If you’re planning to continue a graduate degree in Japan without worrying about tuition fees or living expenses, the APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 is an opportunity you should definitely look for. This fully funded scholarship is offered by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

The scholarship covers full tuition, admission fees, a generous monthly living allowance, and even round-trip airfare. Applications are currently open for the September 2027 intake, with the deadline set for November 5, 2026.

APU MEXT Scholarship 2027: Quick Overview

What is the APU MEXT Scholarship?

Unlike many scholarships where you apply directly to the funding organization, the APU MEXT Scholarship follows a university recommendation process.

This means you first apply for admission to a graduate program at APU. After reviewing applications, the university selects its strongest candidates and recommends them to MEXT, which makes the final scholarship decision.

APU is well known for its diverse international community, welcoming students from all over the world. Graduate programs focus heavily on research, innovation, and global collaboration, that makes it an excellent choice for students looking to study in Japan.

Who Can Apply?

According to APU’s official eligibility requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be planning to study in Japan from overseas.
• Hold citizenship from a country approved by MEXT.
• Be born on or after April 2, 1992.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale from their most recent university.
• Not be serving in active military service or employed as civilian military personnel.
• Meet the English language requirements by submitting an accepted English proficiency test taken on or after March 15, 2025.
• Generally not have received a previous MEXT scholarship unless the required waiting period or official exception applies.

Applicants should also remember that MEXT scholarship recipients cannot receive another unapproved scholarship at the same time and must maintain a Student visa throughout the program.

How to Apply

Applying for the APU MEXT Scholarship is quite straightforward because the scholarship is linked directly to your university admission.

Step 1: Apply to APU

Submit your application for a Master’s or Doctoral program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required admission documents, including your English language test results. Make sure your test was taken after March 15, 2025, as older scores won’t be accepted.

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete and submit your graduate application by November 5, 2026 for the September 2027 intake.

Step 4: University Review

APU reviews all applications and selects outstanding candidates for recommendation to MEXT.

Step 5: Wait for the Final Result

If you’re recommended by APU, MEXT will conduct its final review. Successful applicants are expected to receive the final scholarship decision by the end of June 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the APU MEXT Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, admission fees, a monthly stipend of JPY 144,000, and round-trip economy airfare between your home country and Japan.

Can undergraduate students apply?

No. This scholarship is only available for students applying to Master’s or Doctoral programs.

What GPA is required?

Applicants must have a minimum 2.30 GPA on a 3.00 scale based on their most recent university studies.

Can previous MEXT scholars apply again?

Generally, previous MEXT scholarship recipients are not eligible unless more than three years have passed since their previous scholarship ended or they qualify under specific MEXT exceptions.

When are the final scholarship results announced?

Recommended candidates usually receive the final decision from MEXT by the end of June 2027.