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Studying in Japan offers international researchers and students access to vibrant cultural diversity, world-class academic institutions, and innovative research environments. Located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) stands out as Japan’s premier international university, attracting students from over 100 countries. To make higher education accessible to high-achieving candidates globally, the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Tuition Reduction Scholarship 2027 in Japan provides substantial financial relief for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Supported by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), corporate partners, and private donors, this merit-based award reduces tuition expenses by 30%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or up to 100% (Fully Funded tuition waiver) for the entire standard duration of study.
Whether you plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, business management, or international relations, or a Master’s/PhD degree, this guide covers the eligibility rules, application steps, and strategies to secure your scholarship.
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Program Overview & Key Highlights
APU operates on a dual-language educational system where courses are delivered in both English and Japanese. All international applicants are automatically evaluated for the Tuition Reduction Scholarship when submitting their standard online university application.
| Program Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) |
| Location | Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s (GSA & GSM MBA), and Doctoral Programs |
| Funding Levels | 30%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 100% Tuition Fee Reduction |
| Medium of Instruction | English-taught & Japanese-taught Programs |
| Eligible Candidates | All International Students applying for degree entry |
| Enrollment Intakes | April Intake & September Intake |
Fellowship Coverage & Financial Benefits
The primary goal of the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship is to minimize the financial burden on outstanding international students so they can focus on academic excellence, leadership activities, and global exchange.
1. Multi-Tiered Tuition Reductions
Scholarship awards are granted across five distinct tiers based on academic merit, application strength, and background evaluation:
- 100% Tuition Reduction: Complete waiver of annual tuition fees for the standard duration of the program.
- 80% Tuition Reduction: Students pay only 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.
- 65% Tuition Reduction: Covers nearly two-thirds of annual tuition costs.
- 50% Tuition Reduction: Reduces annual tuition by half.
- 30% Tuition Reduction: Provides a baseline discount on annual academic fees.
2. Additional Living Allowance (JASSO & MEXT Nominations)
While the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship focuses specifically on tuition waivers, top-ranked applicants selected for 100% tuition coverage are frequently recommended by APU for external monthly living allowances:
- JASSO Honors Scholarship: Provides a monthly living stipend of approximately 48,000 JPY per month for high-performing international scholars.
- MEXT University Recommendation: Top graduate candidates recommended by APU to the Japanese government receive full tuition waivers plus a monthly living stipend of 144,000 JPY to 148,000 JPY.
Annual Tuition Comparison Across Reduction Tiers
Understanding your effective tuition cost per academic year helps in personal financial planning. The tables below show standard costs after applying reduction percentages.
Undergraduate Programs (Estimated First Year)
| Scholarship Reduction Tier | Original Annual Tuition (JPY) | Discounted Annual Tuition (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (No Scholarship) | 1,455,000 JPY | 1,455,000 JPY |
| 30% Reduction | 1,455,000 JPY | 1,018,500 JPY |
| 50% Reduction | 1,455,000 JPY | 727,500 JPY |
| 65% Reduction | 1,455,000 JPY | 509,250 JPY |
| 80% Reduction | 1,455,000 JPY | 291,000 JPY |
| 100% Reduction | 1,455,000 JPY | 0 JPY (Fully Funded) |
Graduate School of Management (GSM – MBA First Year)
| Scholarship Reduction Tier | Original Annual Tuition (JPY) | Discounted Annual Tuition (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (No Scholarship) | 2,000,000 JPY | 2,000,000 JPY |
| 30% Reduction | 2,000,000 JPY | 1,400,000 JPY |
| 50% Reduction | 2,000,000 JPY | 1,000,000 JPY |
| 65% Reduction | 2,000,000 JPY | 700,000 JPY |
| 80% Reduction | 2,000,000 JPY | 400,000 JPY |
| 100% Reduction | 2,000,000 JPY | 0 JPY (Fully Funded) |
Eligibility Criteria
To build a strong file for the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Tuition Reduction Scholarship 2027, candidates must meet standard admission requirements:
- Nationality Requirement: Must hold a non-Japanese nationality and be eligible to obtain a “Student” visa for residing in Japan.
