Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 – Amazing Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship in Japan

Are you planning to pursue a master’s or PhD degree in Japan with financial support? The Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 program offers international students an opportunity to study advanced science at one of Japan’s leading research universities.

Located in Sendai, Tohoku University offers the International Graduate Program for Advanced Science (IGPAS), where graduate courses are taught in English. The program covers several scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, and earth science.

For the October 2027 intake, the university has announced eight Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship places, providing monthly financial support, tuition exemptions, and eligible international travel expenses.

Applications are currently open, but students must complete two separate stages. The online pre-application closes on November 15, 2026, followed by the full application deadline on November 30, 2026.

Students interested in other opportunities in Japan can also explore our Rotary Yoneyama Scholarship 2027 guide.

Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 Scholarship Details

The scholarship is competitive. Admission to IGPAS does not automatically guarantee MEXT funding.

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Benefits of Tohoku University IGPAS 2027

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship provides substantial financial assistance to selected international graduate students.

Monthly Scholarship Allowance

Successful applicants receive the following monthly stipends:

• Master’s students: ¥146,000 per month.
• Doctoral students: ¥147,000 per month.

These amounts include the Sendai regional allowance of ¥2,000.

Full Tuition and University Fee Exemptions

MEXT scholarship recipients receive exemptions from:

• Application examination fees.
• University admission fees.
• Tuition fees throughout the approved scholarship period.

International Travel Support

The scholarship also provides eligible flight tickets for:

• Traveling to Japan to begin the program.
• Returning to the student’s home country after completing the program, subject to MEXT conditions.

Scholarship Duration

• Master’s degree: Two years, October 2027 to September 2029.
• Doctoral degree: Three years, October 2027 to September 2030.

The university estimates general monthly living expenses in Sendai at approximately ¥80,000–¥150,000, depending on accommodation and lifestyle.

Students comparing financial support opportunities can also read our ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 guide for postgraduate studies in Switzerland.

Eligibility Criteria for Tohoku University IGPAS 2027

Applicants must satisfy Tohoku University’s academic admission requirements and, when seeking MEXT funding, the Japanese Government’s scholarship conditions.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Applicants generally qualify through one of the following routes:

• Completion of 16 years of formal education by September 30, 2027.
• Completion of an eligible three-year university degree or 15 years of education, subject to the university’s academic assessment.
• Recognition through an individual qualification examination for applicants who meet the relevant age and academic equivalency requirements.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Applicants must generally:

• Hold or expect to complete a master’s degree by September 30, 2027; or
• Meet the university’s alternative research-experience or academic equivalency requirements.

Additional MEXT Scholarship Requirements

To qualify for the announced MEXT funding, applicants must:

• Have been born on or after April 2, 1992.
• Meet the applicable MEXT nationality and other eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Successfully pass the IGPAS entrance selection process.
• Satisfy the university’s additional scholarship selection requirements.

Applicants should consult the official MEXT conditions for their individual circumstances.

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Available Courses and Research Fields

The Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 program is available through six departments within the Graduate School of Science.

1. Mathematics

Students can pursue advanced mathematical studies and research under the guidance of academic supervisors.

2. Physics

The department provides opportunities for graduate research across theoretical and experimental physics.

3. Astronomy

Students interested in astronomy and astrophysical research can explore suitable faculty research groups.

4. Geophysics

This department focuses on scientific research related to Earth and physical processes.

5. Chemistry

Students can undertake advanced chemistry research in their selected academic specialization.

6. Earth Science

The department provides graduate research opportunities involving Earth systems, materials, and environmental science.

Applicants should review faculty profiles before selecting a department. The availability of specific research topics depends on prospective supervisors.

Required Documents for Tohoku University IGPAS 2027

Students should prepare their documents before the application period closes.

The university provides the following official application forms:

• Form 1: Application for Admission.
• Form 2: Statement of Reason for Applying.
• Form 3: Research Proposal.
• Form 4: Summary of Past Research.
• Form 5: Referees’ List.

Additional documents may include:

• Academic transcripts and qualification records.
• Graduation certificates or expected graduation documents.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Passport copy or other required identification.
• English-language proficiency evidence, where applicable.
• Email correspondence confirming a prospective supervisor’s consent.
• At least one academic reference letter sent directly by the referee.
• Department-specific examination scores or other supporting evidence.

Important GRE requirements:

• Astronomy applicants must provide the GRE Physics Subject Test score.
• Geophysics applicants must provide a GRE Subject Test score in Mathematics or Physics.

The exact checklist should be checked against the official 2027 application booklet.

