IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship helps international graduate students obtain funding to study at Science Tokyo. The MEXT University Scholarship covers a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and travel support for eligible master’s and doctoral candidates applying via the International Graduate Program (A).
The scholarship is provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan and Science Tokyo (Institute of Science Tokyo) recommends candidates from the IGP(A) applicants. Applicants must apply to IGP(A) and submit additional MEXT application materials as required by Science Tokyo.
IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship Benefits
- Stipend: JPY 147,000 for master’s students; JPY 148,000 for doctoral students.
- Education fees: Enrollment fee and tuition will be waived by Science Tokyo.
- The entrance examination (application) fee will be reimbursed if the applicant is allocated to Science Tokyo by MEXT.
- Travel expenses: Air tickets to/from Japan will be provided by MEXT under certain conditions.
IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic achievement with a grade point average of 2.30 (out of 3.00) or above in the last-attended degree program and meet certain criteria.
- Applicants must have the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. In principle, individuals who have Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible.
- Applicants, in principle, must be 34 years old or younger as of April 1 of the first year of the MEXT Scholarship period.
- Applicants must be a graduate of a Japanese university or have academic ability equal or superior to that of a Japanese university graduate.
- The field must be the one in which the applicant majored at university, or a related field, and be one in which the applicant will be able to do research at Science Tokyo.
- Applicants must possess proficiency in the English language and satisfy one of the following conditions: (1) Have obtained an English language proficiency test score that is equivalent to CEFR level B2 or higher; (2) Have completed or expect to complete the required curriculum at an institution where all instruction was in English and which satisfies the qualifications for enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program at Science Tokyo; (3) Have been determined by Science Tokyo to possess a level of proficiency in English that is equivalent to or exceeds the level indicated in (1).
- Applicants must be determined by Science Tokyo to be physically and mentally able to pursue their course of studies in Japan.
- Applicants must be able to leave for and arrive in Japan within two weeks of the start date of the third quarter, which is late September, of the academic year.
- Applicants shall, in principle, newly obtain a “Student” visa from the Japanese diplomatic mission located in their country of nationality, and enter Japan with the resident status of “Student.”
- Non-eligibility conditions include: being military personnel at time of arrival, not arriving in Japan by the specified date, prior receipt of certain MEXT scholarships (with exceptions), concurrently applying through other universities, already enrolled in Japan as a student during application period (with certain exceptions), inability to satisfy academic background qualifications, dual nationality issues without renunciation proof, planning long-term research outside Japan or long-term leave, and having no intention of obtaining a degree.
How to Apply for IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship
- Applicants must follow the application guidelines for IGP(A) and submit the following additional materials using a separate form during the application procedures.
- Submit the Application Form for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (tentative application form until MEXT publishes the format for the year).
- Applicants have to apply using the tentative format and will be requested to make the application again using the new format as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, scholarship period, application steps, and important notes from the Science Tokyo page.
What is the IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship for graduates?
The IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan for international students wishing to study at Japanese universities. Science Tokyo recommends candidates from applicants to the International Graduate Program (A). It provides a stipend, tuition waiver, and travel support for eligible master’s and doctoral students.
Who provides and recommends applicants for this IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship ?
The scholarship is provided by MEXT and Science Tokyo (Institute of Science Tokyo) recommends scholarship candidates from among applicants to the International Graduate Program (A) (IGP(A)). Applicants must apply for IGP(A) to be considered for the MEXT recommendation.
When can I apply for the IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship?
According to the Science Tokyo page, the period to apply is mid September to late November of the year prior to intended enrollment. Applicants to IGP(A) should follow that timeline and submit the additional MEXT application materials within the application procedures.
What financial benefits does the scholarship provide?
The IGP(A) MEXT Scholarship provides a monthly stipend (JPY 147,000 for master’s students and JPY 148,000 for doctoral students), waiver of enrollment fee and tuition by Science Tokyo, reimbursement of the entrance examination fee if allocated by MEXT, and air tickets to/from Japan under certain conditions.
How long does the scholarship last?
The initial scholarship period is for two years of the master’s program. Those accepted to integrated doctoral education programs may apply for an extension when proceeding to doctoral studies if they meet the GPA and other criteria. The scholarship may be cancelled if approved extensions are not obtained.
What are the academic requirements to be eligible?
Applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic achievement with a grade point average of 2.30 (out of 3.00) or above in the last-attended degree program and meet certain criteria. For extension to doctoral studies, a GPA of 2.50 or above in the master’s program is required along with other conditions.
Are there age or nationality restrictions?
Applicants must generally be 34 years old or younger as of April 1 of the first year of the scholarship period. Applicants must have the nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan and, in principle, those with Japanese nationality at the time of application are not eligible.
What English language proficiency is required?
Applicants must possess proficiency in English and satisfy one of the conditions: an English test score equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher; completion or expected completion of education where instruction was entirely in English at a qualifying institution; or a determination by Science Tokyo that the applicant’s English proficiency is equivalent or higher.
What visa conditions apply to scholarship recipients?
Recipients are required, in principle, to newly obtain a ‘Student’ visa from the Japanese diplomatic mission in their country of nationality and enter Japan with ‘Student’ resident status. Those already in Japan may need to change their resident status to ‘Student’ before enrollment unless otherwise specified for certain Priority scheme cases.
Under what circumstances can scholarship benefits be stopped?
MEXT may stop provision of benefits if a recipient made false statements, violated the pledge to the Minister, broke Japanese law and was sentenced to imprisonment, was suspended or disciplined by Science Tokyo, cannot complete the program due to poor grades or absence, failed to obtain ‘Student’ status upon arrival, proceeded to a more advanced level without approval, withdrew or moved universities, or (Priority scheme) failed to attain the required yearly GPA.
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