University of Tokyo Scholarships for International Students

International students who want to study at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) can access several scholarship and financial-support opportunities, including Japanese Government MEXT scholarships, the University of Tokyo Fellowship and scholarships offered by private organisations.

The University of Tokyo is one of Japan's major research universities and offers undergraduate and graduate programmes, including programmes available to international students.

University of Tokyo Scholarships

UTokyo provides information on several scholarship routes for international students. Some scholarships must be applied for before travelling to Japan, while others are available after students have enrolled.

The main options include:

• Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship

• The University of Tokyo Fellowship

• MEXT Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students

• University scholarships for specific programmes

• Scholarships offered by private organisations

Students should check the eligibility requirements and application procedures for the specific scholarship and programme they intend to apply for.

1. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship

The MEXT Scholarship is provided by the Japanese Government through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

At the University of Tokyo, MEXT applicants can apply through different routes, including Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation, depending on the programme and scholarship category.

For graduate-level study, MEXT can support research students who intend to pursue Master's, Doctoral or professional degree programmes. Undergraduate opportunities are also available, although MEXT determines the university placement and applicants who wish to attend UTokyo are not necessarily guaranteed placement there.

MEXT applications in South Africa

For the 2027 intake, the Embassy of Japan in South Africa accepted applications for MEXT Research Students, Undergraduate Students, Specialized Training College Students and Teacher Training Students.

The 2027 South African application deadline was 22 May 2026, and the Embassy currently lists those applications as closed.

Students interested in a future MEXT intake should monitor the Embassy of Japan in South Africa for the next application announcement.

2. University of Tokyo Fellowship

The University of Tokyo Fellowship provides financial support to outstanding self-funded international students pursuing graduate degrees at UTokyo.

According to the University of Tokyo, recipients receive a monthly research grant-in-aid of ¥200,000 for the standard period of study in their respective graduate programmes, with research students eligible for up to one year.

Applications are submitted through the applicant's affiliated or prospective Graduate School, so students should contact the relevant Graduate School for the applicable application procedure and deadlines.

3. Scholarships from Private Organisations

International students can also access scholarships provided by private organisations.

The University of Tokyo states that approximately 80 private organisations offer scholarships throughout the year.

Depending on the scholarship, students may either:

• Apply through their Faculty or Graduate School for university recommendation; or

• Apply directly to the scholarship organisation.

The requirements differ between scholarships. Some may require Japanese-language ability, interviews or essays, while some may restrict students from receiving another scholarship at the same time.

4. Tuition Fee Exemptions

Scholarships are not the only form of financial support available.

UTokyo also has a system for full or partial exemption from admission and tuition fees for students who meet the applicable requirements and pass the university's screening process.

The university notes that the exemption programme operates under a limited budget, meaning that submitting an application does not guarantee an exemption.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship and academic programme.

International students should first identify:

1. The degree or programme they want to study.

2. The relevant University of Tokyo Graduate School or Faculty.

3. Whether the programme accepts international applicants.

4. Which scholarship routes are available.

5. The scholarship's academic, nationality, age and other eligibility requirements.

6. The applicable application deadline.

Students should not assume that being eligible for admission automatically makes them eligible for every scholarship.

How to Apply

The application process depends on the scholarship.

For MEXT Embassy Recommendation, applicants apply through the Japanese diplomatic mission in their country before travelling to Japan.

For MEXT University Recommendation, the University of Tokyo selects and recommends candidates according to the applicable programme and Graduate School procedures.

For the University of Tokyo Fellowship, applicants should follow the instructions provided by their prospective Graduate School.

Private scholarships can either require university recommendation or direct application to the scholarship organisation.

Important Information for South African Students

South African students interested in studying at the University of Tokyo should distinguish between admission to UTokyo and applying for a scholarship.

For MEXT scholarships administered through the Embassy of Japan in South Africa, the Embassy publishes the South African-specific requirements and deadlines.

The 2027 MEXT application round is already closed, so students who missed that deadline should monitor future announcements rather than submitting late applications.

Other University of Tokyo scholarship opportunities may have different application periods and procedures.

Where to Find Official Information

Students should use the University of Tokyo's official scholarship information when checking current opportunities, requirements and deadlines.

University of Tokyo — Scholarships

University of Tokyo — MEXT Scholarship

University of Tokyo Fellowship

South African students should also check the official Embassy of Japan in South Africa scholarship announcements for future MEXT application rounds.

Final Note

Scholarship availability, deadlines and eligibility requirements can change between academic years. Students should always verify the latest information directly with the University of Tokyo, the relevant Graduate School and the Embassy of Japan before submitting an application.