Japan Tokyo Metropolitan University Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship Program 2026 is a flagship initiative by Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU), operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Public University Corporation and established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG). This prestigious scholarship invites talented international students to pursue graduate education in Tokyo, providing them with the financial and academic support needed to focus entirely on their studies and research.

By bringing together outstanding scholars from around the globe, the program promotes TMU as a hub of innovation and collaboration that contributes to the development of Tokyo and beyond.

About the Scholarship

This program supports Master’s (2 years) and Doctoral (3 years) students across all TMU graduate schools. The scholarship includes full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, international airfare, and additional support services, ensuring students can dedicate themselves fully to research and academic growth.

The program for 2026 enrollment is subject to approval of the Tokyo Government’s budget by March 31, 2026

Successful applicants receive comprehensive support, including:

• Full exemption of admission and tuition fees (2 years for Master’s, 3 years for Doctoral)
• Monthly stipend of 150,000 JPY
• One-way international airfare at the start and upon completion of studies (conditions apply)
• Housing referral services (with assistance from TMU’s partner company; housing costs borne by students)
• Examination fee exemption

Note: Return airfare is not provided for students who extend beyond the prescribed study duration or withdraw early

The Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship Program is open for:

• Master’s Degree Programs (Standard duration: 2 years)
• Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degree Programs (Standard duration: 3 years)

The scholarship covers all TMU graduate schools, such as:

• Humanities: Sociology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Languages
• Law and Politics: Law, International Relations, Political Science
• Management: Business Administration, Economics, Finance
• Science: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Urban Environmental Sciences: Civil & Environmental Engineering, Architecture, Geography, Urban Policy, Tourism
• Systems Design: Computer Science, Engineering, Aeronautics, Industrial Art
• Human Health Sciences: Nursing, Physical & Occupational Therapy, Radiology, Health Promotion

Applicants must come from:

• Asian countries/regions (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Korea, Nepal, etc.)
• Tokyo’s Sister and Friendship Cities/States (e.g., New York, Paris, London, Berlin, Seoul, Jakarta, Cairo, Rome)
• OR from TMU partner universities worldwide

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Background

• Master’s applicants: Must hold (or expect to hold) a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and be 22 years or older at the time of enrollment.
• Doctoral applicants: Must hold (or expect to hold) a master’s or professional degree, or demonstrate equivalent academic ability, and be 24 years or older at the time of enrollment

Institutional Affiliation

Applicants must be:

• Currently enrolled or recently graduated (within one year) from a university, research institute, government agency, or company located in:
• Asian countries/regions (South, Southeast, and East Asia)
• Tokyo’s sister and friendship cities/states (e.g., New York, Paris, London, Beijing, Seoul)
• OR enrolled in one of TMU’s international partner universities.
• OR currently in a Japanese master’s program with a “Student” visa

Academic Performance

• A minimum GPA of 2.30/3.0 (calculated with TMU’s conversion scale) is required.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Japanese: JLPT N2 or higher, OR proof of equivalent ability.
• English: CEFR B2 level or higher (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS scores), or completion of an English-medium degree.
• Students must also be willing to acquire basic conversational Japanese before completing their program

Future Commitment

• Graduates are expected to contribute to:
• Employment in a Tokyo-based company, a research institute/university, or a public organization.
• Building a Japan-friendly professional network that fosters mutual understanding and innovation

Other Conditions

• Must obtain a new “Student” visa (exceptions apply).
• Must be in good physical and mental health.
• Cannot simultaneously hold other scholarships that overlap with this program.

Application Timeline (2026 Intake)

Fall Admissions (October 2026 Start)

• Applications Open: February 2026
• Applications Close: April 2026
• Exams & Interviews: May 2026
• Results Announced: June 2026

Spring Admissions (April 2026 Start)

• Applications Open: September 2025
• Applications Close: October 2025
• Exams & Interviews: November 2025
• Results Announced: December 2025

Note: Dates may vary by graduate school. Always confirm with the official TMU graduate school website.

After Completion

Graduates are expected to:

• Contribute to the development of Tokyo and their home country/region.
• Utilize their skills to foster international cooperation and mutual understanding.
• Join a global network of TMU alumni acting as Japan-friendly professionals across various fields

Why Choose TMU?

• With its strong academic programs, global partnerships, and location in one of the world’s leading cities, Tokyo Metropolitan University offers students a unique platform to excel academically and professionally. The Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship Program not only removes financial barriers but also builds a supportive environment for future global leaders.