Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) MEXT Scholarship 2026

Studying in Japan is a dream for many international students who want to experience world-class education while immersing themselves in a unique cultural environment. Among the most prestigious opportunities available is the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2026, offered through the MEXT University Recommendation scheme. This scholarship opens the door for outstanding graduate students from around the world to pursue their academic ambitions at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Oita, Japan.

This guide provides a detailed look at the scholarship, its benefits, eligibility requirements, application process, and tips for success.

About the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship

The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship is one of the most competitive awards for international students who aspire to study in Japan. MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, which provides financial support to highly qualified students. Through this program, APU selects excellent graduate applicants and recommends them to MEXT for final approval.

Unlike other types of scholarships that may be open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, this particular program is strictly designed for graduate school applicants. Its purpose is to strengthen academic exchange and build international competitiveness by welcoming students from various cultural and academic backgrounds.

APU plays a vital role in the recommendation process. Students first apply to APU’s graduate programs, and only those who meet both the university’s admission requirements and MEXT’s standards will be considered for nomination. This dual selection process ensures that only the best candidates move forward to the final evaluation by the Japanese government.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2026, students must meet a set of academic and personal criteria. These requirements are established to ensure that applicants are capable of succeeding in a rigorous graduate-level program while contributing to the international environment of APU.

1. Applicants must intend to study in Japan from overseas. This scholarship is not available to students who are already living in Japan at the time of application.

2. Only nationals of countries designated by MEXT are eligible. The list of approved countries is published each year by MEXT.

3. Candidates must have been born on or after April 2, 1991. This age requirement reflects MEXT’s commitment to supporting younger scholars who are at the start of their research and professional careers.

4. A minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale in the most recent academic program is required. This demonstrates that applicants have the academic strength to thrive in a graduate program.

Important Notes on Eligibility

• Students currently serving in the military or working as civilian military staff at the time of application are not eligible.

• Those who have already received a Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship are typically not allowed to reapply. However, exceptions exist for individuals who have gained more than three years of professional or academic experience after completing a previous MEXT scholarship.

• Students cannot hold another scholarship from the Japanese government or related organizations at the same time unless explicitly approved.

• Scholarship recipients must hold a “Student” visa status in Japan.

These conditions are designed to maintain fairness, avoid double funding, and ensure that recipients are fully committed to their graduate studies at APU.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship is one of the most generous awards available for international students. It removes many of the financial burdens associated with studying abroad, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their education and research.

Recipients receive:

• Full admission fee exemption.

• Full tuition fee exemption for the entire duration of the program.

• A monthly living allowance of 144,000 Japanese Yen, which also includes housing costs. This amount may vary depending on government budget adjustments but it provides a stable financial foundation.

• Coverage for medical insurance, ensuring that students can access healthcare without additional expense.

• Support for purchasing textbooks and instructional materials required for academic work.

• Economy class round-trip airfare between the home country and Japan at the beginning and end of the program.

This package makes the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship one of the most comprehensive scholarships in the world, ensuring that financial concerns do not interfere with academic success.

Application Timeline and Selection Process

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2026 is available only for September 2026 enrollment. The process is competitive and requires careful attention to deadlines.

1. Applicants must submit their full application to APU by November 12, 2025. This deadline applies to both admission to APU’s graduate programs and consideration for the scholarship.

2. After the application period ends, APU reviews all submitted documents. The university then selects suitable candidates to recommend to MEXT.

3. Applicants who are chosen for recommendation are notified at the same time as they receive their APU admission results. This means candidates know both their admission and recommendation status simultaneously.

4. The final decision is made by MEXT, with results typically released by the end of June 2026. It is important to note that this timing may change depending on the circumstances and policies of MEXT.

Because the scholarship depends on both APU’s recommendation and MEXT’s approval, applicants must prepare thoroughly and submit strong applications to maximize their chances.

Required Documents

Applying for the scholarship requires a complete set of application materials. The core documents usually include:

• Proof of English proficiency through recognized test scores. Only test results taken on or after March 2024 will be accepted for the 2026 scholarship cycle.

• Academic transcripts from previous universities.

• Certificates of graduation or expected graduation.

• Research proposal or statement of purpose that outlines academic goals and research interests.

• Letters of recommendation from academic advisors or professors.

• Copy of passport or official identification.

It is critical to carefully review the most recent guidelines published by MEXT and APU, as requirements may be updated. Submitting incomplete or outdated documents can result in disqualification.

Why Choose Asia Pacific University

Located in Beppu, Oita, APU is known for its unique international environment. More than half of its student body comes from outside Japan, creating a diverse and multicultural academic community. Graduate students benefit not only from rigorous academic training but also from the opportunity to engage with peers from more than ninety countries.

APU emphasizes global learning, innovation, and leadership development. By studying at APU, scholarship recipients join a network of international professionals and scholars who can support future research and career paths. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, and the surrounding region offers both natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere.

Tips for a Successful Application

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship is highly competitive. Here are some strategies that can improve your chances of being selected:

• Begin preparing your application well in advance of the November 2025 deadline. This allows enough time to collect documents, request recommendation letters, and polish your research proposal.

• Focus on creating a strong academic and research plan. MEXT looks for candidates who will contribute to Japan’s academic development and international exchange.

• Ensure that your GPA meets the minimum requirement and provide clear documentation of your academic history.

• Achieve a competitive score on an English proficiency test and submit the results early.

• Demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and international perspective in your application. These qualities align with APU’s mission of fostering global citizens.

• Double-check all details before submission. Even minor errors in documentation can negatively impact your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship at APU
Only graduate school applicants from countries designated by MEXT are eligible. Applicants must apply from overseas and meet the academic and age requirements.

Can past recipients of the MEXT Scholarship apply again
In general, previous recipients are not eligible. However, if more than three years have passed since completing the previous scholarship and the applicant has gained professional or academic experience, they may be allowed to apply.

How much is the monthly allowance
The scholarship provides 144,000 Japanese Yen per month, which is intended to cover living costs including housing.

Does the scholarship cover flight tickets
Yes, economy class airfare between the applicant’s home country and Japan is covered at both the beginning and end of the program.

When will results be announced
Final results from MEXT are expected to be released around June 2026, although the timing may vary.

Is Japanese language proficiency required
No, Japanese language ability is not required for application. APU offers many graduate programs in English. However, learning Japanese is encouraged to enrich cultural experience and daily life.

Conclusion

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity for international students who aspire to pursue graduate studies in Japan. With full financial support covering tuition, living costs, airfare, and more, this scholarship enables students to focus entirely on their academic and professional growth.

By applying through APU, candidates can join one of Japan’s most internationally diverse universities while benefiting from the prestige and support of the MEXT program. The application deadline is November 12, 2025, so prospective students should begin preparing their materials as early as possible.

For the most accurate and updated information, applicants should always refer to the official APU scholarship page: APU MEXT Scholarship University Recommendation

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2026 is more than just financial assistance. It is an investment in the future of global leaders who will contribute to academic, professional, and cultural exchange between Japan and the world.