Did you know that you don’t need to be wealthy or fluent in Japanese to study at one of Asia’s most prestigious universities? What you need is the right scholarship — and that is exactly what the University of Tokyo is offering.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the University of Tokyo is opening its doors to international students through a range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships. These programs go far beyond tuition coverage — many also include monthly stipends, airfare, housing support, health insurance, and more.
Funded by the Japanese government (MEXT), UTokyo itself, and top private foundations, these scholarships are designed to help outstanding students around the world access world-class education in the heart of Tokyo, without any financial stress.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: which scholarships are available, who can apply, what benefits you’ll get, and how to submit a strong application.
1. MEXT Scholarship (Embassy & University Recommendation)
This is one of Japan’s most prestigious government scholarships. It’s funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and supports international students at all levels — undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral. You can apply either through the Japanese embassy in your country or directly through the University of Tokyo (known as the university recommendation route).
Who can apply
- Non-Japanese citizens
- Applicants must meet the academic qualifications for their chosen degree
- Under 25 years old (for undergraduate applicants)
- Under 35 years old (for graduate-level applicants)
- Must meet language requirements (TOEFL/IELTS or proof of English-medium education)
- Embassy route applicants must apply from their home country
What you’ll get
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance (approx. ¥117,000–¥145,000 depending on your level)
- Round-trip airfare
- Admission and entrance exam fee waivers
- Support with university housing
How to apply
There are two ways to apply:
1. Embassy Recommendation
- Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country
- Typically opens around April–May 2025
- You’ll need to submit documents, take a written test, and possibly attend an interview
- If selected, your documents are forwarded to UTokyo
🔗 Learn more & apply (Embassy route)
2. University Recommendation
- Apply directly through UTokyo after receiving a Letter of Acceptance from a graduate school
- Requires strong academic performance and research potential
- Opens around October–November 2025
🔗 UTokyo MEXT information (University route)
Want more options in Japan? – Check out the Osaka University MEXT Scholarships 2026 — fully funded and packed with benefits.
2. UTokyo Fellowship for Graduate Students
This is an in-house fellowship from the University of Tokyo aimed at self-financed international students enrolling in master’s or doctoral programs. It provides monthly financial support to help cover living costs during your study.
Who can apply
- International students who have been accepted into a UTokyo graduate school (Master’s or PhD)
- Must be self-funded at the time of application (i.e., not receiving full funding from another source)
- Strong academic and research background
What you’ll get
- Monthly stipend of ¥200,000
- Funding continues throughout the standard program duration
- Priority access to university housing and additional academic support
How to apply
- Apply after being officially admitted into a UTokyo graduate program
- Submit the fellowship application form and supporting documents via your graduate school office
- Selections are based on academic merit, research proposal, and financial need
🔗 Everything you need to know about UTokyo Fellowship
3. PEAK Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba) is a UTokyo initiative that offers undergraduate programs taught entirely in English. International students accepted into PEAK are automatically considered for a scholarship that supports their studies and living expenses.
Who can apply
- International students applying to a PEAK program
- Must meet UTokyo’s eligibility criteria for undergraduate admission
- High school completion or equivalent outside Japan
- Strong academic performance and leadership potential
What you’ll get
- Full tuition waiver
- Admission fee exemption
- Monthly stipend of around ¥126,000
- Priority access to UTokyo housing
How to apply
- No separate scholarship application required
- Simply apply for admission into a PEAK program
- If you’re selected for the scholarship, you’ll be notified along with your admission results
Deadline
- PEAK application opens around September 2025
- Final deadline typically falls in November 2025 for the 2026 intake
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4. MEXT Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed Students
This is a support scheme for students already studying in Japan who are not receiving other full scholarships. Funded by JASSO, it helps reduce the financial pressure for privately funded students at UTokyo.
Who can apply
- International students currently enrolled in a full-time degree at UTokyo
- Must be self-financed (not receiving other full funding)
- Good academic standing
- Basic Japanese language skill is a plus (but not always required)
What you’ll get
- Monthly stipend of ¥48,000
- Awarded for 6 or 12 months, depending on circumstances
- Can be renewed based on performance and funding availability
How to apply
- Apply after arriving in Japan and enrolling at UTokyo
- Submit application via your faculty or student affairs office
- Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, and recommendation
🔗 More on MEXT Honors Scholarship (JASSO)
Looking beyond Japan? – Check out the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship in Canada (2026) — fully funded, world-class, and open now.
5. Private Foundation Scholarships
UTokyo works with several private foundations and corporations that offer scholarships to international students. Each foundation sets its own eligibility criteria, benefits, and application timelines — and some are only available after you’ve enrolled at the university.
Who can apply
- International students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at UTokyo
- Some scholarships are field-specific (e.g., science, economics, international relations)
- Academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement are often required
What you’ll get
Varies widely depending on the foundation. You may receive:
- Monthly stipend (typically between ¥50,000–¥150,000)
- Partial or full tuition coverage
- Travel grants for conferences or research
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
Notable examples:
- Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship
- Mitsubishi Corporation Scholarship
- Yamaoka Scholarship Foundation
🔗 List of Private Scholarships on UTokyo Site
How to apply
- Most require you to apply through UTokyo’s internal nomination process
- Some allow direct application
- Watch for scholarship notices via your student portal or faculty bulletin board
- Application materials often include essays, recommendation letters, and academic records
🔗 More on UTokyo Private Foundation Scholarships
