Global Leadership Scholarship
Differs: also in United Kingdom, no university offer needed first, asks for 80%
The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science · Application cycle 2027/2028
A five-year master's and doctoral course in the sciences at the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, taught in English, for October 2027 entry. Students receive a monthly scholarship of JPY 180,000.
Covers: a monthly scholarship of JPY 180,000 for the whole course, which is two years in the master's and three years in the doctoral programme. Does not cover: the entrance fee of JPY 282,000, and tuition of JPY 535,800 a year in the master's and JPY 520,800 in the doctoral programme (the 2026 rates, which may change). Exemptions are possible in extenuating circumstances for a limited number of students. The scholarship counts as taxable income. It cannot be held together with a Japanese government (MEXT) scholarship, a JASSO scholarship, or another scholarship from the University of Tokyo or your home country. Students find their own housing, and the university has a limited number of apartments. To go on to the doctorate you must pass a qualifying exam during the master's.
Admission to the master's in one of these departments: Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences. You are expected to do the master's and then the doctorate You completed 16 years of education outside Japan or expect to before entry, or hold a degree equal to a bachelor's from a foreign university with a programme of three years or more No restriction on nationality for those who completed both school and university outside Japan You must contact a possible supervisor before applying and attach proof of this The university runs a security export control check on all international students under Japanese law. Admission can be refused or research restricted afterwards GSGC students are expected to apply for the JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists (Doctoral Course)
Language test required TOEFL iBT Waiver not mentioned
TOEFL iBT is required, from a single test date within 2 years of the start of the application period. IELTS is not accepted. The minimum score is not published. Native English speakers can ask the school for an exemption in advance.
Admission included in application?University admissionA university’s offer of a place in a program. University admission and scholarship funding may be separate decisions.
Read in the glossary
Apply through the School of Science online system. You choose up to three possible supervisors, and only one in physics. The application period for October 2027 entry is 7 to 22 December 2026, Japan time. The time of day is not stated. The application fee is JPY 10,000. A GRE score is also required: the Subject test for physics and astronomy, and the General test for chemistry, earth and planetary science and biological sciences. Some departments accept substitutes. Some departments may add an interview or an online written exam. The decision is expected on 2 March 2027 and is tentative.
Online application form GRE score and TOEFL iBT score Transcripts of every university attended with a statement of completion, or a copy of the diploma if that is not available Master's transcript and published papers, if any GPA report, where available Personal statement and statement of purpose, each one to two pages in English Proof of your contact with the possible supervisor Two recommendation letters Proof that the application fee was paid
Choose the department, write to a possible supervisor and keep the emails. Ask ETS to send your official GRE and TOEFL iBT reports to the university. Between 7 and 22 December 2026, fill in the GSGC online application, upload the documents, enter your referees' details and pay the fee. Apply before 22 December 2026, Japan time.
You write to them with your research plan and upload the emails as proof. In physics you choose only one supervisor.
ETS sends the official reports to the university directly. The department sets which GRE test is needed.
Each one to two pages, in English.
You enter the referees' details in the form, and the system emails them the recommendation form.
For every university you attended, officially translated if not in English or Japanese.
Some departments ask for it. In physics, ask your supervisor whether you must sit the exam.
Graduate School Office, Graduate School of Science: [email protected]
Japan
No official contact email published
Same funding type and level, from the same directory.
Differs: also in United Kingdom, no university offer needed first, asks for 80%
Differs: also in United Kingdom, no university offer needed first, has a return condition
Differs: also in Switzerland, no university offer needed first