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Saitama University MEXT Scholarship 2027

A fully funded doctoral scholarship at Saitama University for October 2027 enrollment — a ¥148,000 monthly stipend, full tuition exemption and round-trip airfare, through the MEXT University Recommendation track.

8 Jan 2027 Open Updated 16 Oct 2026 By Saitama University
Award
Fully funded doctoral scholarship¥148,000/month + tuition exemption + airfare
Who can apply
Master’s holdersUnder 35; GPA 2.30+; outside Japan
Deadline
8 Jan 2027SSED program; each program sets its own schedule
Enrollment
October 2027Doctoral level; 3 years
Programs
3 Special ProgramsCivil & Environmental, ESITI, SSED

About the scholarship

The Saitama University MEXT Scholarship 2027 is Japan’s government-funded University Recommendation track for October 2027 enrollment at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University. It funds a full doctoral program with a monthly stipend, complete exemption from university fees and round-trip airfare between your home country and Japan.

Important change for 2027: MEXT has discontinued the General Program of university recommendation at Saitama for 2027+ enrollment. Applications are accepted only through three Special Programs: the International Graduate Program on Civil and Environmental Engineering, the International Graduate Program on Energy System – Information Technology Innovation (ESITI), and the International Graduate Program on Stable socio-economic development through sustainable resource management (SSED). You apply through the program, not through Saitama’s general admissions or MEXT directly.

Eligibility

  • Nationality of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan, residing outside Japan at the time of application; Japanese nationals are not eligible.
  • Under 35 years old as of 1 April of the application year — born on or after 2 April 1992 for the 2027 cycle.
  • Hold, or expect to hold before enrollment, a master’s degree (these are doctoral-level programs).
  • GPA of 2.30 or higher (on the MEXT 3.0-scale formula) over the past two years, with academic performance to be maintained during the scholarship.
  • English proficiency: IELTS 5.5 or higher in all four skills, or TOEFL iBT 72 or higher (CEFR B2) taken within the past two years — or proof that your most recent degree was taught in English. Alternatively, JLPT N2 or above.
  • Good mental and physical health.
  • Must not have been a MEXT scholarship awardee in the past three years.
  • Must be able to arrive at Saitama University by 1 October 2027.

Benefits

  • Monthly stipend of ¥148,000 for doctoral students, including the ¥3,000 monthly regional supplement (official figures).
  • Full exemption from application, admission and tuition fees.
  • Round-trip airfare between your home country and Japan — at enrollment and upon program completion.
  • Funding for up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress (not extendable).
  • ESITI states a quota of 8 doctoral scholars through University Recommendation.

Documents required

  1. MEXT application form (the program notes the 2027 form was marked “for reference” while submissions were not yet open — use the current version from the program site).
  2. Copy of your passport.
  3. Official academic transcript(s) and certificate of graduation or expected graduation.
  4. Research plan.
  5. Recommendation letter issued by your home university (SSED asks for two recommenders, sent directly to the program office).
  6. Abstract of your graduation thesis plus a list of publications.
  7. Proof of language skills (IELTS/TOEFL/JLPT or medium-of-instruction certificate).
  8. Program application checklist. All documents in PDF, uploaded through the program’s online submission form.

How to apply

  1. Choose your Special ProgramPick one of the three: Civil and Environmental Engineering, ESITI, or SSED — read its admission page fully before starting.
  2. Contact a prospective supervisorSupervisor or provisional acceptance is part of Saitama’s screening — line this up early.
  3. Prepare your documents in PDFApplication form, passport copy, transcripts, graduation certificate, research plan, thesis abstract and language proof.
  4. Arrange your recommendersThey must send their letters directly to the program office — you cannot submit them yourself.
  5. Submit before 8 January 2027The SSED program’s published deadline; check your chosen program’s page for its exact schedule.
  6. Screening and nominationSaitama sends its final nominee list to MEXT in February 2027; final MEXT approval comes around July 2027 for October 2027 enrollment.

FAQs

What is the Saitama University MEXT 2027 deadline?

The SSED program’s published deadline is 8 January 2027. Each of the three Special Programs publishes its own schedule — confirm on your chosen program’s admission page.

Can I apply through the MEXT General Program at Saitama?

No — for 2027+ enrollment Saitama accepts MEXT University Recommendation applications only through its three Special Programs (Civil & Environmental Engineering, ESITI, SSED).

How much is the Saitama MEXT stipend?

¥148,000 per month for doctoral students, including the ¥3,000 regional supplement, plus full fee exemption and round-trip airfare.

What are the age and GPA requirements?

Under 35 as of 1 April of the application year, and a GPA of 2.30 or higher on the MEXT formula over the past two years.

Do I need Japanese?

No — JLPT N2+ is one option, but IELTS 5.5+ / TOEFL iBT 72+ (or proof your last degree was taught in English) is accepted instead.

Verified 19 Oct 2026 on the official Saitama University pages: the MEXT University Recommendation overview (en.saitama-u.ac.jp/studentlife/mextscholarship_university/ — confirms 2027 Special Programs only, General Program discontinued) and the SSED admission pages (park.saitama-u.ac.jp/~ssed/admision.html and appli_docs.html — deadline 8 Jan 2027, screening timeline, eligibility, documents) plus the ESITI admission page (park.saitama-u.ac.jp/~rese/admission.html — benefits, 8-scholar quota, eligibility) and the official MEXT stipend page (FY2025 figures). Stipend stated as ¥148,000/month doctoral including the ¥3,000 regional supplement; SSED cites a 147,000–148,000 range, given as a range in facts. SSED submission link marked "Not Yet Open" at crawl time.

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