Tohoku University is one of Japan’s leading national research universities, internationally recognised for its excellence in science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and social sciences. The university offers a wide range of scholarships and financial support programs for international students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and research funding, allowing students to focus on academic excellence and innovation.

Here are the major postgraduate scholarship opportunities available for international students at Tohoku University:
- MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship
- Tohoku University International Excellence Scholarship
- JASSO (Japan Student Services Organisation) Scholarship
- President Fellowship for International Graduate Students
- Private Foundation Scholarships
- Admission Fee and Tuition Fee Waiver Program
1. MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship
Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend (approximately JPY 143,000–145,000)
- Round-trip airfare
- Research support
- Preparatory Japanese language training (if required)
- Medical and student support services
How to Apply
Applicants can apply through:
- Japanese Embassy or Consulate (Embassy Recommendation)
- Tohoku University (University Recommendation)
Eligibility
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission.
- Hold a Master’s degree for PhD admission.
- Excellent academic record.
- Strong research proposal.
- Meet the English or Japanese language requirements.
- Meet MEXT nationality and age requirements.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Research proposal or study plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recommendation letters
- Passport copy
- Medical certificate
- Language proficiency certificate (if required)
Maintaining the Scholarship
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student.
- Follow MEXT scholarship regulations.
Deadline
- Embassy Recommendation: Usually April–May (varies by country).
- University Recommendation: Generally November–January, depending on the graduate school.
2. Tohoku University International Excellence Scholarship
Benefits
- Tuition fee support
- Financial assistance for outstanding international students
- Merit-based scholarship awarded by the university
How to Apply
Eligible students are considered during the admission process or in accordance with the scholarship guidelines announced by the university.
Eligibility
- Full-time Master’s or PhD student.
- Outstanding academic performance.
- Meet programme-specific admission requirements.
Required Documents
- Scholarship application form (if required)
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Recommendation letters
- Passport copy
Deadline
Application periods vary depending on the graduate school and scholarship cycle.
3. JASSO Scholarship
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of approximately JPY 48,000
- Financial support for living expenses
How to Apply
Students apply through Tohoku University after admission.
Eligibility
- Privately funded international postgraduate student.
- Good academic standing.
- Full-time enrolment.
- Financial need may be considered.
Required Documents
- Scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts
- Certificate of enrolment
- Passport copy
Deadline
Applications are announced annually after enrolment through the university.
4. President Fellowship for International Graduate Students
Benefits
- Admission fee waiver
- Tuition fee support
- Monthly living allowance (for selected programmes)
- Additional academic support
How to Apply
Eligible students are nominated during the graduate admission process for participating programmes.
Eligibility
- Outstanding international Master’s or PhD applicants.
- Excellent academic achievements.
- Admission to an eligible graduate programme.
Required Documents
- Admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Recommendation letters
Deadline
Deadlines follow the admission schedule of the relevant graduate programme.
5. Private Foundation Scholarships
Tohoku University provides access to numerous scholarships funded by Japanese foundations, corporations, and local governments.
Benefits
- Monthly living stipend
- Tuition assistance
- Research grants
- Travel and educational support
Eligibility
- Requirements vary depending on the scholarship provider.
- Most scholarships require students to be enrolled at Tohoku University.
- Academic excellence and financial need are commonly considered.
Required Documents
- Scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Statement of Purpose
Deadline
Application periods vary throughout the academic year depending on the scholarship provider.
6. Admission Fee and Tuition Fee Waiver Program
Benefits
- Full or partial exemption from admission and tuition fees.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the university after admission.
Eligibility
- Outstanding academic performance.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Full-time international Master’s or PhD student.
Required Documents
- Tuition waiver application
- Financial documents
- Academic records
Deadline
Applications are generally accepted before the Spring and Autumn semesters each academic year.
How to Apply for Tohoku University Postgraduate Scholarships
- Choose an eligible Master’s or PhD programme.
- Review the admission requirements of your graduate school.
- Contact a prospective supervisor if required.
- Prepare all required documents, including a strong research proposal.
- Submit your admission application before the programme deadline.
- Apply separately for scholarships where required.
- Monitor scholarship announcements through the International Support Centre.
Conclusion
The Tohoku University Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 offer excellent financial support for international students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in Japan. Through the MEXT Scholarship, Tohoku University International Excellence Scholarship, JASSO Scholarship, President Fellowship, Private Foundation Scholarships, and the Admission Fee and Tuition Fee Waiver Program, students can significantly reduce the cost of higher education while studying at one of Japan’s top research universities. Applicants should prepare their documents early and regularly check the official Tohoku University website for the latest scholarship announcements, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
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