Applications open for MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026-27 at APU, Japan

MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026-2027 at APU, Japan

Applications are now open for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026-2027 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan. This is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) to support outstanding international students.

The program provides complete financial coverage for Master’s and PhD degrees, including tuition fees, monthly living expenses, and airfare. Students recommended by APU are considered for this prestigious scholarship, aimed at enhancing Japan’s global academic competitiveness and promoting international exchange.

Scholarship Summary

• 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

Courses Offered

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Master’s Programs)

• 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)

Graduate School of Management (MBA Programs)

• 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)

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Doctoral Program)

• All doctoral-level research fields offered at APU (3 years)

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship receive the following financial support:

• Full tuition coverage through the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship

• Monthly stipend: 144,000 JPY (subject to change)

• Round-trip airfare (economy class) between the home country and Japan at the start and end of the program

• Accommodation requirement: International students must reside in AP House (APU dormitory) for the first year (self-funded)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Language Proficiency: English or Japanese

2. Eligible Countries: Open to all nationalities except Japanese citizens

3. Age Requirement: Born on or after April 2, 1991

4. Academic Achievement: Minimum GPA of 2.30/3.00 at the most recent university attended

5. Status: Must apply from overseas and hold a nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan

6. Exclusions:

   • Current military personnel or civilian employees of the military are not eligible

   • Applicants who previously received a MEXT scholarship must have at least 3 years of research/education experience after its completion

   • Cannot apply for or hold another MEXT scholarship simultaneously

   • Cannot receive funding from another scholarship organization while enrolled at APU

7. Residency Status: Must obtain a “student” visa status in Japan

8. Arrival: Must arrive in Japan within the designated period set by APU

Application Process

Follow the steps below to apply for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026-2027:

1. Online Registration: Create an application account through the APU Application Portal.

2. Download Guidelines: Carefully review the official application guidelines.

3. Submit Application: Begin your application by clicking “STEP 1” on the portal menu.

4. Document Screening: APU reviews applications and selects outstanding candidates.

5. Recommendation: Selected applicants are recommended to MEXT by APU.

6. Additional Documents: Shortlisted candidates must submit further documents required by MEXT.

7. Final Results: MEXT makes the final decision and announces the award recipients.

Official Website

For detailed information and the official application portal, visit:
MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship – APU Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship?
It is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Japanese government through MEXT to support talented international students at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU).

2. Who is eligible to apply?
International students from any country with diplomatic ties to Japan who meet the academic, age, and residency requirements.

3. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers 100% tuition, a monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY, and economy class airfare to and from Japan.

4. Is accommodation included?
Students must stay in APU’s dormitory (AP House) for the first year, but this cost is not covered by the scholarship.

5. Can I apply if I previously received a MEXT scholarship?
Yes, but only if you completed the scholarship at least 3 years ago and have significant academic/research experience since then.

6. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2026-2027 intake is November 12, 2025.

7. Do I need Japanese language skills to apply?
No, proficiency in either English or Japanese is sufficient. Many graduate programs are offered in English.

8. How competitive is the scholarship?
It is highly competitive, as only exceptional students recommended by APU are considered.

9. When will I know if I am selected?
After APU’s internal review, recommended applicants will be informed. Final results are released once MEXT completes its selection.

10. Can I apply for another scholarship while applying for this one?
No, applicants cannot hold another MEXT scholarship or receive funding from another scholarship organization at the same time.