Looking to pursue a fully funded postgraduate degree in Japan? The MEXT Scholarship 2026/27 is now open for international students worldwide. Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this prestigious scholarship provides full financial support for outstanding students nominated by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU).
The MEXT Scholarship is designed to attract talented students from around the globe, strengthen the international competitiveness of Japanese universities, and promote academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to study at one of Japan’s leading international universities while receiving comprehensive funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Whether you aspire to build a global career, conduct advanced research, or gain an internationally recognised postgraduate degree, the MEXT Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to study in Japan without financial burden.
MEXT Scholarship 2026/27 Overview
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Scholarship Provider: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
- Degree Level: Postgraduate (Master’s & PhD)
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: International students from eligible MEXT countries
- Application Deadline: 05 November 2026
Why Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?
The MEXT Scholarship is among Japan’s most competitive government-funded scholarship programmes. It enables highly qualified international students to obtain a world-class education while experiencing Japan’s rich culture, innovation, and academic excellence.
Recipients become part of an international academic community, gain access to modern research facilities, and develop leadership skills that prepare them for successful global careers.
MEXT Scholarship Benefits
Selected students will receive the following benefits:
- Full admission fee waiver
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance of JPY 144,000 (subject to MEXT regulations)
- Round-trip economy-class airfare between the student’s home country and Japan
- Opportunity to study at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Access to high-quality education and modern research facilities
- International learning environment with students from around the world
- Opportunities to develop global skills and expand professional networks
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Intend to study in Japan after travelling from their home country.
- Be a citizen of a country designated as eligible by MEXT.
- Be born on or after 2 April 1992.
- Have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale (or equivalent) at their most recent university.
- Be nominated by Asia Pacific University (APU).
Important Conditions
Applicants should note that:
- Active military personnel or civilian employees of the military are not eligible.
- Previous recipients of a Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship are generally ineligible unless they meet the specified exception requirements.
- Applicants cannot receive another scholarship simultaneously unless it has been officially approved by MEXT.
- Successful candidates must obtain and maintain a Student Visa throughout their studies in Japan.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Completed online application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (or equivalent)
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport copy
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Research Proposal (if required by the programme)
- Two letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency documents (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Any additional documents requested by APU
Note: Document requirements may vary depending on the selected postgraduate programme.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the MEXT Scholarship through APU:
- Visit the official APU admissions website.
- Select your preferred postgraduate programme.
- Complete the online admission application.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Eligible applicants will automatically be considered for the University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship.
- APU reviews applications and nominates outstanding candidates to MEXT.
- MEXT conducts the final evaluation and announces successful scholarship recipients.
- Successful applicants receive admission and scholarship confirmation before beginning their studies in Japan.
Application Deadline
📅 05 November 2026
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the MEXT Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers admission fees, full tuition, a monthly living allowance, and round-trip airfare.
Who can apply?
International students from countries recognised by MEXT who meet the academic and eligibility requirements.
What degree programmes are covered?
The scholarship supports eligible postgraduate programmes, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees offered at APU.
Is IELTS required?
Language requirements depend on the chosen programme. Applicants should check the specific admission requirements of their selected course.
Can previous MEXT scholars apply again?
Generally, previous MEXT recipients are not eligible unless they qualify under MEXT’s exception policies.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Applicants are first evaluated by APU. Outstanding candidates are nominated to MEXT, which makes the final scholarship decision.
What is the monthly stipend?
Recipients receive JPY 144,000 per month, subject to revision by MEXT.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 05 November 2026.
