The Tokyo Global Partner Scholarship (Tokyo GP) is a fully funded scholarship from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, offered at Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU). It brings talented international students to Tokyo for a master's or PhD. The aim is for them to become future partners who connect Tokyo with their home countries.
What the scholarship covers
- Monthly stipend of JPY 150,000
- Full tuition for the standard study period
- Admission fee and entrance exam fee waived
- International airfare to Japan, and a return ticket after you graduate (conditions apply)
- Housing referral service (you pay rent and meals from your stipend)
- Japanese language classes
Duration: 2 years (master's) or 3 years (PhD)
Fields of study
Humanities, Law and Politics, Management, Science, Urban Environmental Sciences, Systems Design and Human Health Sciences. Each graduate school decides which programmes take Tokyo GP scholars.
Who can apply
You must meet TMU's graduate entry requirements and one of these conditions:
- You are studying (bachelor's for a master's, master's for a PhD) at a university in an Asian country or region, in one of Tokyo's sister or friendship cities, or at a TMU partner university
- Or you work at a research institution, government body or company in one of those places
Also:
- No upper age limit. Working professionals and people who already hold a master's can apply.
- You should be committed to building links between Tokyo and your home country.
- You must be willing to learn basic Japanese for daily life.
- You cannot hold another scholarship at the same time.
Language requirements vary by graduate school. Some programmes are taught in English, and others need Japanese.
How to apply
- Choose a TMU master's or PhD programme and read its application guidelines.
- Contact a prospective supervisor and get their permission to apply. Many schools require this first.
- Complete any pre-screening your graduate school asks for.
- Prepare your documents. These usually include transcripts, degree certificates, a research plan, a statement of purpose, a CV, recommendation letters and language certificates.
- Submit your application, often by post, following the graduate school's instructions.
- Take the written and/or oral exam or interview.
When to apply
- October 2027 entry: applications usually open around February and close around April 2027. Exams are in May and results in June.
- April 2028 entry: pre-screening is around August, applications in October, exams in November and results in December.
Each graduate school sets its own exact dates, so check the guidelines for your programme.
Tips
- Start contacting professors now. Supervisor approval is the step that takes longest.
- Write a clear research plan that shows how your work connects to Tokyo or to cooperation between Japan and your country.
- Check carefully that your university or employer is in an eligible place before you apply.