- Academic Background:
- Undergraduate Applicants: Completion of a 12-year standard school education sequence or equivalent high school diploma.
- Master’s Applicants: Completion of an accredited 4-year Bachelor’s degree (16 years of formal education).
- Doctoral Applicants: Completion of a Master’s degree or postgraduate research equivalent.
- Language Proficiency Options:
- English Track: Valid TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or TOEIC scores.
- No IELTS Option: Applicants who completed their secondary or undergraduate education at an institution where English was the 100% primary medium of instruction can submit an official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate from their school registrar to fulfill language requirements.
- Japanese Track: JLPT N1 or N2 test certificates for candidates applying to Japanese-basis programs.
- Graduate Standardized Tests: MBA (GSM) applicants are encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT scores, as strong quantitative scores significantly strengthen tuition reduction consideration.
Required Application Documents
All scholarship applications are embedded within APU’s centralized online admission portal. Preparing accurate digital copies ensures smooth processing.
| Document Name | Formatting & Submission Guidelines |
|---|---|
| APU Online Application Form | Completed via the official APU online application portal. |
| Scholarship Essay Section | Written response detailing career goals, leadership, and financial need. |
| Official Academic Transcripts | Certified transcripts for secondary school or university coursework. |
| Graduation Certificates | High school diploma or Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate. |
| Letter of Recommendation | Academic or professional reference letter uploaded directly. |
| Language Proficiency Verification | IELTS/TOEFL score report or official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter. |
| Recorded Video Assessment / Interview | Online recorded video responses or live interview evaluation. |
| Passport Copy | Clear color copy of the biographical information page. |
Step-by-Step Application Process
APU operates a rolling application system across multiple submission rounds. Applying early increases your likelihood of securing higher tuition reduction percentages.
Step 1: Account Creation & Program Selection
Access the APU Online Application System. Select your intended college—such as the College of Sustainability and Tourism, College of Asia Pacific Studies, or College of International Management—and choose your language track (English or Japanese).
Step 2: Request Scholarship Consideration
When completing the application checklist, select “Yes” under the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship section. Fill out the short essays detailing your academic achievements, extracurricular contributions, and how studying in Japan aligns with your long-term vision.
Step 3: Complete Document Uploads
Upload certified academic transcripts, graduation diplomas, recommendation letters, and your language certificate (or English MOI letter).
Step 4: Complete Online Video Assessment
Applicants complete an online recorded assessment or schedule a virtual interview with APU faculty members. This step assesses your critical thinking skills, motivation, and English/Japanese communication ability.
Step 5: Official Notification
Admission results and scholarship reduction percentages are released simultaneously. The awarded percentage remains fixed for your entire program duration, provided you maintain required academic GPAs.
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Official Website & Direct Application Links
To register your account, view current application deadlines, and download official application handbooks, visit the official APU admissions portals:
- Official Scholarship Portal: APU Scholarships Before Enrollment Page
- APU Undergraduate Admissions: APU International Undergraduate Application Guide
- APU Graduate Admissions: APU International Graduate School Portal
FAQs
Can I apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship without an IELTS score?
Yes, international applicants who completed their secondary education or previous university degree in an institution where English was the primary language of instruction can submit an official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate issued by their institution’s registrar in place of IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
How do I apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship?
There is no separate scholarship portal. All international applicants apply directly within the main APU Online Application System by checking the scholarship opt-in box and completing the required scholarship essay responses before submitting their application file.
Is the tuition reduction percentage renewed automatically every year?
Yes, the awarded tuition reduction percentage remains valid for the standard duration of your degree (4 years for undergraduate, 2 years for Master’s). Recipients must maintain good academic standing and meet minimum semester GPA requirements to maintain their award status throughout their studies.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When writing your scholarship essays for Ritsumeikan APU, avoid focusing solely on financial need. APU’s selection committee places heavy emphasis on how candidates plan to contribute to the university’s multicultural campus environment. Highlight past leadership experience, community engagement, and specific ways you will collaborate with peers from around the world. Submitting your complete application package during the earliest application round also significantly improves your chances of securing an 80% or 100% tuition waiver.
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