The MEXT University Recommendation (UR) Scholarship at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) offers outstanding international postgraduates full funding to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Japan. Provided directly by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this award is granted to exceptional students who are selected and recommended internally by APU. Applicants do not apply directly to MEXT; instead, submitting a standard graduate application to APU for the eligible intake automatically places qualified candidates in the running for university nomination.
📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship – University Recommendation (UR) |
| Institution | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) |
| Sponsoring Body | Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) |
| Country | Japan |
| Study Level | Master’s & Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D.) |
| Eligible Intake | September Enrollment Only |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (100% Tuition Waiver + Monthly Stipend + Economy Airfare) |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students from MEXT-designated countries |
| Duration | Master’s (2 Years) / Ph.D. (3 Years) |
| Application Deadline | November 5, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online via APU Graduate Online Application Portal |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
The MEXT (UR) Scholarship aims to enhance global competitiveness and active academic exchange by recruiting foreign scholars to APU. The selection operates on an integrated screening system: candidates submit their standard university application to APU, after which APU evaluates, interviews, and nominates top candidates directly to MEXT. Final selection confirmation is issued by MEXT by June following university nomination.
💰 What Does It Cover?
Awarded MEXT UR scholars receive complete financial support:
- 🎓 100% Tuition & Admission Fee Waiver: Full coverage of APU admission fees and academic tuition throughout the degree.
- 💵 Monthly Subsistence Allowance: A monthly living stipend of approximately ¥144,000 JPY (subject to minor annual adjustments) to cover housing and living costs.
- ✈️ Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class air travel provided from the scholar’s home country to Japan at the start of the program, and returning upon graduation.
🎓 What Programmes / Courses Does It Support?
The scholarship applies to postgraduate programs offered by APU’s Graduate Schools:
- Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (GSA): Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Society & Culture.
- Graduate School of Management (GSM): Master of Business Administration (MBA).
👤 Who Can Apply?
- Candidates possessing non-Japanese nationality who hold citizenship in a MEXT-designated country.
- International students intending to move to Japan for full-time graduate study.
- Applicants who hold or will obtain a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or Master’s degree (for Doctoral applicants) before enrollment.
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes, Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply. Nigerian applicants who hold a recognized university degree, meet the minimum GPA requirement on the MEXT scale, and provide valid English language test scores can submit their applications through the APU portal.
🌍 Eligible Countries
Applicants must be nationals of MEXT-designated countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North/South America, and the Middle East.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for university recommendation to MEXT, applicants must satisfy:
- Age Requirement: Must be born on or after April 2, 1992.
- Academic Merit: Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.30 out of 3.00 on the official MEXT calculation scale at their most recent institution.
- Visa Status: Must acquire and maintain “Student” visa status in Japan.
- English Proficiency: Valid official test scores (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, etc.) taken on or after March 15, 2025.
- Exclusivity: Cannot hold another unapproved external scholarship concurrently. Prior MEXT recipients are generally ineligible unless specific educational/work gap criteria are met.
📅 Important Application Information (September Enrollment)
- Application Cutoff Date: November 5, 2026
- APU Review & Nomination Window: November 2026 – February 2027
- APU Admission Result & Nomination Notification: March 2027
- Final MEXT Award Confirmation: End of June 2027
- Arrival & Program Start: September 2027
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Create an APU Graduate Account
Access the official APU Graduate Online Application system.
Step 2: Select September Enrollment & Degree Program
Choose your target Master’s or Doctoral program for September enrollment.
Step 3: Complete the Application & Indicate Scholarship Interest
Fill in your personal, academic, and research details. Opt into the MEXT University Recommendation scholarship consideration section on the form.
Step 4: Upload Mandatory Documentation
Attach your degree certificates, transcripts, research proposal, and valid English proficiency report.
Step 5: Complete the Online Assessment / Interview
If shortlisted after document review, complete the APU online video assessment or panel interview.
🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Website: APU MEXT University Recommendation (UR) Scholarship Portal📅 Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
Disclaimer: Requirements, stipend amounts, and guidelines are updated periodically by MEXT and APU. Always verify current details on the official university portal.
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Official Graduation Certificates & Degree Transcripts
- English Proficiency Test Score Report (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Detailed Field of Study and Research Plan
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Passport Bio-Page Copy
- Updated CV / Resume (specifically required for MBA applicants)
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- Complete Financial Security: Tuition fees, living expenses, and international flights are 100% funded.
- No Direct MEXT Portal Submission: Screening is streamlined directly through APU’s admission process.
- Multicultural Academic Environment: APU boasts a diverse international student body with programs taught in English.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for April enrollment under the MEXT UR track?
No. The MEXT University Recommendation track at APU is open exclusively for September intake.
How much money should I bring upon arrival in Japan?
Scholars are advised to bring around ¥200,000 JPY to cover initial setup costs, as the first monthly stipend payout takes about one month to process following bank account setup in Japan.
Do I need to speak Japanese to be eligible?
No. Postgraduate programs supported under this track at APU are taught in English.
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Calculate your GPA using the 3.0 MEXT scale to verify you meet the 2.30 minimum before applying.
- Ensure your English proficiency test date falls on or after March 15, 2025, to meet APU validity windows.
- Tailor your research plan to align with the specific academic specializations of APU graduate faculty.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting test scores that fall outside the specified validity window.
- Missing the strict November 5 cutoff for September intake scholarship consideration.
- Applying if you exceed the age requirement (born prior to April 2, 1992).
🎯 Final Thoughts
The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship at APU is one of Japan’s most comprehensive awards for international postgraduates. Eligible applicants should prepare their academic transcripts, research plans, and language certificates to complete their portal submission by the November deadline.