MEXT IGPAS Scholarship 2027 in Japan | Fully Funded

MEXT IGPAS Scholarship is the International Graduate Program for Advanced Science at Tohoku University offering a five-year combined master’s and doctoral pathway; the lecture courses are taught in English and students are not required to learn Japanese. The program admits students to the master’s, doctoral, or each level separately and students are affiliated with one of six departments: Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Geophysics, Chemistry, and Earth Science.

The program is administered by the Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University and was initiated in October 2004 as one of the first International Priority Graduate Programs supported by MEXT. Financial support options listed on the program page include MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship slots, the TU-AGS LEAP Program, Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship, and other university or private foundation scholarships.

MEXT IGPAS Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend Master’s Students: 146,000 JPY, Doctoral Students: 147,000 JPY (both including the Sendai regional allowance of 2,000 JPY).

• Flight tickets for coming to Japan for admission and for returning to the home country after completing the program.
• Exemption from application, admission, and tuition fees.
• By applying, doctoral students will receive 106,000 JPY per month under the TU-AGS LEAP Program; there is also a chance to receive travel funding (competitive).
• Tohoku University International Excellence Scholarship will provide focused financial support to outstanding international master’s students (approximately top one-third).
• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship provides 48,000 JPY per month for self-financed international students.

MEXT IGPAS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• (Master’s Program) ( i ) Those who have completed (or will complete) 16 years of education by September 30, 2027.
• (Master’s Program) ( ii ) Those who have been (or will be) conferred a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree upon completion of a three-year program at a university, or those who have completed (will complete) 15 years of school education by September 30, 2027, and have been recognized by the Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University as having obtained the necessary credits with excellent grades.
• (Master’s Program) (iii) Those who will reach 22 years of age by September 30, 2027, and have been recognized by the Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University through an individual qualification examination, to have a scholastic ability equivalent or superior to those who have graduated from a university.
• (Doctoral Program) ( i ) Those who have earned (or will earn) a master’s degree by September 30, 2027.
• (Doctoral Program) ( ii ) Those who have engaged (will engage) in research activities for at least two years at an educational or research institution after their graduation from a university and have been recognized by the Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University on the basis of their research performance to have a scholastic ability equivalent or superior to those who have earned a master’s degree.
• (Doctoral Program) (iii) Those who will reach 24 years of age by September 30, 2027, and have been recognized by the Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University through an individual qualification examination to have a scholastic ability equivalent or superior to those who have earned a master’s degree.

How to Apply for MEXT IGPAS Scholarship

• Step 1: Find a Prospective Supervisor
• Start by finding a professor, associate professor, or lecturer whose research area matches your academic interests. You must obtain the consent of a prospective supervisor before submitting your IGPAS application.
• Check the Tohoku University researcher database and the Graduate School of Science faculty pages to find a suitable supervisor.
• Step 2: Contact the Supervisor
• Email your chosen faculty member directly and introduce your academic background, research interests, and future goals.
• Before contacting them, read about their recent research and publications so you can explain why their research matches your interests. Include “IGPAS 2027” in the email subject line.
• You must receive the supervisor’s consent before moving forward with the application.
• Step 3: Complete the Pre-Application
• Register through the official IGPAS Pre-Application Form between October 1 and November 15, 2026 (JST).
• Make sure you complete this step within the stated deadline.
• Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents
• Prepare all required documents before the main application period. These may include your application form, statement of purpose, research proposal, summary of past research, CV, passport copy, referee information, and other required documents.
• At least one reference letter is required. Your referee must send the reference letter directly to the IGPAS Admissions Office by November 30, 2026 (JST).
• Applicants to Astronomy and Geophysics may also need to submit the required GRE Subject Test score.
• Step 5: Submit the Online Application
• Complete and submit the IGPAS Online Application Form between November 1 and November 30, 2026 (JST).
• Upload all required documents carefully and submit your application before the deadline. If you cannot access the online application form, Tohoku University provides an alternative email submission procedure.
• Step 6: Attend the Selection Process
• After submission, your application will be reviewed by the relevant departmental examining committee. Applicants will receive information about the examination schedule around mid-December 2026.
• The selection includes a written examination and an interview. Applicants living outside Japan will take the examination online.
• Step 7: Check the Admission Result
• The IGPAS 2027 admission results are scheduled to be announced on January 28, 2027.
• Successful applicants can then proceed with the required admission procedures for enrollment in October 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the MEXT IGPAS Scholarship. These answers cover what the program is, eligibility requirements, financial support options listed on the program page, and how to find application information.