Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 in Japan

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 offers eligible international students a fully funded route to graduate study at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Oita, Japan.

The scholarship is provided by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) through the university recommendation route. Applicants first apply to APU, and the university selects eligible candidates to recommend to MEXT for the final scholarship decision.

For the September 2027 enrollment, APU currently states that applications for the MEXT University Recommendation scholarship must be submitted by November 5, 2026. APU reviews the applications and recommends suitable candidates to MEXT, while the final scholarship decision is made by MEXT.

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship is for graduate applicants only. APU’s graduate schools include master’s programs in Asia Pacific Studies, International Cooperation Policy and Business Administration, as well as a doctoral program in Asia Pacific Studies.

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Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 Overview

Scholarship	Details
Scholarship Name	Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship
Official Route	MEXT University Recommendation
University	Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Location	Beppu, Oita, Japan
Degree Level	Graduate
Eligible Study	APU graduate programs subject to MEXT/APU conditions
Enrollment	September 2027
Admission Fee	Fully covered
Tuition Fee	Fully covered
Monthly Allowance	¥144,000, including housing; amount subject to change
Airfare	Economy-class airfare between home country and APU at beginning and end of program
Application Route	Apply to APU and request MEXT University Recommendation consideration
Application Deadline	November 5, 2026
Final MEXT Decision	Expected by the end of June 2027, subject to change
Target Applicants	Eligible international graduate applicants from MEXT-designated countries

What Is the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship?

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship is a Japanese Government scholarship available through APU’s MEXT University Recommendation (UR) route.

Under this system, students do not apply directly to MEXT for the university recommendation route. Instead, applicants first apply to APU. The university evaluates eligible applicants and recommends selected candidates to MEXT. The final scholarship award is then determined by MEXT.

The scholarship is intended to support outstanding international students and promote international exchange in Japanese universities.

APU currently lists the 2027 graduate application cycle as open, with the 2027 Graduate Application Handbook also available through its admissions website.

An important point is that this scholarship is not an undergraduate scholarship. The APU MEXT University Recommendation page specifically identifies it for graduate applicants.

Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship Benefits

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship provides substantial financial support for selected students.

According to APU’s current 2027 scholarship information, the award includes:

Full admission fee
Full tuition fee
¥144,000 monthly subsistence allowance, including housing
Economy-class airfare between the student’s home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program

The monthly allowance is stated by APU as an amount that may change.

This means successful scholars can receive support for the major costs of graduate study in Japan. However, students should not assume that every personal expense will automatically be covered. The exact terms of the MEXT award should be checked against the latest scholarship guidelines.

Which Graduate Programs Can Applicants Study?

APU offers several graduate programs, but applicants must make sure that their intended program is eligible under the MEXT University Recommendation route for the relevant intake.

The APU Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies includes:

Master’s Program in Asia Pacific Studies
Master’s Program in International Cooperation Policy
Doctoral Program in Asia Pacific Studies

APU also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the Graduate School of Management.

The doctoral program has a standard completion period of three years and currently has an annual intake of 10 students. Doctoral applicants must obtain confirmation from a suitable faculty supervisor before submitting their application.

Applicants should confirm that their chosen program is eligible for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship before preparing their application around that program.

Who Can Apply for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship?

APU’s current MEXT University Recommendation requirements state that applicants must meet several conditions.

The main eligibility requirements include:

Be planning to study in Japan from overseas.
Be a national of a MEXT-designated country.
Be born on or after April 2, 1992.
Have a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale at the most recent university.
Hold or obtain the academic qualification required for the intended APU graduate program.
Meet APU’s English-language and program-specific requirements.
Obtain the required student residence status for study in Japan.

APU also states that people currently serving in active military service or working as civilian employees of the military are not eligible for this scholarship.

Previous MEXT scholarship recipients are generally not eligible, although APU lists certain exceptions, including some applicants who have had more than three years of education or work experience since the end of their previous MEXT scholarship.

Academic Requirements for APU Graduate Study

The exact academic requirements depend on the graduate program.

For the 2027 Master’s Programs in Asia Pacific Studies, APU states that applicants can qualify through several routes, including completing a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. APU also allows certain applicants to qualify through individual preliminary screening when they demonstrate academic ability equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and meet the applicable age requirement.

