The Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) offers the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for international students aiming to pursue Master’s and PhD degree programs in Japan. This scholarship supports students with wide-ranging benefits covering tuition, living costs, and travel, making it an ideal choice for academic excellence and financial aid. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about this scholarship.
Basic Information & Application Deadline
- Host Country: Japan
- Scholarship Level: Master’s (2 years), PhD (3 years)
- Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
- Starting Date: April 2026
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
University/Institution Details
Tokyo Metropolitan University, a public research university located in Tokyo, Japan, is renowned for its innovative academic environment and strong ties with industry and research institutions. TMU provides cutting-edge programs especially in human health sciences, engineering, environmental studies, and other fields aligned with global research and technological trends.
Study Areas (Available Programs)
The scholarship is offered for various graduate courses mainly:
Master’s Courses (2 years standard duration):
- Graduate School of Human Health Sciences
- Nursing Sciences
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Radiological Sciences
- Frontier Health Sciences
- Health Promotion Sciences
- Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences
- Geography
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Architecture and Building Engineering
- Applied Chemistry for the Environment
- Tourism Science
- Urban Science and Policy
- Graduate School of System Design
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Industrial Art
PhD Programs (3 years standard duration) generally aligned with the above master’s fields.
- Graduate School of Humanities
- Sociology
- Social Anthropology
- Social Welfare
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Pedagogy
- Language Sciences
- Japanese Language Education
- Philosophy (Philosophy, Classical Studies)
- History
- Studies of Culture and Representation
- Intercultural Studies of Japanese and Asia (Japanese, Chinese)
- Intercultural Studies of European and American (English, German, French)
- Graduate School of Law and Politics:
- Law
- Politics
- Law School
- Graduate School of Management:
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Graduate School of Science:
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biological Sciences
Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarship Benefits
- International Airfare (round trip)
- Full Tuition Fees Coverage
- Admission Fees Coverage
- Monthly Stipend to cover living expenses
- Health insurance coverage may also be included or supported
Benefits Not Included
- Accommodation fees are typically not covered
- Personal expenses like travel within Japan, books, and supplies are excluded
- Family or dependent-related expenses are not part of the scholarship
Eligibility Criteria for Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarship
- For Master’s applicants: Currently enrolled or about to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree
- For PhD applicants: Currently enrolled or about to graduate with a Master’s degree
- Institutional Affiliation: The academic institution where you are enrolled (as mentioned above) must be:
- A partner institution of TMU, OR
- A higher education institution located in:
- Any of Tokyo’s sister cities, OR
- Any other Asian country or region.
- Professional Affiliation (Alternative/Additional): Alternatively, or in addition, applicants may be eligible if they work in:
- A research institution,
- A governmental organization, OR
- A company.
- The location of this organization must be in:
- Any of Tokyo’s sister cities, OR
- Any other Asian country or region.
- Alternatively, employed professionals in research institutions, government organizations, or companies within the specified regions may also apply
Required Documents for Application
- Completed scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts of the highest degree completed
- Degree certificates (translated into English if necessary)
- Letter of recommendation
- Research proposal or study plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport copy
- Additional documents may vary; always check the latest guidelines on TMU’s official site
Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Prepare Documents: Collect all required documents such as transcripts, certificates, CV, and recommendation letters.
- Online Application: Apply via the official Tokyo Metropolitan University website or scholarship portal by the deadline (October 10, 2025).
- Submit Application: Upload documents as instructed.
- Initial Screening: TMU reviews applications based on academic merit and relevance.
- Interview: Some candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments.
- Final Selection: Successful applicants receive the scholarship offer.
- Enrollment: Complete university admission procedures and visa arrangements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early and carefully prepare your research proposal or study plan with clear academic and career goals.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from academic or professional supervisors.
- Double-check all document translations and ensure they are certified.
- Follow the application guidelines strictly to avoid mistakes.
- Practice for interviews if selected, demonstrating motivation and understanding of your study field.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
The average monthly living expense in Tokyo for international students ranges between $1,000 to $1,500, covering:
- Accommodation: $400-$700 (shared or university dormitory options)
- Food: $300-$400
- Transportation: $80-$120
- Utilities and phone: $100-$150
- Miscellaneous: $100-$130
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition, airfare, admission fees, and monthly stipend.
- Prestigious Institution: Study at a leading public university in Tokyo, a global technological and cultural hub.
- Wide Range of Programs: Diverse disciplines from Science to Humanities to Engineering.
- Supportive International Community: TMU offers excellent support for international students.
- Career Opportunities: Strong industry links and research facilities open doors post-study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if my university is not a TMU partner?
A: Yes, if your institution is in Tokyo’s sister cities or other Asian regions, you may apply.
Q: Is proficiency in Japanese required?
A: Most graduate programs accept applications in English, but check specific program requirements.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: The scholarship does not cover dependents; personal arrangements must be made.
Q: When does the academic year start?
A: Classes typically start in April 2026.
Q: How competitive is the scholarship?
A: It’s very competitive; academic excellence and a compelling study plan are crucial.
Official Link:
The Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for ambitious international students to pursue higher education in Japan with strong financial support and academic resources. Ensure timely application and thorough preparation to maximize your chances of earning this fully funded scholarship.