Study in Japan - Apply now for The APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027
If you are aiming to pursue graduate studies in a globally minded, multicultural environment, Japan’s Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is one of the most exciting destinations in Asia. Located in Beppu, Japan, APU is famous for its vibrant international student body, where students from over 100 countries learn side-by-side.
To attract top international talent, APU nominates outstanding graduate applicants for the prestigious Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, this University Recommendation MEXT scholarship offers full financial backing—allowing you to complete your Master’s or PhD program without worrying about tuition, housing, or travel expenses.
At a Glance: Scholarship Summary
Here is a quick overview of what the APU MEXT Scholarship package includes:
- Host Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan
- Funder: Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT)
- Degree Levels: Graduate Programs (Master’s & PhD)
- Intake Window: September Enrollment Only (April enrollment is not eligible for MEXT)
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Financial Value: Fully Funded
- 100% Admission Fee waived.
- 100% Tuition Fees covered for the duration of the program.
- Monthly Living Allowance: \text{JPY } 144,000 per month (covers housing and living costs; subject to minor annual adjustments).
- Round-Trip Travel: Economy class airfare between your home country and Japan at the beginning and end of the program.
- Medical & Learning Cover: Medical insurance, books, and instructional materials included.
Eligibility Requirements
To be nominated by APU for the MEXT Scholarship for the 2027 intake, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country designated by MEXT that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Age Limit: Born on or after April 2, 1992.
- Academic Performance: Must have achieved a Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.30 out of 3.00 (or equivalent) at your most recent university.
- Visa Status: Must enter Japan with a "Student" visa status.
Important Exclusions & Notes:
- Military Personnel: Active military members or civilian defense employees at the time of application are not eligible.
- Prior MEXT Holders: Previous recipients cannot reapply unless they have at least 3 years of research/educational experience after their last MEXT award payment.
- No Dual Applications: You cannot apply for another MEXT scholarship route (such as Embassy Recommendation) simultaneously.
- No Holding Other Grants: Recipients cannot hold concurrent scholarships from other organizations during their tenure at APU.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Unlike the Embassy Recommendation route, applying for MEXT through APU is incredibly seamless because there is no separate initial scholarship application form.
Step 1: Submit Your APU Graduate Application
Apply online for a eligible September-intake graduate program at APU before the priority deadline (typically early November for the following academic year). When completing your regular APU application, indicate your interest in being considered for university-recommended scholarships.
Step 2: APU Internal Evaluation
APU reviews all incoming graduate applications based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and background. The university selects the top candidates from this pool to recommend to MEXT.
Step 3: Receive APU Recommendation Notice
If APU selects you as one of their nominated candidates, you will receive your conditional APU admission result alongside a notification that you have been recommended to MEXT.
Step 4: Submit Official MEXT Documents
Nominated candidates will be asked to complete and submit a secondary set of official MEXT application forms directly to APU's admissions office.
Step 5: Final MEXT Approval & Arrival
APU submits the finalized dossier to MEXT in Tokyo for official endorsement. Once confirmed, you will receive your official scholarship award certificate, visa guidance, and flight booking details for your move to Japan!