For the PhD in Asia Pacific Studies, applicants generally need a master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Applicants without the standard qualification may be considered through APU’s individual preliminary screening under the conditions specified by the university.

Because these requirements differ by program, applicants should read the relevant 2027 APU Graduate Application Handbook before applying.

English Language Requirements

APU teaches its graduate classes in English.

Applicants therefore need sufficient English ability to understand lectures, conduct independent research, and prepare academic work in English.

The exact English-language requirement varies by graduate program. For example, the current doctoral admissions page lists minimum scores including:

TOEFL iBT: 85
IELTS/IELTS Online: 6.5
TOEIC L&R and S&W: 800 and 315
PTE Academic: 69
Cambridge English/Linguaskill: 176

APU also provides exemptions for certain applicants, including some graduates of English-medium degree programs.

For the MEXT University Recommendation route, APU currently states that English proficiency test scores must come from exams taken on or after March 15, 2025 for the 2027 scholarship application. Applicants should check the latest MEXT instructions because scholarship conditions can change.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare documents according to both the APU graduate admission requirements and the MEXT scholarship requirements.

Depending on the program, documents can include:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificate or graduation certificate
Proof of English proficiency
Passport or identification documents
Curriculum vitae or résumé
Statement of purpose
Research proposal or study plan
Recommendation letters
Other program-specific documents
Additional MEXT scholarship documents requested by APU

Doctoral applicants have an additional requirement: they must obtain confirmation from a suitable doctoral faculty supervisor before submitting the application. APU asks doctoral applicants to provide documents such as a research proposal, CV or résumé, and master’s thesis when contacting a potential supervisor.

Applicants should use the current 2027 Graduate Application Handbook and checklist rather than relying on document lists from older scholarship cycles. APU has published these materials on its graduate downloads page.

How to Apply for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship

The application process is different from applying for the MEXT scholarship through a Japanese embassy.

Check Your Eligibility

First, confirm that you are applying from outside Japan, are from a MEXT-designated country, satisfy the age and academic requirements, and meet the requirements of your chosen APU graduate program.

Choose an APU Graduate Program

Select the master’s or doctoral program that matches your academic background and research goals.

For doctoral applicants, contact an appropriate faculty member early because supervisor confirmation is required before the application can be submitted.

Prepare the APU Application

Create an account through the APU Online Application System and upload the required digital documents.

APU states that applications are considered complete only after the online application has been submitted, the application fee has been paid, and the required online assessment has been completed by the deadline.

Request MEXT University Recommendation Consideration

Eligible applicants should follow APU’s instructions for consideration for the MEXT University Recommendation scholarship.

The university then reviews eligible applications and selects candidates whom it intends to recommend to MEXT.

Wait for the MEXT Decision

Being recommended by APU does not mean the scholarship is already final.

MEXT makes the final scholarship decision. APU currently states that final results are expected by the end of June, although the timing can change.

2027 Application Deadline

For the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 through the University Recommendation route, APU currently gives the following key date:

Application deadline: November 5, 2026

The MEXT University Recommendation route accepts applications for September enrollment only according to APU’s current scholarship page.

Applicants should complete the APU application and all required scholarship-related steps before the deadline. APU’s general graduate application system states that applications must be completed by 23:59 Japan time on the applicable deadline.

Selection Process

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship involves university-level screening followed by MEXT’s final decision.

The basic process is:

Apply to an eligible APU graduate program.
Request consideration for MEXT University Recommendation.
APU reviews the application.
APU selects suitable candidates for recommendation.
APU recommends selected candidates to MEXT.
MEXT conducts its final scholarship review.
Final scholarship results are announced.

APU states that applicants selected for recommendation are notified with their final APU application results, while MEXT makes the final scholarship award decision.

This is why admission to APU and final MEXT scholarship approval should not be treated as exactly the same thing.

Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students interested in the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship should check the current MEXT-designated-country requirements and APU’s 2027 graduate admission rules.

Applicants from Pakistan who are applying from outside Japan and meet the MEXT and APU conditions can investigate the University Recommendation route.

