Are you passionate about innovation, technology, or global research and looking to study in Japan without financial strain? The University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan offers one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees with full financial support.
This scholarship, provided by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), allows students from around the world to immerse themselves in advanced academics and cultural exchange within one of Japan’s most respected institutions.
University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship 2026
The MEXT Scholarship at the University of Tsukuba is available through two channels: embassy recommendation and university recommendation. It is designed to attract outstanding students who wish to engage in research and higher learning in fields such as environmental studies, robotics, engineering, biomedical sciences, and artificial intelligence.
The university, located in Tsukuba Science City, provides a high-caliber academic environment with global exposure and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
Backed by the Japanese government, this fully funded program covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and more, removing financial obstacles and making it possible for students to focus solely on their academic and professional goals.
University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Study Destination | University of Tsukuba |
| Scholarship Type | Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees |
| Funded By | Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT) |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students from MEXT-eligible countries |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel, Healthcare) |
| Language Requirement | English or Japanese (depending on program) |
| Application Deadline | April-July 2025 (Embassy Route); Nov-Dec 2025 (University Route) |
| Study Mode | Full-Time, On-Campus |
| Academic Session | 2026-2029 (varies by degree level) |
What Is the University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship All About?
The University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship is a government-sponsored initiative to enhance global academic collaboration while nurturing future leaders in science, humanities, and technology. The scholarship can be pursued either by applying through the Japanese embassy in your home country or directly through the university’s recommendation route.
What sets this scholarship apart is its emphasis on not just education but also cultural immersion. Scholars become part of a vibrant international community, participating in seminars, collaborative projects, and intercultural programs alongside Japanese students and researchers.
Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT Scholarship 2026 at the University of Tsukuba offers extensive financial and academic support, including:
- Full Tuition Waiver: Covers 100% of academic fees.
- Monthly Stipend:
- Undergraduate students: Approximately ¥117,000
- Master’s students: Approximately ¥144,000
- Doctoral students: Approximately ¥145,000
- Round-Trip Airfare: A flight to Japan at the beginning and a return ticket upon graduation.
- Medical Coverage: Comprehensive healthcare access through Japan’s national insurance system.
- Housing Assistance: Guidance in securing affordable accommodation near campus.
- Research Facilities: Access to advanced labs, libraries, and academic tools.
This robust package enables students to pursue their academic goals without the stress of financial limitations.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship 2026:
- Must be a citizen of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Applicants for undergraduate programs must be under 25 years old, while those applying for Master’s or PhD programs must be under 35 years old.
- Must demonstrate a strong academic record.
- Must fulfill all conditions of either the Embassy Recommendation or the University Recommendation process.
- Applicants must provide language proficiency proof (English for English-medium programs or Japanese for Japanese-taught ones).
- A clean bill of health, both physically and mentally, is essential for eligibility.
Required Documents
To complete the application, the following documents must be prepared and submitted:
- Completed MEXT Scholarship Application Form
- Valid passport or national identification (proof of nationality)
- Academic transcripts from previous institutions
- Degree certificates or letters of expected graduation
- One or more letters of recommendation
- Study or research plan outlining your academic interests and goals
- Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or JLPT)
- Medical certificate from a licensed physician
- Any additional documents as required by either the embassy or the university
All documents should be submitted in PDF format or according to the specific guidelines issued by the relevant body.
Application Timeline
Embassy Recommendation Route
- April – July 2025: Submit application to your local Japanese embassy.
- By September 1, 2025: Secure a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from the University of Tsukuba.
- September – October 2025: Submit the provisional acceptance letter back to the embassy.
- November 2025 – March 2026: MEXT conducts final screening and approval.
- April/October 2026: Begin your academic program in Japan.
University Recommendation Route
- November – December 2025: Apply online through the University of Tsukuba’s portal.
- January – February 2026: Participate in internal screening.
- June 2026: Receive final approval notification from MEXT.
- October 2026: Official enrollment and start of studies at Tsukuba.
How to Apply for the University of Tsukuba MEXT Scholarship 2026
For Embassy Recommendation:
- Contact your local Japanese embassy for guidelines.
- Complete and submit your application with all necessary documents.
- Request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from the University of Tsukuba after the embassy shortlist.
- Return the acceptance letter to the embassy.
- Await final approval from MEXT and travel to Japan once admitted.
For University Recommendation:
- Research eligible programs at the University of Tsukuba.
- Contact a potential supervisor if required (for graduate applicants).
- Prepare a detailed research or study plan.
- Apply online via the university’s application portal during the specified window.
- Participate in screening and internal review.
- If nominated, await MEXT’s final decision and prepare for enrollment.
Why Study at the University of Tsukuba?
- Academic Reputation: Ranked among Japan’s top institutions with strong international collaborations.
- Innovative Campus: Located in Tsukuba Science City, Japan’s hub of research and innovation.
- Diverse Community: Home to a global student body and faculty that fosters cultural exchange.
- Research Excellence: Cutting-edge labs and research centers offer unmatched opportunities for inquiry and discovery.
- Comprehensive Support: Language training, academic counseling, and career development services are readily available.
For more details and to begin your application, visit:
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/financial-scholarships/mext/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without knowing Japanese?
Yes. Many graduate programs are offered in English. However, proof of English proficiency is required for those programs.
Can I apply to multiple universities under MEXT?
For the Embassy route, yes, you can apply to several universities. For the University route, applications are specific to the university.
What if I don’t have a passport yet?
You can use a national ID to apply, but you must obtain a passport before final selection or travel.
Can the MEXT scholarship be extended?
Yes, extensions are possible if you meet academic performance criteria and transition to the next degree level (e.g., from Master’s to PhD).
Is housing guaranteed by the university?
While housing is not automatically guaranteed, assistance will be provided to help secure suitable accommodation.
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