University of Tokyo MEXT Scholarship 2027: Graduate School of Science Application Guide
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | 2027 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship |
| Host university | Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo |
| Host country | Japan |
| Degree level | Master’s or Doctoral Program |
| Entry | October 2027 |
| Application window | 15 October to 30 October 2026, Japan Standard Time |
| Scholarship period | Master’s: Oct 2027-Sep 2029; Doctoral: Oct 2027-Sep 2030 |
| Selection | Graduate School nominees in mid-February 2027; MEXT decision around June 2027 |
| Official source | https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/admission/scholarship.html |
The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science has a narrow MEXT University Recommendation window: 15-30 October 2026. Applicants must complete both the Graduate School of Science admission application and the MEXT scholarship application before the deadline.
If you are comparing Japan options, also read `/mext-scholarship-2026-27-japan-guide` and `/honjo-international-scholarship-2027-japan-guide`.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree support | Japanese Government MEXT scholarship for selected Master’s/Doctoral students |
| Standard duration | 2 years for Master’s; 3 years for Doctoral programme |
| Housing note | UTokyo page says recipients are guaranteed a room in an International Lodge for the first year, with approximate monthly rents listed |
| Entry timing | October 2027 |
| Notification | Nominees by mid-February 2027; university-stage in April; final MEXT decision around June 2027 |
Comparison With Other Japan Scholarship Routes
| Scholarship | Level | Best for | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTokyo MEXT Science | Master’s/Doctoral | Science applicants entering UTokyo in Oct 2027 | Oct 15-30, 2026 |
| Embassy MEXT | UG/Master’s/Research | Country embassy applicants | Usually spring by country |
| Honjo International | Master’s/PhD | Japan graduate students with Japanese interview ability | Oct 31, 2026 |
| INPEX | Master’s | Indonesian STEM applicants to Japan | Oct 31, 2026 |
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be an international student with outstanding academic records.
- Wish to enter Japan in October 2027 as a new Master’s or Doctoral student at the Graduate School of Science.
- Complete the Graduate School of Science admission application.
- Have a grade point of 2.30 or higher under the MEXT calculation method.
- Hold nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
- In principle, be born on or after 2 April 1992.
- Meet English or Japanese language requirements.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are residing in Japan at the time of application under the listed non-eligibility rule.
- You are applying for another AY2027 Japanese Government MEXT programme at the same time.
- You cannot arrive in Japan during the designated period.
- You cannot obtain Student visa status.
- You fail to complete both required online applications before the deadline.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm your science department fit
Review UTokyo Graduate School of Science departments and possible research supervisors before starting the application.
Step 2: Complete the admission application
UTokyo states that applicants must complete admission application for the Master’s or Doctoral Program under the special selection route.
Step 3: Prepare MEXT documents
Prepare academic record, language proof, research plan and other scholarship documents listed in the official guidelines.
Step 4: Submit during 15-30 October 2026
The electronic MEXT application must be submitted within this window. Files submitted before or after the window may not count.
Step 5: Track notification stages
The Graduate School of Science nominee results are expected in mid-February 2027, with further university-stage notice in April and official MEXT result in June.
Insider Tips
1. The window is only about two weeks
This is not a long rolling deadline. Prepare before October 15.
2. Admission and scholarship applications both matter
UTokyo says both must be completed before the application deadline.
3. Check the MEXT grade calculation
A 2.30 MEXT-calculated GPA is not always the same as your university GPA scale.
4. Use language proof strategically
English CEFR B2 equivalents such as TOEFL iBT 72 or IELTS 5.5 are listed as examples; Japanese JLPT N2 is another route.
5. Expect very limited nominations
UTokyo notes that in the previous round each graduate school could nominate at most one applicant and the university at most three to MEXT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application period?
15 October to 30 October 2026, Japan Standard Time.
Who can apply?
Outstanding international students entering the Graduate School of Science Master’s or Doctoral Program in October 2027.
Is this the same as embassy MEXT?
No. This is a University Recommendation route through the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science.
When are results announced?
Graduate School nominees are expected in mid-February 2027; final MEXT grantee notification is tentative around June 2027.
Timeline Table
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | Confirm department fit, documents and supervisor/research direction |
| Early October 2026 | Finalise admission and MEXT materials |
| 15-30 October 2026 | Submit electronic application within official window |
| Mid-February 2027 | Graduate School nominee notification |
| April 2027 | University selection-stage notification |
| June 2027 | Tentative official MEXT decision |
| October 2027 | Arrival/enrolment period |
Your Action Plan
1. Confirm your research field fits the Graduate School of Science.
2. Calculate whether your academic record meets the MEXT 2.30 standard.
3. Prepare language proof, research plan and admission documents now.
4. Submit both admission and MEXT scholarship applications during 15-30 October 2026.
5. Keep email active through February-June 2027.
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