Pakistani applicants should pay particular attention to:

Academic GPA and degree requirements
English-language requirements
Age requirement
Research proposal where applicable
Program-specific admission criteria
MEXT eligibility
Application deadline of November 5, 2026

Applicants should not assume that nationality alone guarantees eligibility. The final scholarship decision is made under the MEXT rules.

MEXT University Recommendation vs Embassy Recommendation

There are two different MEXT routes that applicants may encounter when researching APU.

The University Recommendation route discussed in this article requires the applicant to apply to APU first. APU then recommends selected candidates to MEXT. For AY2027, APU lists September enrollment and a November 5, 2026 application deadline for this route.

The Embassy Recommendation route works differently. Applicants first apply through the Japanese embassy in their home country, usually around April or May, and those who pass the embassy’s primary screening then submit the required materials to APU.

Students should therefore avoid combining the deadlines or procedures of these two routes.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection.

Applicants should also remember that APU’s MEXT University Recommendation page says scholarship conditions may change. The current monthly allowance of ¥144,000 is specifically marked as subject to change.

Another important point is that MEXT scholarship recipients cannot normally combine the award with another scholarship unless concurrent receipt has been approved. APU also requires recipients to hold the appropriate Student residence status in Japan.

For doctoral applicants, contacting a potential supervisor well before the deadline is particularly important because APU requires supervisor confirmation before application.

Tips for a Strong Application

Start preparing early instead of waiting until the November deadline.

Your research proposal or study plan should clearly connect your previous academic experience, your proposed research, and your future goals.

For master’s applicants, make sure your statement of purpose explains why the chosen APU program fits your academic and career plans.

For doctoral applicants, identify faculty members whose research interests closely match your proposed topic. Read their research profiles carefully before contacting them.

Also make sure that your academic records, English test results, translations, passport information, and other documents are consistent and complete.

Finally, use the current APU 2027 application handbook and MEXT instructions. Scholarship requirements can change between academic years.

Official Sources

The main official sources for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship are:

Always verify the latest information on the official pages before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship?

It is a Japanese Government MEXT scholarship available through APU’s University Recommendation route for eligible international graduate applicants.

Is the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the current APU University Recommendation award covers the full admission fee and tuition, provides a ¥144,000 monthly subsistence allowance including housing, and includes economy-class airfare between the home country and APU. The allowance amount is subject to change.

What is the deadline for the APU MEXT Scholarship 2027?

For the September 2027 University Recommendation route, APU currently lists November 5, 2026 as the application deadline.

Can Pakistani students apply for the APU MEXT Scholarship?

Applicants from MEXT-designated countries can apply if they meet all applicable MEXT and APU requirements. Pakistani applicants should confirm their nationality eligibility under the latest MEXT instructions.

Is this scholarship available for undergraduate students?

No. APU’s MEXT University Recommendation scholarship page identifies this route for graduate applicants only.

What graduate programs are available at APU?

APU offers master’s programs including Asia Pacific Studies, International Cooperation Policy, and Business Administration, as well as a doctoral program in Asia Pacific Studies. MEXT eligibility must be confirmed for the applicant’s specific program.

Do I apply directly to MEXT?

Not for the University Recommendation route. You first apply to APU, and APU selects and recommends candidates to MEXT. MEXT makes the final scholarship decision.

What is the difference between MEXT University Recommendation and Embassy Recommendation?

For University Recommendation, you apply to APU first and APU recommends candidates to MEXT. For Embassy Recommendation, you begin the process through the Japanese embassy in your home country. The deadlines and procedures are different.

Final Thoughts

The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 provides a fully funded graduate-study opportunity in Japan through Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. The current award covers the admission fee and tuition, provides a monthly allowance, and includes economy-class international airfare.

For the September 2027 University Recommendation route, the key deadline is November 5, 2026. Applicants should carefully review the APU graduate requirements, choose an appropriate program, prepare their documents, and follow the MEXT University Recommendation procedure.

Most importantly, applicants should use the current APU and MEXT information rather than older scholarship posts because eligibility rules, deadlines, allowance amounts, and program conditions can change from one academic year to another.

Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Study in Japan