Japan has been a dream country to study in, due to its superior education system, state-of-the-art research laboratories, and colorful cultural experience. When you seek a fully funded scholarship opportunity in Japan, the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026 could be the golden ticket you have been waiting for.
This scholarship, provided by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in collaboration with Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), aims to attract high-quality students from around the world. It also includes 100 percent tuition, a 144,000 JPY monthly stipend, and round-trip plane tickets, and it is one of the best scholarships ever offered to international students.
This guide will take you through the benefits, eligibility requirements, available courses, and how to apply to the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026.
Why Choose the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship?
MEXT Scholarship is not simply a financial support programme, but a chance to be involved in the global scholarly community in Japan. This is why it is something special:
- Full Funded Support: Includes tuition fees, living and travel allowance.
- Prestigious Recognition: The status of being a MEXT scholar enhances your academic and professional image.
- Cultural Exchange: Japan promotes the involvement of scholars in their culture, language, and research environment.
- Various Programs: Master’s and PhD programs in a variety of areas such as international relations, public health, sustainability, business, and others are offered.
Scholarship Summary
- Degree: Master, Doctorate
- Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan
- Funding Body: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
- Funding: Fully Funded (Tuition, stipend, airfare)
- Monthly Stipend: 144 000 JPY (may change)
- Duration of the Study:
- Master’s: 1.5 2 years
- PhD: 3 4 years
- Deadline: November 12, 2025
Courses Offered Under the Scholarship
APU offers numerous programs that can fit the academic and professional needs of the students.
Master’s Degree Programs – Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
- International Relations (IR)
- Society and Culture (SC)
- International Public Administration (IPA)
- Public Health Management (PHM)
- Sustainability Science (SS)
- Tourism and Hospitality (TH)
- The Development Economics (DE)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Accounting and Finance (AF)
- Marketing and Management (MM)
- Innovation and Operations Management (IOM)
- Japanese Management (JM)
- Dual Degree International Material Flow Management (IMAT) Program
PhD (3 years)
- Asia Pacific Graduate School of Studies
Scholarship Benefits
Comprehensive funding MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026 is the full funding, which covers all the key costs:
- 100 percent tuition fee coverage (through APU tuition reduction scholarship).
- Living Allowance: 144000 JPY / month.
- Airfare: Round-trip economy class airfare ticket to Japan.
- On-campus Housing: International students will be expected to stay in the APU dormitory (AP House) during the first year (at their own cost, not with a scholarship).
Eligibility Criteria
The applicants should fulfill the following to be eligible to apply for the scholarship:
- Nationality: They must be of a nation that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Education: The minimum GPA of 2.30/3.00 in the latest academic program.
- Language Proficiency: English or Japanese language proficiency certificates.
- Age Requirement: Born On or After April 2, 1991.
- Exclusions:
- Military members in active duty or civilian workers in the military are not eligible.
- Applicants must never have received a MEXT scholarship (with some exceptions, depending on the research/education experience thereafter).
- Not eligible to simultaneously apply to another MEXT scholarship.
- Not permitted to earn another scholarship whilst studying at APU.
Step-by-Step Application Process
It is simple to apply for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026. This is how it works:
- Step 1: The first step is to create an account.
Fill out the application online through the official APU online application portal.
- Step 2: Go Over the Application Guidelines
Go online, download the application guidelines provided by APU, and read through them.
- Step 3: Send in the Application to APU
- Enter all the necessary information and attach some documents.
- Step 4: Selection of APU
APU conducts screening and recommends excellent applicants.
- Step 5: Notification of results
Applicants recommended by APU are informed, and APU admission results are also communicated.
- Step 6: Upload extra documents
Shortlisted candidates are asked to complete and submit additional MEXT (SGU) forms.
- Step 7: Final Results
MEXT is the ultimate authority in scholarship awarding.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: November 12, 2025
- Publication of Results: It will be announced usually in spring 2026
- Arrival in Japan: According to APU (usually September 2026)
FAQs About MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026
- What is the difference between a University Recommendation and an Embassy Recommendation to MEXT?
The University Recommendation route offers the option for universities like APU to recommend excellent students to MEXT directly. In contrast, the Embassy Recommendation route requires you to apply to the Japanese Embassy in your home country.
- Do I have to know Japanese to apply?
No. At APU, it is possible to find many programs taught in English. But a little knowledge of Japanese will enable you to adjust.
- May I apply if I am already under another scholarship?
No. MEXT does not permit a second funding by other scholarship bodies during study in APU.
- What is the monthly allowance?
The beneficiaries will receive 144,000 Japanese Yen each month, which is sufficient to cover living costs in Beppu, Japan.
- Is it age-limited?
Yes. The candidates should be born after April 2, 1991.
Final Thoughts
MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026 in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is a lifetime scholarship opportunity that grants international students with the desire to study in Japan a chance to do so. It has full tuition coverage, a generous stipend, and cultural immersion: all you need to succeed both academically and personally.
Provided that you are eligible, you should not postpone and begin your application process today to become a step closer to studying in Japan with a fully funded scholarship
👉 Visit the official APU Scholarship Website to begin your application.
