The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is now open for September 2026 intake.
This prestigious, fully funded scholarship by the Government of Japan supports outstanding international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.

Why Choose Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University?

Founded in 2000 in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, APU is widely recognized as Japan’s “Global Village.”

  • Over 50% of students are international, representing 100+ countries and regions.

  • Innovative bilingual education system—courses taught in both English and Japanese.

  • Recognized under Japan’s Top Global University Project, demonstrating excellence in global engagement and academic quality.

Students can graduate in English or Japanese, giving them a unique edge in global careers.

Scholarship Overview

  • Host Country: Japan

  • Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

  • Degree Level: Master’s (MS/M.Phil) & Ph.D. programs

  • Funding Body: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan

  • Application Deadline: 12 November 2025 (for September 2026 enrollment)

Financial Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship at APU is fully funded, covering all major costs:

  1. Full Tuition & Admission Fees: 100% coverage for the entire program.

  2. Monthly Living Allowance: 144,000 JPY to cover housing, food, and daily expenses.

  3. Medical Insurance: Full health coverage throughout your stay.

  4. Books & Materials: Allowance for textbooks and course materials.

  5. Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class tickets from your home country to Japan at the start of the program and return flight after completion.

This comprehensive support ensures students can focus completely on their studies and research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Nationality: Citizen of a country recognized by MEXT.

  • Residence: Must be living outside Japan at the time of application.

  • Academic Background: Minimum GPA of 2.30/3.00 from the most recent university attended.

  • Visa Requirement: Must obtain and maintain a Student Visa for the entire duration of study.

  • Other Scholarships: Cannot be receiving another Japanese Government scholarship simultaneously.

  • Previous Recipients: Those who previously received a Japanese Government scholarship are usually ineligible unless they have spent more than three years outside the program with significant new experience.

English Proficiency Requirement

  • Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted English proficiency test results taken after March 2024.

  • Check the official APU application guidelines for the exact minimum scores.

How to Apply

  1. Online Application: Submit all documents through the APU Graduate Application Portal.

  2. University Recommendation: APU reviews applications and recommends top candidates to MEXT.

  3. Final Selection: MEXT announces final scholarship results around June 2026.

Important: Only applicants for the September 2026 intake will be considered.

Academic Programs at APU

Students can apply for graduate programs offered through:

  • Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies

  • Graduate School of International Management

  • Graduate School of Sustainability and Tourism

These programs emphasize global perspectives and the dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

Key Dates

  • Application Opens: Ongoing

  • Application Deadline: 12 November 2025

  • APU Recommendation Results: Early 2026

  • MEXT Final Decision: June 2026

  • Program Start: September 2026

Quick Links

Final Thoughts

The MEXT Scholarship 2026 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University offers a rare chance to earn a fully funded Master’s or PhD degree in Japan while experiencing a truly multicultural academic environment.

If you are an ambitious international student looking to shape your career on a global stage, apply before 12 November 2025 and begin your journey in Japan’s most international university.

Tags: MEXT Scholarship 2026 Japan, Fully Funded Scholarship in Japan, Study in Japan 2026, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, MEXT University Recommendation, Japanese Government Scholarship, Master’s and PhD Scholarships