YBB – The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan with full financial support from the Japanese government.
Unlike the Embassy Recommendation route, applicants for the University Recommendation track are selected and nominated by the university. For students who are interested in studying in Japan and pursuing graduate-level education at APU, this scholarship can be an opportunity to study with comprehensive financial support.
Quick Overview
Scholarship: MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027
University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Country: Japan
Degree: Master’s and Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 5 November 2026
About the Program
The MEXT Scholarship is a scholarship program funded by the Government of Japan for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Japan.
There are two main application routes: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation.
Under the University Recommendation route, applicants apply through a participating university. APU conducts its own selection process and nominates successful candidates to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the final selection.
This route allows applicants to apply directly through APU’s graduate application system while also being considered for the MEXT scholarship.
Also read: TAMBA & SAMBA Scholarship 2027: MBA Opportunity for Indonesian Professionals
Scholarship Benefits
Selected recipients will receive:
- Full admission fee exemption.
- 100% tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly stipend of JPY 144,000.
- Round-trip economy-class airfare.
- Health insurance.
- Support for books and study materials.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an international student who wishes to study in Japan.
- Be a citizen of a country eligible for MEXT scholarships, including Indonesia.
- Be born on or after 2 April 1992.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale in the previous degree.
- Not be serving in the military at the time of application.
- Be willing to arrive in Japan during the arrival period designated by APU.
- Not have previously received a MEXT Scholarship.
- Not receive another scholarship during the same period.
- Hold a student visa status while studying in Japan.
- Submit a valid English proficiency certificate that meets the required validity period. The source states that the test must have been taken on or after mid-March 2025.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Academic transcripts from their previous degree.
- Official English proficiency certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or TOEIC.
- Research proposal written in English.
- One official recommendation letter from a dean or professor addressed to the President of APU.
- Other documents required through the APU Graduate Online Application System.
How to Apply
- Prepare Your Documents
Make sure your academic transcripts meet the minimum GPA requirement and prepare a valid English proficiency certificate. You should also prepare your research proposal and recommendation letter in accordance with APU’s requirements.
- Register Through the APU Application Portal
Create an account through the APU Graduate Online Application System. Complete your personal and academic information, upload the required documents, and pay the university application fee. When completing the application, make sure to select the “MEXT University Recommendation” option.
- Complete the Online Video Interview
Applicants will be required to complete an online recorded video interview through APU’s platform. The interview will cover topics such as your motivation, research plans, and readiness to study and live in Japan.
- University Selection and MEXT Nomination
APU will conduct its internal selection process for international applicants.Candidates who pass the university’s selection will receive an admission offer and be officially nominated by APU to MEXT. The nominated candidates will then complete the MEXT application forms provided by APU.
- Final MEXT Selection
APU will submit the nominated candidates’ documents to MEXT for final verification. According to the provided timeline, the final scholarship results will be announced through APU around June 2027. Successful recipients will then proceed with preparations for their student visa and travel to Japan.
Important Timeline
- July–October 2026: Document preparation
- September–November 2026: APU online application
- 5 November 2026: Application deadline
- November 2026: Online video interview
- December 2026–February 2027: University selection and MEXT nomination
- March–June 2027: MEXT verification and final selection
- September 2027: Expected arrival and start of studies in Japan
For detailed information: https://en.apu.ac.jp/home/
Conclusion
The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University provides international students with an opportunity to pursue graduate studies in Japan with comprehensive financial support.
With tuition fully covered, the scholarship can help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
If you are interested in applying, start preparing your academic documents, English proficiency certificate, research proposal, and recommendation letter well in advance.
