Tokyo Medical and Dental University Scholarship programmes for International Students.
The Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) Scholarship provides an opportunity for qualified international students to pursue advanced studies in medical, dental and related health sciences in Japan with financial support.
Tokyo Medical and Dental University has since become part of the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) following its merger with Tokyo Institute of Technology in October 2024. However, scholarship and admissions information for the former TMDU medical and dental programmes continues to be provided through the university’s international student pages.
For international students interested in studying medicine, dentistry, biomedical sciences, healthcare sciences or related fields in Japan, one of the major funding opportunities to consider is the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
What Is the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Scholarship?
The Tokyo Medical and Dental University scholarship opportunities include funding schemes available to international students, particularly the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship.
MEXT scholarships can be offered through different routes, including Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation. For university-recommended scholarships, eligible students are selected by Science Tokyo and recommended to Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
The university’s international student application page also lists MEXT Scholarship opportunities alongside other scholarship and support programmes for international students.
Tokyo Medical and Dental University MEXT Scholarship
The MEXT Scholarship is particularly important for international students seeking financial assistance to study at the former TMDU.
Depending on the programme and scholarship category, MEXT support may include a monthly allowance and other forms of financial assistance. For example, a 2026 TMDU-related MEXT scholarship guideline lists an estimated allowance of ¥148,000 per month, based on the fiscal year’s amount, for the specified graduate scholarship period.
Applicants should always check the specific scholarship guidelines for their programme because the benefits, duration and eligibility requirements can vary.
Main MEXT Scholarship Routes
International students can generally explore two major routes:
- Embassy Recommendation
- University Recommendation
Under the university recommendation route, applicants normally need to contact a professor at Science Tokyo and obtain permission to study at the university before proceeding with the scholarship application.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
Eligibility depends on the specific programme and scholarship category. Generally, applicants should:
- Be an international student who meets the nationality requirements for the scholarship.
- Have the appropriate academic qualifications for the programme.
- Meet the admission requirements of the relevant graduate school.
- Have a suitable academic and research background.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Meet any English-language or Japanese-language requirements applicable to the programme.
- Be able to obtain the appropriate student visa and meet other immigration requirements.
For example, the Global Program in Dentistry and Dental Medicine in India and ASEAN requires recommended applicants to have English proficiency at approximately CEFR B2 or higher. The programme also states that MEXT scholarship recipients can lose their scholarship if their annual GPA falls below 2.30.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that meeting the general MEXT requirements automatically guarantees eligibility for every TMDU/Science Tokyo scholarship programme.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The exact benefits depend on the MEXT category and programme. Possible benefits may include:
- Monthly scholarship allowance
- Support related to study in Japan
- Assistance associated with the student’s arrival and university enrolment
- Scholarship support for the approved period of study
For some graduate programmes, the scholarship can cover a substantial period of study. One 2026 TMDU-related programme, for example, specifies a scholarship period of up to four years for full-time graduate study.
Students should carefully read the current scholarship guidelines to determine exactly what is covered before applying.
How to Apply for Tokyo Medical and Dental University Scholarship
The application process depends on whether you are applying through the Embassy Recommendation or University Recommendation route.
1. Choose Your Programme
First, identify the medical, dental, healthcare or biomedical programme you want to study.
The university’s application portal provides information for undergraduate programmes, master’s programmes, doctoral programmes and graduate international research student programmes.
2. Check the Scholarship Requirements
Carefully review the eligibility requirements for both the academic programme and the scholarship.
Pay attention to:
- Academic qualifications
- Age requirements
- Nationality requirements
- Research experience
- Language proficiency
- Required documents
- Application deadlines
3. Find a Potential Supervisor
For university-recommended MEXT scholarships, applicants generally need to contact a professor at Science Tokyo and obtain permission to study under the relevant programme.
A strong research proposal that matches the professor’s research interests can be important when seeking supervision.
4. Prepare Your Documents
Depending on the programme, applicants may need documents such as:
- Application form
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificate
- Research proposal or study plan
- Recommendation letter
- Proof of language proficiency
- Passport information
- Health certificate
- Other documents specified in the application guidelines
For example, the 2026 Global Program in Dentistry and Dental Medicine lists an application form, field of study and study programme, recommendation report, academic report and health certificate among its application documents.
