Applying to the Kyoto University Biostudies PhD program

Applying for the MEXT Scholarship through your country's Japanese embassy or consulate

This is the route for students who want the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and are applying from outside Japan through the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of nationality.

1. In April-May of the year before arrival, apply to the Japanese embassy or consulate. For April 2027 or September/October 2027 arrival, this was spring 2026.
2. In May-July, complete the embassy first screening: documents, language exams, and interview.
3. If you pass first screening, request a Kyoto University Letter of Provisional Acceptance by the MEXT/Kyoto deadline.
4. Submit the final Placement Preference Application Form to the embassy.
5. MEXT conducts second screening and university placement. Final results usually arrive through the embassy between January and March.
6. Separately, complete the Biostudies PhD admissions process if you want to enter as a regular doctoral student.

Applying without the MEXT Scholarship

Self-funded students, students with another fellowship, and students still looking for funding apply directly through the Graduate School of Biostudies admissions process. They do not need the MEXT Scholarship first screening at a Japanese embassy/consulate or the MEXT Letter of Provisional Acceptance.

1. Wait for the current Biostudies guidelines and confirm the intake, eligibility, documents, deadline, and available laboratories.
2. Complete the Kyoto University AAO process before contacting the prospective lab head.
3. After AAO, contact one prospective lab head with a tailored research fit email.
4. Prepare the Biostudies application packet, including TOEFL/IELTS unless formally exempted.
5. Submit the application by the Biostudies deadline, then complete document screening and the oral examination.
6. If admitted, arrange funding, visa, housing, and enrollment procedures through the instructions from Kyoto University.

What to do next

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1. The MEXT Scholarship Embassy Recommendation route

Apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of nationality. Do not send the initial scholarship application to MEXT or Kyoto University.

• Application call: usually April-May of the year before arrival.
• First screening: documents, English/Japanese exams, interview.
• If you pass, request Kyoto provisional acceptance by the MEXT deadline.

2. Kyoto University's provisional acceptance step

After passing embassy first screening, request a Letter of Provisional Acceptance from Kyoto University. For Kyoto, the AAO route is available and Biostudies asks first-screening passers to contact AAO as soon as possible.

• Kyoto University deadline for April 2027 or September/October 2027 MEXT arrival: September 1, 2026, Japan time.
• AAO can take up to 2 weeks just to permit supervisor contact.
• Universities may need about one month to issue the letter.

3. Admission to the Biostudies PhD program

The Global Frontier in Life Science doctoral program is in English, but it has its own application, fee, documents, screening, and interview.

• Next official admission information: expected September 2026.
• Previous cycle application deadline: January 14, 2026.
• Previous cycle final results: March 27, 2026.

MEXT Scholarship application through a Japanese embassy or consulate

• Application Form
• Placement Preference Application Form
• Field of Study and Research Plan
• Academic transcripts for all university years
• Graduation, degree, or prospective graduation certificate
• Recommendation letter from president/dean/advisor
• Medical certificate on the MEXT form
• Thesis abstracts, if applicable
• Language proficiency certificate, if available
• Employer recommendation, if employed

Biostudies Doctoral Application

• AAO process before contacting the lab for normal admissions
• One intended laboratory only
• Application form with original handwritten signature
• Research project title and outline
• Research Achievement form
• Graduate transcript and master's completion or expected completion certificate
• Bachelor's graduation certificate
• At least two recommendation letters
• Valid TOEFL or IELTS score, unless formally exempted
• Application fee evidence

Normal Biostudies admission

1. Read the current Biostudies guidelines once posted.
2. Start or complete the Kyoto University AAO process.
3. After AAO, contact one prospective lab head with a tailored research fit email.
4. Prepare postal originals and PDF backup before the application deadline.

After MEXT first screening

1. Do not wait: request Kyoto provisional acceptance immediately after receiving the Passing Certificate.
2. Use Kyoto's AAO process or the method instructed by the graduate school.
3. Upload stamped embassy documents and the Passing Certificate.
4. Ask the prospective supervisor and the Graduate School of Biostudies office whether the letter should be for regular doctoral entry or non-degree research-student entry.