APU MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Ritsumeikan APU, Master’s and PhD)

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) recommends outstanding international graduate applicants for the MEXT scholarship of the Japanese government through the University Recommendation route. You first apply to APU for September 2027 entry. APU then chooses the candidates it recommends, and MEXT makes the final decision by the end of June. Read this before you apply. In a notice dated 26 August 2026, APU says MEXT told universities on 7 August 2026 that there is a high possibility this scholarship will be suspended for students enrolling in 2027. The suspension is not yet decided, so APU is still accepting applications, but it may not nominate anyone. APU also says the application fee is not refunded if the scholarship is suspended. APU suggests looking at other scholarships as well, such as the Asian Development Bank scholarship. If the scholarship goes ahead, it pays the full admission and tuition fees, a monthly allowance of 144,000 JPY including housing, and economy airfare at the start and end of the programme. The APU deadline is 5 November 2026. This page was last checked against the APU website on 7 October 2026.