How to Apply for Tohoku University IGPAS 2027

Follow these steps carefully to avoid missing either application stage.

Step 1: Select Your Research Department

Choose the department that best matches your academic qualifications and research interests.

Review the university’s available research areas and graduate faculty profiles.

Step 2: Find a Prospective Supervisor

Applicants must identify an eligible academic supervisor within the Graduate School of Science.

The university will not accept an application without a prospective supervisor’s consent.

Step 3: Contact the Supervisor

Send a professional email explaining:

• Your academic background.
• Your research interests.
• Your previous research experience.
• Your proposed graduate research direction.
• Why you want to work with that supervisor.

Include IGPAS 2027 in your email subject line.

Wait for the supervisor’s consent before proceeding.

Step 4: Complete the Online Pre-Application

Visit the official IGPAS application page and submit the online pre-application form.

Deadline: November 15, 2026.

The pre-application is a mandatory stage and should not be confused with the final application.

Step 5: Prepare and Submit Your Documents

Complete the university’s application forms and gather all supporting documents.

Ask your academic referee to submit the required reference letter directly to the IGPAS Admissions Office.

Step 6: Submit the Full Application

The full online application period runs from November 1 to November 30, 2026.

Applicants should submit their completed forms and supporting documents through the official application system.

The university will send an email confirming receipt of the documents and provide an application number.

Step 7: Complete the Entrance Examination

Eligible applicants will receive examination instructions from their department.

The selection includes a written examination and interview. Applicants residing outside Japan can participate online.

Step 8: Check Your Admission and Scholarship Results

The university plans to publish admission results on January 28, 2027.

MEXT scholarship selection results are also announced through the IGPAS examination results process.

After receiving admission, successful students should follow the university’s enrollment and scholarship instructions.

For students preparing to relocate abroad, our Netherlands Student Visa Guide also explains a different international study destination and its immigration procedures.

Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 Application Deadline

There are two important deadlines for the October 2027 intake.

All applicants should follow Japan Standard Time (JST) and check the official application instructions for any updates.

Do not wait until November 30 to begin your application. The earlier pre-application deadline is essential.

Selection Process and Application Tips

The selection process is managed by the academic departments of Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Science.

Candidates are evaluated through the university’s entrance examination procedures, including a written assessment and interview.

MEXT scholarship recipients are selected from eligible applicants who demonstrate excellent performance in the entrance examination.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Choose a suitable supervisor: Contact researchers whose current work closely matches your proposed study area.

Prepare a focused research proposal: Explain your research question, academic background, proposed methodology, and expected contribution.

Demonstrate academic preparation: Highlight relevant coursework, research projects, laboratory experience, or previous publications where applicable.

Arrange references early: Give referees enough time to prepare and submit their recommendations.

Check department-specific requirements: Some departments require GRE Subject Test scores.

Submit before the deadline: Avoid technical problems by completing your application well before the final day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 fully funded?

Yes, selected IGPAS applicants can receive fully funded MEXT scholarships covering university fees, monthly living support, and eligible international travel. However, funding is limited to the announced scholarship places.

2. What is the deadline for Tohoku University IGPAS 2027?

The online pre-application deadline is November 15, 2026. The final application deadline is November 30, 2026.

3. How many MEXT scholarships are available?

Tohoku University has announced six MEXT scholarships for master’s students and two for doctoral students for the October 2027 intake.

4. Can international students apply without Japanese-language proficiency?

Yes. IGPAS graduate courses are taught in English, and Japanese-language proficiency is not required for the program itself.

5. Is a supervisor required before applying?

Yes. Applicants must obtain consent from an eligible prospective supervisor before submitting their IGPAS application.

6. Is a separate MEXT scholarship application required?

According to the university’s IGPAS guidance, MEXT candidates are selected based on entrance examination performance and scholarship eligibility. Successful candidates receive further instructions from the admissions office.

Final Thoughts

The Tohoku University IGPAS 2027 program provides a valuable pathway for international students seeking advanced science education in Japan.

Its English-language graduate courses, established research departments, and access to fully funded Japanese Government MEXT scholarships make it an attractive option for academically strong applicants.

However, students should understand that the MEXT scholarship is competitive and limited to eight announced places.

The most important first step is finding a suitable academic supervisor and obtaining their consent. Applicants must then complete both the pre-application and full application procedures before the respective November 2026 deadlines.

Students considering postgraduate opportunities in other countries can also explore our University of Portsmouth Scholarships guide.

Official Links

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Applicants should read the university’s 2027 application booklet and official scholarship conditions before submitting their documents.

Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi — Founder & Editor
Website: Global Scholarship Point
Last verified: 14 October 2026

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