Saitama University Mext Scholarships in Japan 2026

About the Scholarship

The ESITI Scholarship is part of Saitama University’s International Graduate Program. It is designed for talented students who want to study advanced topics in Engineering, Materials Science, Informatics, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering. The program is fully taught in English, including classes, supervision, research work, exams, and the final dissertation.

Host Country

Japan

Host University

Saitama University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering

Scholarship Type

MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship and self-funded admission options

Degree

Doctoral degree (PhD, Doctor of Engineering, or Doctor of Science)

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ESITI Scholarship 2026, you must meet the following conditions:

You must have a Master’s degree or expect to complete it before enrollment.
You must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan.
You must be under 35 years old on April 1, 2026.
You must have very good academic results.
You must provide proof of English proficiency (equivalent to CEFR B2: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 72 minimum).
You must be in good health.
You must live outside Japan during the application period.
You must not hold Japanese nationality.
You must be able to come to Japan at the end of September 2026.
You must not have received a Japanese Government Scholarship in the last three years.

Fields of Study

The following areas are available in this program:

Materials Science
Electronics
Informatics
Mechanical Engineering
Other related fields under the ESITI program

Students may choose a supervisor from the official program list.

Scholarship Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship under the ESITI Program provides:

Monthly allowance of 145,000 yen
Additional regional allowance of 3,000 yen per month
Full exemption from application, admission, and tuition fees
Round-trip airfare from the student’s home country
Scholarship support for up to three years

Self-funded students must cover their own costs but can apply for other scholarships at Saitama University.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Application Form (Form A)
Field of Study and Research Plan (Form B)
Official transcript from your most recent university
Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
Abstract of your thesis (maximum one A4 page)
Passport copy or family register
English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS or proof of English-medium study)
Two Recommendation Letters
- One from the Dean
- One from a supervisor or equivalent
(Self-funded) Payment receipt of application fee
(Self-funded) Proof of financial support or scholarship

All documents must first be sent by email and then by international postal service.

Application Process

Follow these steps:

Contact a professor and request supervision.
Prepare all required documents.
Send documents to the ESITI Admission Office by email.
Wait for shortlisting results.
Attend the online interview and possible exam.
Receive the final selection result.
Apply for visa and prepare for travel.
Attend the entrance ceremony and begin your studies.

Registration Deadlines

Timeline Table

Intake Type	Deadline	Interview Period	Result	Final Approval	Program Start
MEXT Scholarship (Oct 2026)	November 30, 2025	Dec 2025 – Jan 2026	Feb 2026	July 2026	September 25, 2026
Regular Admission (Apr 2026)	October 31, 2025	Dec 2025 – Jan 2026	Jan 2026	—	April 6, 2026
Regular Admission (Oct 2026)	April 15, 2026	May – Jun 2026	June 2026	—	September 25, 2026

Selection Process

The selection is based on:

Academic record
Research potential
Recommendation letters
Research plan
Online interview
Possible mathematics exam (if required by the supervisor)

Final results for MEXT applicants are approved by the Japanese government.

Tips to Succeed

Contact your preferred supervisor early.
Write a clear and simple research plan.
Show strong academic performance.
Prepare your documents carefully.
Get strong recommendation letters.
Practice interview questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Japanese language required?

No. The entire program is in English.

Can I apply without a Master’s degree?

No. A Master’s degree is required.

Can I apply while living in Japan?

You must use the regular admission route, not the ESITI MEXT route.

Can the scholarship be extended?

No. The maximum duration is three years.

Can I apply without IELTS/TOEFL?

Yes, only if your previous degree was fully taught in English and you provide official proof.

Why Choose This Scholarship

Full financial support
Study in Japan’s advanced science and engineering environment
Access to modern research labs
Supervision by experienced professors
Programs taught fully in English
Strong career opportunities in global industries

Career and Future Opportunities

Graduates from the ESITI program often work in:

Engineering companies
Technology development centers
Research institutes
Universities
Government and energy sectors
International organizations

A PhD from Japan also increases your chances for academic positions worldwide.

Student Experiences

Many international students say they enjoy:

Friendly professors
Advanced laboratory equipment
A safe and clean study environment
Helpful international student support
Unique Japanese culture and daily life

Contact Information

Foreign Student Office of ESITI Program
Graduate School of Science and Engineering
Saitama University
255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
Phone: +81-48-858-3430
Fax: +81-48-858-3698
Email: rese@gr.saitama-u.ac.jp
Website: park.saitama-u.ac.jp/~rese/

Application Guidelines

2026 Guidelines & All Forms [pdf]
Form A [doc]
Form B [doc]
Recommendation Letter (ready-made edition) [doc]

Conclusion

The ESITI Scholarship 2026 at Saitama University is an excellent opportunity for motivated students who want to build a strong research career in engineering fields. With full financial support, expert supervision, and a welcoming academic environment, this program helps students grow academically and professionally. If you meet all the requirements, prepare your documents early and apply before the deadline.