Tokyo Metropolitan University Scholarships for International Students 2026

Tokyo, Japan
Location
8,600
Population
3
Number of Scholarships

To help students manage tuition and living expenses, Tokyo Metropolitan University connects to scholarships across different funding levels. Here are several top options to review first.

Among the university based funding routes linked to Tokyo Metropolitan University, these scholarships tend to stand out for their level of support and overall value. With Tuition Reduction Program, students may receive full tuition support, and coverage frequently includes a half or full tuition fee waiver.

To broaden funding options beyond institutional awards at Tokyo Metropolitan University, these external and government scholarships are commonly considered as well. A strong option is Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship which is fully funded and often covers tuition fees, ¥143,000 to ¥145,000 per month for research students, and ¥117,000 for undergraduate students.

To see every scholarship associated with this institution and compare coverage and eligibility, browse the sections below.

Tokyo Metropolitan University FAQ

Are there any scholarships at Tokyo Metropolitan University that are for online courses?

TMU’s main scholarships and tuition reduction/exemption programs are designed for degree-seeking students (i.e., students formally enrolled as regular undergraduates or graduate students), rather than for “online-only” study.

Are courses taught at Tokyo Metropolitan University in English or in Japanese?

Both exist, but the default is Japanese. Many programs at TMU are primarily taught in Japanese, and Japanese proficiency is commonly expected for full participation. That said, TMU also has English-taught degree options (including programs where classes and evaluations are in English), plus specific departments and graduate tracks that can be completed in English depending on the program and supervisor.

Is there age limit to get scholarships at Tokyo Metropolitan University?

It depends on the scholarship. Many university-administered scholarships are tied more to enrollment status and academic performance than age. However, some major government scholarships do include age rules (and some university-linked programs have minimum-age requirements tied to master’s/PhD entry eligibility).

For example, Japan’s government scholarship track (MEXT Research Students) is commonly restricted by age (e.g., “under 35” / date-of-birth cutoffs), while certain TMU scholarship programs for graduate applicants may specify age minimums that match master’s/doctoral entry conditions.

For which subjects does Tokyo Metropolitan University offer scholarships for?

TMU scholarships are generally available across a wide range of subjects, because they are tied to your student status (undergraduate/graduate) and scholarship type, rather than restricted to a single major. TMU spans humanities and social sciences, law and politics, economics and business administration, science, urban/environmental studies, systems design/engineering, and health sciences.

For which nationalities does Tokyo Metropolitan University offer scholarships for?

It depends on the scholarship category. TMU lists multiple supports specifically for privately financed international students (so eligibility can be broad across nationalities as long as you meet the “international student” conditions). Other scholarships are external (foundations, government) and may restrict eligibility by nationality, region, or diplomatic status.

Some TMU-linked scholarship programs explicitly target applicants based in particular regions (for example, Asia and/or Tokyo’s partner/sister-city networks). In the Global Scholarships story, Mazhar Iqbal is a Pakistani applicant.

Is having language proficiency test necessary (IELTS, TOEFL, JLPT, etc.) for Tokyo Metropolitan University?

Often yes, but it depends on your program and language of instruction. Many Japanese-taught tracks expect Japanese proficiency (and may request proof through exams or prior education). Some English-taught routes (or English-supported labs) focus on English proficiency instead. Certain TMU graduate admissions (for example, some engineering/systems design tracks) explicitly require standardized English scores such as TOEFL iBT or TOEIC.

From the recipient story, Mazhar Iqbal said: “Although not required for MEXT, I took the IELTS and scored an overall band of 6.5.” That’s a practical example of an applicant choosing to strengthen an application with a language score even when not strictly mandatory for the scholarship track.

Is there minimum grade for acceptance at Tokyo Metropolitan University?

Admissions decisions typically depend on a full evaluation (your academic record, exams/interviews, research fit, etc.), and “minimum grade” rules can vary widely by faculty/graduate school and by scholarship type. For scholarships, minimum academic thresholds are more common than for admissions in general.

For example, some TMU scholarship programs for graduate applicants specify a minimum converted GPA requirement (e.g., 2.30/3.00 on a particular conversion scale) and expect you to maintain it. Connecting this to real applicant experience, Mazhar Iqbal emphasized that reviewers also look at direction and planning, not only raw grades: “Even if your academic scores aren’t perfect, a clear vision… can set you apart.”

What is a good academic background to get a scholarship at Tokyo Metropolitan University?

A strong, consistent academic record helps, but scholarships commonly reward a “complete profile”: clear goals, strong fit with the program, and evidence you can succeed (research experience for graduate scholarships, projects/leadership for undergrad scholarships, etc.). If you are applying to a research-based graduate program, showing a focused research plan and matching supervisor/lab can be especially important.

In the scholarship recipient story, Mazhar Iqbal described what made him competitive: “a combination of academic strength, industry experience, and a clear, well-aligned research plan,” plus a publication from his undergraduate project. That mix is a strong model for TMU graduate scholarships that value academic achievement and research alignment.

What documents do I need to apply for Tokyo Metropolitan University?

Exact requirements depend on your level (undergraduate/graduate), your program, and whether you’re applying for admissions, a tuition reduction, or a scholarship program. However, applicants commonly prepare transcripts, proof of graduation/degree, recommendation letters, a CV/resume, a study plan or research plan (especially for graduate applicants), and proof of language proficiency when required. In the Global Scholarships recipient story, Mazhar Iqbal described his approach: “I carefully prepared all required documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and other supporting materials.”

Is there an application fee at Tokyo Metropolitan University?

Usually, yes, many TMU programs charge an entrance examination/application processing fee (the exact amount depends on the graduate school/faculty and the year’s guidelines).

Tokyo Metropolitan University Admissions

Here are the official admission pages for Tokyo Metropolitan University:

Tuition Fees at Tokyo Metropolitan University for International Students

Degree Tuition Fee Range
Bachelor's Tuition 520,800 Yen
Master's Tuition 520,800 Yen

Please note that tuition fees can vary based on the specific program you choose. To get accurate tuition fee information, be sure to consult the official tuition fee pages.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun Lee profile photo
Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships.

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