Standard duration of the degree program (2 years for Master's, 3 years for PhD)
Deadline
Varies by Graduate
Level
Graduate (Master's and PhD)
Acceptance
Highly competitive
Difficulty
Very High
✨ Should I Apply for University of Tokyo Fellowship (Special Scholarship for International Students)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
6/10
Reward Score
30–45 hrs
Time Required
Estimated 5-10% depending on the Graduate School
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
150,000 JPY to 200,000 JPY per month
⏱
Duration
Standard duration of the degree program (2 years for Master's, 3 years for PhD)
🗓
Deadline
Varies by Graduate School (typically between October and January for April enrollment)
🌐
Fields
All fields of study offered at the University of Tokyo
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 50 to 60 students per year university-wide
🌏
Study Country
Japan
🏛️
Provider
The University of Tokyo
📊
Acceptance
Highly competitive
The University of Tokyo Fellowship, officially known as the Special Scholarship for International Students, was established in 2004. It aims to provide research grants to high-achieving, self-financed international students to allow them to concentrate on their academic activities and to promote the admission of outstanding international students to the university.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be non-Japanese nationals, have an excellent academic record (GPA 2.3/3.0 or higher on the JASSO scale), and must not be receiving any other monthly scholarship exceeding the amount of this fellowship.
🌐 Fields of Study
All fields of study offered at the University of Tokyo
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of 150,000 to 200,000 JPY to cover living and research expenses. It does not cover tuition or enrollment fees directly, though recipients may apply for separate tuition waivers.
200,000 JPY per month for Doctoral students; 150,000 JPY per month for Master's students
Total Award
150,000 JPY to 200,000 JPY p
✈️ Travel: No🏠 Accommodation: No💊 Health Insurance: No🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: 30,000 JPY (Standard University of Tokyo application fee)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
No
🏠 Living Stipend
200,000 JPY per month for Doctoral students; 150,000 JPY per month for Master's students
🏡 Accommodation
No
✈️ Travel Allowance
No
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to specialized university research facilities and networking events for international fellows
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to annual review of academic performance and research progress
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Self-financed international students with high academic standing applying for or enrolled in graduate programs
🎓 Academic Level
Graduate (Master's and PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
2.30 on a 3.00 JASSO scale
🗣️ English Requirement
TOEFL or IELTS scores as required by the specific Graduate School
🎂 Age Limit
Generally under 35 years of age at the time of application
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not explicitly required but looked upon favorably
💰 Financial Need
No (Merit-based)
🎯 Target Students
International Students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Research Plan and Statement of Purpose)
Rec Letters
Yes (Minimum of 2)
Interview
Varies (Depends on the Graduate School's admission process)
Application Fee
30,000 JPY (Standard University of Tokyo application fee)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Minimum of 2) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
TOEFL or IELTS scores as required by the specific Graduate School
Interview: Varies (Depends on the Graduate School's admission process)
Min GPA: 2.30 on a 3.00 JASSO scale
📋 Application Process
Contact your prospective supervisor before applying to ensure your research proposal is aligned with their current projects.
💡 Insider Tip: Selection is often based on the admission results of the graduate school; hence, performing exceptionally well in the entrance exam is crucial.
🗺️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies by Graduate School (typically 6-9 months before study start)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by Graduate School (typically between October and January for April enrollment)
🎤 Interview
Varies (Depends on the Graduate School's admission process)
🎓 Study Starts
April or October
Varies by Graduate School (typically 6-9 months before study start)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by Graduate School (typically between October and January for April enrollment)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application — no late entries
Varies (Depends on the Graduate School's admission process)
Shortlisting & Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
April or October
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, research potential, and the quality of the research proposal
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
University of Tokyo Fellowship (Special Scholarship for International Students)Current
Japan
Monthly research grant (stipend)
Graduate (Master's and PhD)
—
🇯🇵 MEXT Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship)
Japan
Full Funding
Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral (PhD), Research, College of Technology, Specialized Training College
Applicants must be non-Japanese nationals, have an excellent academic record (GPA 2.3/3.0 or higher on the JASSO scale), and must not be receiving any other monthly scholarship exceeding the amount of this fellowship.
This scholarship covers: The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of 150,000 to 200,000 JPY to cover living and research expenses. It does not cover tuition or enrollment fees directly, though recipients may apply for separate tuition waivers.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is Varies by Graduate School (typically between October and January for April enrollment). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Estimated 5-10% depending on the Graduate School. Acceptance rate: Highly competitive. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, TOEFL or IELTS scores as required by the specific Graduate School, Yes (Minimum of 2) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.