5. Submit Your Application
Submit the required documents according to the instructions and deadline for your programme.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the last minute because some documents may require certification, signatures or recommendations from academic institutions.
6. University Screening
For university-recommended MEXT scholarships, Science Tokyo conducts its own screening before qualified candidates are recommended to MEXT. The published process for new international students generally includes university screening followed by MEXT screening.
7. MEXT Screening and Final Result
Candidates recommended by the university are subsequently considered by MEXT.
Successful applicants then complete the necessary procedures for admission, visa arrangements and travel to Japan.
Application Timeline
The exact dates change every year and depend on the programme.
For the university recommendation route, the published timeline indicates that calls for applications may take place around September to December, followed by university applications and screening, MEXT screening, notification and preparations for arrival in Japan.
Some programmes have their own deadlines. For example, the 2026 Global Program in Dentistry and Dental Medicine in India and ASEAN listed an application period from October 27 to November 28, 2025 for the October 2026 intake.
Because deadlines vary, prospective applicants should regularly check the official Science Tokyo/TMDU international student pages.
Other Scholarships for International Students
MEXT is not the only funding option available.
The university’s international student resources also provide information about JASSO, JSPS and other scholarships for international students.
Students who do not receive MEXT funding may therefore explore other scholarships after admission or through the university’s scholarship application system.
Tips for Winning the Scholarship
Competition for fully funded scholarships can be strong. The following tips can improve your application:
Maintain Strong Academic Results
Academic performance is one of the important factors considered for competitive scholarship programmes. Work toward maintaining excellent grades throughout your previous studies.
Develop a Strong Research Proposal
Graduate applicants should prepare a clear research proposal that explains the problem they want to study, their objectives, methodology and expected contribution.
Find the Right Supervisor
Research the professors and laboratories related to your intended field. A supervisor whose research interests align with your proposed study can strengthen your application.
Prepare Early
Start collecting transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters and other documents well before the deadline.
Check Language Requirements
Some programmes have specific English-language requirements. For example, the Global Program in Dentistry and Dental Medicine requires applicants recommended for the programme to meet approximately CEFR B2 or higher in English.
Why Study at Tokyo Medical and Dental University?
The former Tokyo Medical and Dental University has a strong academic identity in medicine, dentistry, health sciences and biomedical research. Its integration into Science Tokyo provides students with access to a broader institution combining medical, dental, science and engineering expertise.
For students interested in medical research, dentistry, biomedical sciences and healthcare, studying through the former TMDU programmes can provide an opportunity to gain advanced academic and research experience in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tokyo Medical and Dental University still operating?
Tokyo Medical and Dental University merged with Tokyo Institute of Technology in October 2024 to establish the Institute of Science Tokyo. Medical and dental programmes are now part of the new institution.
Is the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Scholarship fully funded?
Some MEXT scholarship programmes provide substantial financial support, including a monthly allowance and other benefits. However, the exact coverage depends on the specific scholarship and programme. Applicants should read the current guidelines carefully.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Science Tokyo provides scholarship and admission information for international students, including MEXT scholarship opportunities for prospective students from overseas.
Do I need a professor’s approval?
For the University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship, applicants are required to contact a professor at Science Tokyo and obtain permission to study at the university before proceeding with the application.
Where can I find the application guidelines?
Prospective students should use the official Science Tokyo/TMDU international student and admissions pages to find the latest programme-specific requirements and scholarship announcements.
Final Thoughts
The Tokyo Medical and Dental University Scholarship is an important funding opportunity for international students interested in studying medicine, dentistry, healthcare and biomedical sciences in Japan. Since TMDU is now part of the Institute of Science Tokyo, applicants should search for current scholarship information under Science Tokyo rather than relying on outdated TMDU application information.
The MEXT Scholarship is one of the most important options to consider, particularly for graduate students. To improve your chances, choose a suitable programme, identify a potential supervisor, prepare a strong research proposal and submit all required documents before the stated deadline.
