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Important Institutional Update: On October 1, 2024, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) officially merged with Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) to form Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo). The prestigious MEXT University Recommendation scholarship program for international graduate students continues seamlessly under Science Tokyo.
The Japanese Government (MEXT) University Recommendation Scholarship at Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Tech) is one of Asia’s most coveted postgraduate awards. Conducted primarily through the International Graduate Program (A) [IGP(A)], this fully funded award enables international scholars to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and medical fields entirely in English.
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Financial Coverage & Scholarship Benefits
Selected MEXT scholars at Science Tokyo receive complete financial protection throughout their standard degree duration:
| Scholarship Component | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Admission Fees | 100% waiver of enrollment fees and full tuition |
| Master’s Monthly Allowance | Approx. JPY 147,000 / month |
| Ph.D. Monthly Allowance | Approx. JPY 148,000 / month |
| Round-Trip Airfare | Full economy class flight to Japan at intake and return flight upon graduation |
| Application Fee Refund | The application processing fee is reimbursed upon MEXT allocation |
| Service Obligation | No post-graduation employment bond required |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for nomination by Science Tokyo for the MEXT University Recommendation track, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must hold nationality of a country having diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age Limit: Generally under 35 years of age as of April 1 of the enrollment year.
- Academic Standing: Must possess a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.30 out of 3.00 (or equivalent) in their most recent degree program.
- Degree Qualification:
- Master’s Program: Holds or expects to receive a Bachelor’s degree prior to arrival in Japan.
- Ph.D. Program: Holds or expects to receive a Master’s degree prior to arrival in Japan.
- Field of Study: The intended research field must match or closely relate to the applicant’s prior background.
English Proficiency & Waiver Guidelines
Because lectures, research guidance, and thesis defenses in the IGP(A) program are conducted entirely in English, Japanese language proficiency is not required for admission or scholarship consideration.
Language Score Requirements
Applicants must submit valid proof of English proficiency meeting or exceeding the following benchmarks:
- TOEFL iBT: 72 or higher (CEFR B2 equivalent)
- IELTS Academic: 5.5 or higher
English Waiver Eligibility
You may be exempted from submitting standardized test scores if:
- Your entire previous degree program (Bachelor’s or Master’s) was taught exclusively in English at an institution in an English-speaking country or recognized university.
- An official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate signed by your university registrar is provided.
Required Documentation Checklist
All application documents must be submitted electronically and physically in English:
- Science Tokyo / MEXT Application Form: Completed via the IGP portal.
- Field of Study and Research Plan: A detailed research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and target lab fit.
- Official Transcripts & Graduation Certificates: Certified copies from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions.
- Recommendation Letter: Issued by the Dean or higher authority of your graduating university, addressed to the President of Institute of Science Tokyo.
- Summary of Thesis/Research Work: Concise summary of prior degree research.
- Consent Email/Letter from Supervisor: Official confirmation of prospective supervision from a Science Tokyo faculty member.
- Proof of English Proficiency or MOI Certificate.
- Copy of Passport.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1.Contact Potential Research Supervisor:August – October.
Search the Science Tokyo Star Search directory to identify a professor whose research aligns with your proposal. Contact them via email with your CV, academic transcripts, and research proposal to obtain preliminary consent.
2.Submit Academic Admission Application via IGP(A):September – November.
Complete the online application for the International Graduate Program (A) on the Science Tokyo Admissions Portal before the deadline.
3.Flag MEXT Scholarship Consideration:Crucial Application Step.
Indicate your request for MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation) within the financial support section of the admission form.
4.Faculty Screening & Interviews:December – January.
Shortlisted applicants undergo academic evaluations and online technical interviews conducted by departmental faculty panels.
5.University Recommendation & MEXT Approval:March – July.
Science Tokyo selects top candidates and nominates them to MEXT. Final official award notifications are released in mid-summer prior to October intake.
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Key Deadlines & Selection Timeline
| Phase | Expected Schedule |
|---|---|
| Supervisor Outreach Window | August – October |
| Online Application Window | September – Late November |
| Departmental Review & Interviews | December – January |
| University Nomination to MEXT | Early March |
| MEXT Final Award Announcement | July – August |
| Enrollment & Program Start | Late September / October |
ScholarshipsHive Final Tip:
Securing prior supervisor consent is the single most critical step at Science Tokyo. Tailor your initial email to highlight specific recent publications from the professor’s lab and explain precisely how your technical skills fit into their active research projects.
Official Links
- Institute of Science Tokyo Official Portal: https://www.isct.ac.jp/en
- Science Tokyo International Graduate Program (A): https://admissions.isct.ac.jp/en/013/graduate/programs/igp/igp-a
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