassy Recommendation: April – July 2025 (varies by country)
- University Recommendation: November – December 2025
Start Date: April or October 2026
Eligible To: Students of all nationalities with diplomatic relations with Japan

📚 Scholarship Overview

The University of Tsukuba, renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation, offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. As part of the MEXT Scholarship, students will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a vibrant academic community. The university's location in Tsukuba Science City provides a unique environment that fosters academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fee exemption
Monthly living allowance
Round-trip airfare
Assistance with accommodation and daily expenses
Access to advanced research facilities and faculty
Opportunities for cultural immersion and global networking
Comprehensive medical support during the study

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan
Be under 25 years old for undergraduate programs or under 35 years old for Master’s/PhD programs as of April 1, 2026
Have an excellent academic background
Meet specific eligibility requirements for either Embassy or University Recommendation
Provide proof of language proficiency (English or Japanese, depending on the course)
Be physically and mentally fit to study in Japan

📝 Application Procedure

Embassy Recommendation Route:

Contact your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate for application details.
Submit all required documents and pass the preliminary screening.
Request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from the University of Tsukuba by September 1, 2025.
Submit the provisional letter to the embassy.
Await MEXT’s final decision.
Begin your studies in Japan in April or October 2026.

University Recommendation Route:

Explore eligible programs and contact a prospective academic advisor at the University of Tsukuba.
Prepare a strong study or research plan.
Apply via the university’s official online application portal between November and December 2025.
Participate in internal review and await nomination to MEXT.
Enroll at the University of Tsukuba upon approval in October 2026.