Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026 – Benefits, Eligibility, Required Documents And How To Apply For The Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026

Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026 – Benefits, Eligibility, Required Documents And How To Apply For The Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026

If you’ve been looking forward to studying in Japan as an exchange student, then now is the time.

The International Cooperative Graduate Program (ICGP) 2026 at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan, offers outstanding PhD students from partner universities the unique opportunity to conduct part of their thesis research under the co-supervision of NIMS researchers.

This short-term training and research program aims to promote international collaboration, enhance research capabilities, and advance global scientific advancement in materials science.

Degree Level

• PhD (Doctoral Level)

This program is exclusively designed for full-time PhD students enrolled at universities that have concluded the ICGP agreement with NIMS.

Available Subjects Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026

The ICGP 2026 primarily focuses on Materials Science and Engineering, including but not limited to:

• Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials
• Energy and Environmental Materials
• Biomaterials and Soft Materials
• Functional Materials and Devices
• Computational and Theoretical Materials Science

Applicants should contact their preferred NIMS researcher in advance via the NIMS Researchers Directory (SAMURAI) to confirm alignment with the research.

Benefits Of The Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026

The NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program 2026 provides selected candidates with:

• Monthly Living Allowance: 120,000 JPY
• Accommodation Fee Coverage
• Access to Advanced Research Facilities

Eligible Nationalities

Open to international PhD students from partner universities that have signed an ICGP agreement with NIMS.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NIMS ICGP 2026, applicants must:

• Be a full-time PhD student at a university that has signed an ICGP agreement with NIMS.
• Have a research topic relevant to materials science and aligned with a NIMS researcher’s expertise.
• Or equivalent certification of English proficiency.
• Possess a valid passport.
• Be in good health condition, certified by a medical document.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency, proven by one of the following:
  • TOEIC score ≥ 740
  • TOEFL (ITP/iBT/CBT) ≥ 550/80/213
  • IELTS ≥ 5.5

How To Apply

• To apply, click APPLY NOW 

Required Documents For The Japan NIMS International Cooperative Graduate Program Scholarship (ICGP) 2026

1. Latest official academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s).
2. English proficiency certificate (TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS).
3. Valid passport copy.
4. Financial Guarantee Letter (Template available).
5. Health Guarantee Letter (Template available).
6. Commitment Letter (Template available).
7. Recommendation Letter from Head of Study Program and Academic Supervisor (addressed to Director of the Directorate of Partnerships ITB).
8. ICGP Application Forms (Download from NIMS ICGP page).

Application Timeline 

• 1 January 2026 (Nomination through form submission)
• Screening and Interviews: January – February 2026
• Results Announcement: Mid-March 2026