The University of Tokyo Fellowship (Todai Fellowship) gives international students entering a doctoral course at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) a stipend of JPY 200,000 per month for three years. You apply for the fellowship together with your GSFS entrance examination application, and the current application period (Schedule B) closes on 17 November 2026 at 23:00 Japan Standard Time. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official guidelines and summarised every requirement below.
The Fellowship in Brief
🏛️ Awarding body: The University of Tokyo, applied for through the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS)
🎓 Level: Doctoral courses
👥 For: International students enrolling in a GSFS doctoral course
💴 Stipend: JPY 200,000/month
⏳ Period of payment: Three years
🗂️ Scholarship type: Applicable pre-enrollment
📆 Guidelines: Updated for applicants enrolling in AY2027
⏰ Current application period: 11 to 17 November 2026, until 23:00 (Japan Standard Time)
What the Todai Fellowship Is
The Todai Fellowship is financial support for international students who are enrolling in doctoral courses at The University of Tokyo. At GSFS, the fellowship must be applied for at the same time as you submit your application for the GSFS entrance examination. The application guidelines have been updated for applicants enrolling in AY2027.
Applying Together With the Entrance Examination
Your fellowship application is submitted at the same time as your doctoral entrance examination application to the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, so the fellowship documents need to be ready within the examination application period.
How the Screening Works
1️⃣ GSFS screens the fellowship applications, and the GSFS result is notified to applicants after the results of the entrance examination are announced
2️⃣ Nominees selected by GSFS undergo a final screening by the Division of Global Campus Initiatives
3️⃣ Successful nominees are then awarded the fellowship
4️⃣ The final and official screening result is notified in the month of enrollment
Strong Odds Once You Are Nominated
GSFS points out that applicants have a high probability of being awarded the fellowship once they are nominated to the Division of Global Campus Initiatives by GSFS. The GSFS nomination is therefore the key step.
Eligibility Criteria
🎯 You are applying for admission to a doctoral course of the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences
🛂 You will hold a valid visa to stay in Japan as a "College Student" as of enrollment
🚫 You are not applying for, and are not planning to apply for, fellowships or scholarships provided by private organisations
Stipend and Payment Period
💴 The stipend is JPY 200,000 per month
🗓️ Payment continues for three years
Required Application Forms and Documents
📝 Application Form for Todai Fellowship
💌 Recommendation letter from your former supervisor (preferably your master's programme supervisor)
🔬 Research Plan
🏅 List of past achievements
📑 Transcripts of your master's and bachelor's courses, accompanied by documentation of the grading criteria
📰 Copies of presented papers (up to three main papers)
GSFS Entrance Examination Application Periods
All deadlines are at 23:00 (Japan Standard Time):
🗣️ 15 to 21 May 2026: Special Oral Exam (closed)
🅰️ 4 to 10 June 2026: Schedule A (closed)
🅱️ 11 to 17 November 2026: Schedule B (current period)
Discover more funding for your studies in the Scholarships section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the University of Tokyo Todai Fellowship?
The fellowship pays a stipend of JPY 200,000 per month. Payment continues for three years.
Who can apply for the Todai Fellowship at GSFS?
International students applying for admission to a doctoral course of the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, who will hold a valid "College Student" visa as of enrollment and who are not applying for private-organisation fellowships or scholarships.
When is the deadline?
The fellowship is submitted with the GSFS entrance examination application. The current Schedule B application period runs from 11 to 17 November 2026, closing at 23:00 Japan Standard Time.
Do I apply separately for the fellowship?
No. The fellowship must be applied for at the same time as your application for the GSFS entrance examination.
When will I know the result?
The GSFS screening result comes after the entrance examination results are announced. The final and official result, after screening by the Division of Global Campus Initiatives, is notified in the month of enrollment.
Which documents are required?
The Application Form for Todai Fellowship, a recommendation letter from your former supervisor, a Research Plan, a list of past achievements, master's and bachelor's transcripts with grading criteria, and copies of up to three main presented papers.
Can I combine it with a private scholarship?
No. Applicants must not be applying for, or planning to apply for, fellowships or scholarships provided by private organisations.
Deadline
⏳ 17 November 2026
Links
Todai Fellowship information and Application Guidelines: https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/exam/master/foreign_research_students/tokyo_fellowship/index.html
Application folder: https://univtokyo.sharepoint.com/:f:/t/Teams.k-kyomu.k/IgCsxRNGU-SFR4pvvtDkxH5WAcKYedM_qeiet3bT8kO7Iaw
Information on GSFS entrance examinations: https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/exam/info/
