APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 in Japan

Introduction

Applications are open for the APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027, a fully funded graduate scholarship in Japan awarded to outstanding international students recommended by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Funded by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend of 144,000 JPY, and round-trip airfare, with one important catch: applicants must first be admitted to APU and then selected by the university for MEXT recommendation.

About the Organization

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), based in Beppu, Oita, Japan, is known as Japan's "global village" because of its extraordinarily diverse cultural and language blend, welcoming students and faculty from all over the world. The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship is offered by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology with the aim of enhancing the international competitiveness of Japanese universities and promoting active international student exchange.

Scholarship Overview

The scholarship covers Master's and Doctoral graduate programs at APU, with study taking place in Beppu, Oita, Japan. Unlike the standard MEXT Embassy route, this University Recommendation pathway requires applicants to first apply directly to APU; the university then reviews applications and selects candidates to recommend to MEXT, which makes the final scholarship decision. Applications must be submitted by 5 November 2026 for September 2027 enrollment, with final scholarship results expected by the end of June 2027.

Eligibility Explained

• Must intend to study abroad in Japan.
• Must be a national of a MEXT-designated country (applicants should check the official APU-provided list of MEXT-designated countries).
• Must have been born on or after 2 April 1992.
• Must have a GPA of at least 2.30/3.00 in their most recent degree.
• Must not be actively serving in any military duty.
• Must be able to travel to Japan during the timeframe specified by APU.
• Must meet the standard admission requirements for a graduate program at APU.
• Must apply to APU first and be selected by the university for recommendation to MEXT.

Benefits Explained

• No admission fee for selected candidates.
• 100% of tuition fees covered through the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship.
• A monthly living stipend of 144,000 JPY.
• Economy class air travel from the student's home country to APU at the beginning and end of the scholarship program.
• The opportunity to study at one of Japan's most internationally diverse institutions.

Required Documents

While the exact document checklist is confirmed on APU's official graduate application portal, applicants should be prepared to submit standard graduate admission materials, including academic transcripts confirming the required GPA, proof of nationality confirming MEXT-designated country status, and any program-specific documents required for their chosen Master's or Doctoral program.

Application Process (Step by Step)

1. Confirm your nationality is on the official MEXT-designated countries list.
2. Apply directly to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University for your intended graduate program.
3. Submit your complete application by 5 November 2026 for September 2027 enrollment.
4. Wait for APU to review all application documents and select suitable candidates to recommend to MEXT.
5. If recommended, you will be notified together with your final APU application results.
6. MEXT makes the final scholarship decision, with results expected by the end of June 2027.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Confirm your country's MEXT-designated status before applying, using the official list provided by APU, since this is a non-negotiable eligibility requirement.
• Make sure your most recent degree GPA clearly meets or exceeds the 2.30/3.00 threshold before applying.
• Submit your APU graduate application as early as possible ahead of the 5 November 2026 deadline, since APU's own selection process happens before MEXT's final decision.
• Present a graduate program choice and application that genuinely fits APU's interdisciplinary, internationally diverse academic environment.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming you can apply for the MEXT scholarship directly, this University Recommendation route requires applying to APU first.
• Applying without confirming your birth date meets the 2 April 1992 or later requirement.
• Overlooking that final MEXT decisions can take until the end of June 2027, planning your enrollment timeline accordingly matters.
• Submitting an application without verifying your country appears on the MEXT-designated countries list.

FAQs

Do I apply to MEXT directly? No, you must first apply to and be admitted by APU, which then recommends selected candidates to MEXT.

Is there an age limit? Applicants must have been born on or after 2 April 1992.

What GPA do I need? At least 2.30 out of 3.00 in your most recent degree.

When will I know the final result? MEXT's final scholarship decision is expected by the end of June 2027, though this can shift depending on MEXT's circumstances.

Final Advice

For graduate students seeking a fully funded, culturally diverse study experience in Japan, the APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship offers comprehensive coverage, full tuition, a real monthly stipend, and airfare, through one of Japan's most internationally oriented universities. Confirm your country's MEXT-designated status and GPA eligibility early, and remember that admission to APU comes first, the MEXT scholarship recommendation follows afterward.

Key Details at a Glance

• Host Country: Japan
• Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
• Scholarship Provider: Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
• Scholarship Name: MEXT University Recommendation (UR) Scholarship
• Study Location: Beppu, Oita, Japan
• Degree Level: Graduate (Master's and Doctoral Programs)
• Application Deadline: 5 November 2026 (for September 2027 enrollment)
• Monthly Stipend: 144,000 JPY

Disclaimer: Program details, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change by APU and MEXT. Applicants should verify all current information directly on the official APU admissions website before applying.