A highly esteemed, fully financed prize from the Japanese government, the MEXT University Recommendation (UR) prize is given to outstanding international graduate students who want to study in Japan. This fellowship is awarded through a university nomination procedure and is funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) must first accept applicants before evaluating, choosing, and formally recommending eligible applicants to MEXT for ultimate approval.
Located in Beppu, Japan, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is a private university with a global focus that is well-known for its multicultural campus and international education approach. APU was founded in 2000 and provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs taught in both English and Japanese in subjects like international business, social sciences, sustainability, and Asia-Pacific studies. APU, which welcomes instructors and students from more than 90 nations, emphasizes global leadership development, multilingual education, and cross-cultural learning. APU is a top choice for international students in Japan because of its wide range of international collaborations and dedication to practical, globally relevant education.
(APU) MEXT Scholarship 2027, Japan—Quick Details
Host Country: Japan
University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Opportunity Type: Masters, PhD
Eligibility Country: International Students, Domestic Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: November 5, 2026
Degree Level
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree
Available Subjects
The APU MEXT Scholarship covers these major fields:
- Asia Pacific Studies
- International Relations
- Policy Science and Transitioning Societies
- Development Economics
- Sustainable Development and Environment
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Business Administration (MBA), including Management, Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Japanese Management.
Eligibility Criteria for (APU) MEXT Scholarship 2027, Japan
● Overseas Applicant Status: Candidates must live outside of Japan and plan to start their studies there.
● Nationality Requirement: You must be a citizen of one of the nations MEXT has identified as scholarship-eligible.
● Age Requirement: Candidates must be within the MEXT-specified age range for the applicable intake year.
● Academic Performance: A minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale, or a comparable academic standing, is necessary.
● Visa Eligibility: For the duration of the program, candidates must possess or be qualified to obtain a Japanese student visa.
● Scholarship Exclusivity: Candidates cannot simultaneously be awarded any other scholarships that MEXT has not authorized.
Benefits of (APU) MEXT Scholarship 2027, Japan
● Admission charge Waiver: There are no upfront enrollment expenses because the whole admission charge is waived.
● Tuition Coverage: For the course of the study program, all tuition costs are paid in full.
● Monthly Living Allowance: To cover living expenditures, including housing costs, a monthly stipend of about 144,000 JPY is given (amount subject to vary depending on MEXT regulations).
● International Travel Support: The recipient’s home country and Japan are covered for round-trip economy-class travel.
● Support for Visas and Residency: Complete help is offered to acquire the official Japanese student visa and residency status.
Required Documents for APU MEXT Scholarship 2027
Applicants should prepare the documents required for the APU graduate application and MEXT University Recommendation consideration. These may include:
- Completed online APU application
- Academic transcripts
- Graduation certificate or expected graduation certificate
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport or identification document
- Personal statement and required application essays
- Research plan or study-related documents, where applicable
- Letter of recommendation
- Other documents requested by APU or MEXT
APU specifically states that English proficiency test scores are required for the MEXT University Recommendation scholarship, and for the 2027 intake, only tests taken on or after March 15, 2025, are considered valid. Applicants should check the latest MEXT and APU instructions for the complete document requirements.
Application Process
- Visit the official APU Graduate Admissions website and review the 2027 application requirements.
- Select an eligible APU graduate program that matches your academic background and research interests.
- Create an account and complete the APU online application.
- Upload the required academic, personal, English proficiency, and supporting documents.
- Submit the application according to the APU deadline.
- APU reviews applications and selects suitable candidates for MEXT University Recommendation.
- APU recommends selected candidates to MEXT for final consideration.
- MEXT makes the final decision regarding the scholarship award.
The MEXT University Recommendation route is available only for September enrollment. APU reviews applications first, and final scholarship decisions are made by MEXT.
Deadline: November 5, 2026.
Apply Now
FAQs – APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027
Is the APU MEXT Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides full admission fee and tuition fee coverage, a monthly allowance of approximately 144,000 JPY, and economy-class airfare between the recipient’s home country and APU, subject to MEXT regulations.
Who can apply for the APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for eligible graduate applicants who plan to study in Japan from overseas and are nationals of a country designated by MEXT.
What degree programs are available?
The scholarship is available for eligible master’s and doctoral programs at APU.
What is the monthly MEXT stipend?
The current APU information lists a monthly subsistence allowance of 144,000 JPY, including housing, although the amount may change according to MEXT regulations.
Do I need an English proficiency test?
Yes, APU lists English proficiency test scores among the required documents for the MEXT University Recommendation scholarship. For the 2027 intake, APU states that only scores from tests taken on or after March 15, 2025 will be considered valid.
When is the application deadline?
APU’s current official MEXT University Recommendation page lists November 5, 2026, for the September 2027 enrollment. Applicants should follow the latest official APU deadline.
Where can I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official APU Graduate Admissions process. APU must first review and select candidates before recommending them to MEXT.
