In short: IGP(A) lets you earn a master’s and a PhD in 3–5 years, entirely in English, at Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo, formerly Tokyo Tech) — with no Japanese language requirement, an online application you can complete from your home country, and a pathway to the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship through university recommendation.
Next deadline (Fall 2027 intake): supervisor consent by 15 November 2026; online application by 22 November 2026, 23:59 JST. Please contact us early — ideally by the end of October 2026.
What is IGP(A)?
The International Graduate Program (A) is Science Tokyo’s theme-focused, English-taught graduate program. It offers five curricular programs across 14 departments. Hayashi Lab accepts IGP(A) students through the eMAT program (Graduate Program to Foster Global Leaders for the Development of Materials with Innovative Functions) in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. In eMAT, IGP(A) is offered as an Integrated Doctoral Education Program (master’s + doctoral, “M+D”).
Seven reasons to choose IGP(A)
1. Study entirely in English — no Japanese required
Lectures and seminars are held in English, so there is no Japanese language requirement. Japanese language classes are available if you want to enjoy daily life in Japan or pursue a career here.
2. Master’s + PhD in one continuous program (3–5 years)
The Integrated Doctoral Education Program lets you obtain both degrees within three to five years, without having to apply again between the master’s and doctoral stages. You can focus on long-term research from day one.
3. A better route to the MEXT Scholarship
Applicants with outstanding academic records may be recommended by Science Tokyo for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship. According to the official FAQ, IGP(A) applicants may have more of a chance of MEXT recommendation than IGP(C) applicants. The number of recommendations is limited.
- Monthly allowance (currently JPY 147,000 for master’s and JPY 148,000 for doctoral students, per Science Tokyo’s MEXT page)
- Enrollment fee and tuition waived; entrance examination fee refunded after enrollment
- Airfare to Japan provided by MEXT (under conditions)
- Typical requirements include a GPA of 2.30/3.00 or above, age 34 or younger as of 1 April of the enrollment year, and English proficiency around CEFR B2. For Fall 2027 onward, only the “Priority” scheme is accepting applications.
Details: MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation) – Science Tokyo
4. Apply from your home country — online
Both overseas and domestic applications are accepted. The whole application, including document submission and fee payment, is done through an online system, so you do not need to travel to Japan to apply.
5. No English test score required
Since the spring 2025 admissions, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) are no longer required for the International Graduate Programs; your English is evaluated through interviews, examinations and communication. (Note: the MEXT scholarship application may still ask for English proficiency documentation.)
6. Affordable tuition, even if self-funded
| Item | Amount (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 30,000 |
| Enrollment fee | 282,000 |
| Annual tuition | 635,400 |
Tuition exemptions (full or partial) are available on application for students who qualify. Other options include JASSO scholarships and scholarships from your home government (e.g., CSC).
7. A leading science university in Tokyo
Science Tokyo was formed in October 2024 by the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University. The eMAT program brings together materials scientists across catalysis, energy materials, biomaterials and semiconductors — an ideal environment for interdisciplinary research at the boundary of materials and medicine.
IGP(A) vs. IGP(C) at a glance
| IGP(A) – Theme focused | IGP(C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intake | Fall only | Spring or Fall |
| Degree (Materials Science and Engineering) | Integrated Doctoral Program (M+D, 3–5 years) | Master’s, Doctoral, or Integrated Doctoral |
| MEXT recommendation | Possible (better chance than IGP(C), per official FAQ) | Less likely |
| Supervisor consent | Required before applying | Required before applying |
Source: Science Tokyo – International graduate programs
Schedule for the Fall 2027 intake
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Application period | 9 September – 22 November 2026 |
| Deadline to submit supervisor consent (mail/letter) to Admissions | 15 November 2026 |
| Online application & fee payment deadline | 22 November 2026, 23:59 JST |
| Announcement of results | 3 March 2027, 15:00 JST |
| Enrollment | Fall 2027 |
Why Hayashi Lab?
- An open, international team. Our members come from universities and colleges across Japan and abroad — every current member, including faculty, graduated from a university other than Science Tokyo. You will not be an “outsider”.
- Unique research tools. We develop our own methods to look at biointerfaces: AFM-based single-molecule force spectroscopy, gap-controlled infrared spectroscopy with multivariate curve resolution, QCM-D, SPR, and machine learning / materials informatics.
- Research that matters. We study what happens at the interface between materials and living systems — interfacial water, protein adsorption, anti-biofouling surfaces and cell adhesion — and connect fundamental science to industrial applications.
- Active publication record. Recent work has appeared in Analytical Chemistry, Langmuir, ACS Applied Bio Materials and PCCP.
Where do our graduates go?
Our alumni build careers in a wide range of fields, in both academia and industry. Recent destinations include:
- Academia: university faculty positions, public research institutes, and postdoctoral positions abroad
- Analytical and scientific instruments: HORIBA, Shimadzu
- Medical devices and healthcare: Terumo
- Chemicals and materials: Kaneka, DIC, Lion
- Electronics: Hitachi
- Housing equipment: TOTO
- Materials informatics: MI-6
- Intellectual property: patent law firms
Skills in surface and interface analysis, materials design and data science are valued across many industries.
How to apply to Hayashi Lab through IGP(A)
- Email Dr. Tomohiro Hayashi (th [at] mct.isct.ac.jp; replace [at] with @) with your CV, academic transcript(s), a short self-introduction, and a letter of intent describing the research you would like to do.
- Online meeting. We will arrange a Zoom meeting to discuss your background and research interests, and to introduce the lab.
- Supervisor consent. If we agree to work together, Dr. Hayashi issues a consent letter, which you send to the Admissions Division by the consent deadline (15 November 2026 for Fall 2027).
- Online application. You receive login details for the online system, pay the application fee and upload your documents by the deadline. If you wish to be considered for the MEXT scholarship, prepare the additional documents at the same time.
- Results and enrollment. Results are announced in March; enrollment is in Fall.
Interested? Write to th [at] mct.isct.ac.jp (replace [at] with @). Please use a subject line such as “IGP(A) Fall 2027 application – [your name]”.
Official information
- International Graduate Program (A) – official page and Application Guide
- International Graduate Program FAQ
- MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation)
This page summarizes official information as of September 2026 for convenience. Requirements, dates and amounts may change; the official Application Guide always takes precedence.
