Applications are now open for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026–2027 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan. Funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), this fully funded program supports exceptional international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees at APU.
The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, and round-trip airfare, making it one of Japan’s most prestigious opportunities for graduate study. Only students recommended by APU are considered for nomination to MEXT.
Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Location: Japan
Duration:
Master’s: 1.5 – 2 years
Doctoral: 3 – 4 years
Deadline: November 12, 2025
International Relations (IR)
Society and Culture (SC)
International Public Administration (IPA)
Public Health Management (PHM)
Sustainability Science (SS)
Tourism and Hospitality (TH)
Development Economics (DE)
Accounting and Finance (AF)
Marketing and Management (MM)
Innovation and Operations Management (IOM)
Japanese Management (JM)
Dual Degree: International Material Flow Management (IMAT, 2 years)
All doctoral-level research fields offered at APU
Recipients of the MEXT APU Scholarship will receive:
Full Tuition Coverage (via APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship)
Monthly Stipend: 144,000 JPY (amount subject to change)
Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class flights between the home country and Japan at the beginning and end of the program
Accommodation Requirement: Students must live in APU’s dormitory (AP House) during the first year (self-funded)
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality: Non-Japanese citizens from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
Age Requirement: Born on or after April 2, 1991
Academic Achievement: GPA of 2.30/3.00 or higher from the most recent university attended
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or Japanese
Application Status: Must apply from overseas and obtain a “student” visa for Japan
Exclusions:
Current military personnel or employees of military organizations
Applicants who already receive another MEXT scholarship (or who have not completed a 3-year gap since a previous one)
Applicants receiving funding from another scholarship organization while at APU
Online Registration: Create an account via the APU Application Portal.
Review Guidelines: Carefully read the official scholarship instructions.
Submit Application: Begin the process via “STEP 1” in the portal menu.
Document Screening: APU evaluates applications and selects top candidates.
Recommendation: Outstanding applicants are recommended to MEXT by APU.
Additional Submission: Shortlisted candidates may need to provide further documents for MEXT.
Final Selection: MEXT makes the final decision and announces results.
👉 Visit the [APU MEXT Scholarship Official Website] for full details and application instructions.
1. What is the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship by the Japanese government, awarded through APU’s nomination process to exceptional international graduate students.
2. Who is eligible?
International students (non-Japanese) meeting the academic, age, and residency requirements.
3. What expenses are covered?
100% tuition, monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY, and round-trip economy airfare.
4. Is housing included?
Students must reside in APU’s dormitory for the first year, but the cost is self-funded.
5. Can past MEXT scholars apply?
Yes, but only if at least 3 years have passed since completion of the previous award and the applicant has gained additional academic/research experience.
6. Do I need Japanese proficiency?
No. Many graduate programs at APU are conducted in English, though Japanese is also accepted.
7. How competitive is the scholarship?
Highly competitive—only top applicants recommended by APU are considered by MEXT.
8. What is the application deadline?
November 12, 2025.
✨ The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship at APU is an exceptional opportunity for talented international students to pursue advanced graduate studies in Japan with full financial support, world-class education, and a vibrant multicultural environment.