You’re scrolling through scholarship opportunities, maybe a little hopeful, maybe a touch overwhelmed—so here’s the thing: the MEXT University Recommendation (UR) Scholarship at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan is one of those rare chances that actually matches the dream. I’ll walk you through every nook and cranny of what this is, who it’s for, and how you can make the most thoughtful, prepared application. Ready? Let’s go.
Brief Overview:
Program: Scholarship, Coverage: Fully Funded, Nationality: International, Degree Level: Master’s & PhD, Duration: Master’s ~1.5–2 years; PhD ~3–4 years, University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Host Country: Japan
Purpose of the Program
This MEXT UR Scholarship is Japan’s way of bridging borders through higher education. It’s offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is aimed at outstanding international graduate students whom APU selects and recommends, with the goal of boosting international competitiveness and promoting active academic exchange with global talents.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you’ll need to check off these essential criteria:
- You must apply from overseas—no applications from within Japan.
- Must be a national of a MEXT-designated country (essentially non-Japanese).
- Born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Have a GPA of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale in your most recent degree.
- Not on active military duty, nor employed by the military as civilian staff.
- If you’ve had a MEXT scholarship before, you generally need at least 3 years of post-scholarship educational or work experience to be eligible.
- Can’t hold another scholarship not approved by MEXT concurrently.
- Must be able to obtain a “Student” visa/residence status in Japan.
- English proficiency must be demonstrated via an accepted test taken no earlier than mid-March 2024.
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Fields of Study
APU offers rich, globally-focused graduate programs. Here’s what’s available:
Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Master’s)
- International Relations (IR)
- Society and Culture (SC)
- International Public Administration (IPA)
- Public Health Management (PHM)
- Sustainability Science (SS)
- Tourism and Hospitality (TH)
- Development Economics (DE)
Graduate School of Management (MBA)
- Accounting & Finance (AF)
- Marketing & Management (MM)
- Innovation & Operations Management (IOM)
- Japanese Management (JM)
- Dual Degree: International Material Flow Management (IMAT, 2-year)
Doctoral Programs
- All doctoral-level research fields offered at APU (generally 3-year; some list as up to 4-year depending on your pace)
Benefits
This award is nothing short of generous—especially emotionally when you’re imagining your life in Japan without worrying about tuition.
- Full admission fee and full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY (that includes housing)—subject to change
- Medical insurance included
- Stipend for books and instructional materials
- Economy-class airfare for traveling between your home country and APU at the start and end of your programs
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Deadlines
- Apply by November 12, 2025 for September 2026 enrollment only. Note: April intake is currently not available for this scholarship.
Application Process
The process unfolds in stages—friendly but requiring timely action:
- Apply to APU through their graduate application portal by the November 12, 2025 deadline.
- APU reviews applications internally and selects outstanding candidates to recommend to MEXT.
- If recommended, you receive your APU final application results.
- MEXT makes the final decision (typically by end of June). Delays can happen, so be patient.
Required Documents
The essentials you’ll need to gather:
- Completed APU application form
- Academic transcripts from your most recent institution
- English proficiency test score (taken on/after mid-March 2024)
- Recommendation letter from instructors (as per APU guidelines)
- A research proposal or study plan for your intended graduate program
Why This Scholarship Truly Stands Out
I’ll keep it real—you’re not just investing time into an application; you’re planting seeds for your future. Let me share why this opportunity is particularly compelling:
- 100% financial support — no tuition, no admission fees, just living your best grad life.
- From a revered government body (MEXT)—beyond monetary support, it boosts credibility and networking.
- APU is truly international—about half of its students are international, creating an enriching, diverse community.
- Programs are deeply relevant—from sustainability to international relations to business, everything aligns with pressing global issues.
- Clear process—you apply via APU, they recommend, MEXT selects. It’s streamlined and transparent.
Applying with Heart: Gentle Tips
- Start early. Gather documents, draft your proposal, and prep your English test well before the deadline.
- Reflect your motivation. Why Japan, why APU, why now? Personal statements that feel thoughtful resonate.
- Show fit. Sketch clear alignment between your goals and the program’s strengths—especially in your study plan.
- Double-check deadlines and rules. Missed details can undo excellent credentials.
- Visualize yourself there. Post-pandemic and with evolving global trends—this is your moment.
Official program link
Visit the official APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship page