APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 in Japan

The APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 supports eligible international graduate applicants who plan to study in Japan. The scholarship covers the full admission fee, full tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance, and economy-class airfare. Applicants must first apply to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University by November 5, 2026.

Quick Overview

Programme: MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship
Opportunity Type: Graduate scholarship
Scholarship Provider: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Recommending Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Country: Japan
Eligible Intake: September enrollment only
Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
Financial Support: Full admission fee, full tuition, monthly allowance, and travel expenses

About the APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship

The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students recommended by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology provides the scholarship. Its stated aims include strengthening international competitiveness and promoting the active exchange of international students at Japanese universities.

Applicants cannot apply directly to MEXT through this scholarship route. They must first submit an application to APU. The university then reviews eligible candidates and selects those it will recommend to MEXT.

Benefits and Financial Coverage

Selected scholarship recipients receive the following support:

✓ Full admission fee
✓ Full tuition fee
✓ Monthly subsistence allowance of JPY 144,000, including housing
✓ Economy-class airfare between the recipient’s home country and APU at the beginning of the programme
✓ Economy-class airfare between APU and the recipient’s home country at the end of the programme

The monthly allowance is subject to change.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Intend to study abroad in Japan from overseas.
• Be a national of a country designated by MEXT.
• Have been born on or after April 2, 1992.
• Have achieved a GPA of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale at their most recent university.
• Hold a “Student” status of residence while studying in Japan.

Individuals serving on active military duty or working as civilian staff for the military at the time of application are not eligible.

Previous recipients of a Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship are generally ineligible. However, exceptions apply to individuals who have gained more than three years of educational or professional experience since their previous scholarship ended and to former recipients of certain designated programmes.

The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students is not considered a MEXT Scholarship under this rule.

Recipients must not receive another scholarship that has not been approved for concurrent acceptance with the MEXT Scholarship. This restriction includes scholarships from the Japanese government, government-related organisations, and other sources.

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Required Document

Applicants must submit:

• English proficiency test scores

Only scores from English proficiency examinations taken on or after mid-March 2025 will be considered valid.

Applicants should carefully review the relevant MEXT application guidelines for detailed requirements relating to accepted test scores and supporting documents.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

• Submit an application for admission to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
• Ensure that the application is submitted for September enrollment.
• Complete the application by November 5, 2026.
• Provide the required application documents and valid English proficiency test scores.
• Wait for APU to review the application documents.
• APU will select suitable applicants to recommend to MEXT.
• Recommended candidates will receive notification with their final APU application results.
• MEXT will make the final scholarship decision.

Applicants must first apply to APU to receive scholarship consideration. A scholarship recommendation from APU does not constitute the final scholarship decision.

Selection Process

APU reviews the submitted admission documents and identifies suitable candidates for recommendation.

Applicants selected for recommendation receive notification together with their final APU application results. MEXT then completes the final scholarship assessment.

MEXT is expected to decide the final scholarship results by the end of June. However, the notification timing may change depending on MEXT’s circumstances.

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Important Dates

• Application deadline: November 5, 2026
• Eligible enrollment period: September enrollment only
• Final scholarship decision: Expected by the end of June

APU notes that the scholarship accepts applications only for September enrollment. The university also states that the conditions of the 2027 scholarship may change. Applicants should therefore review the current official information before submitting their applications.

Application Deadline

Applicants must submit their APU application by November 5, 2026 to be considered for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship.

Applications submitted through this scholarship route are accepted only for September enrollment.

Official Link

Review the official scholarship details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.

View the Official MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship Page