Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 | Asia Pacific University (APU) / MEXT (Japanese Government) | Brilliant Scholarship
Fully FundedOpen
Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027
MEXT-affiliated scholarship at Asia Pacific University covering tuition, a monthly stipend, and airfare for international students in Japan.
Asia Pacific University (APU) / MEXT (Japanese Government)
Overview
Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, commonly known through its MEXT scholarship program, has long been one of the most sought-after routes for international students to study in Japan without shouldering significant financial burden. The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 channels this national government funding through Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), an institution established in 1993 and known for its genuinely international campus culture and strong programs in business, media, and technology. Unlike scholarships that apply to only one degree level, this MEXT-affiliated award spans bachelor's, master's, and doctoral study, making it relevant to a wide range of prospective students at different stages of their academic careers. What makes this particular opportunity noteworthy is its combination of full government backing with a university environment built from the ground up around international exchange. Students from any country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible to apply, and unlike many competitive international scholarships, no IELTS or TOEFL score is strictly mandatory, provided applicants can demonstrate their English proficiency through alternative means. For students exploring fully funded study options in Japan without navigating separate national scholarship bureaucracies for each degree level, this MEXT-affiliated pathway through APU is worth serious consideration.
Scholarship Details
The scholarship's financial coverage differs somewhat depending on the degree level pursued, a nuance that prospective applicants should understand clearly before applying. For students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, the MEXT scholarship at APU is fully funded, covering the complete range of academic and living costs. For undergraduate applicants, however, the coverage is more limited and does not extend to full tuition fees, meaning bachelor's degree candidates should budget for some remaining tuition costs even after the scholarship is applied. Across all degree levels that receive fuller coverage, recipients benefit from a full tuition reduction through the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship, along with a monthly living stipend of 144,000 Japanese yen, an amount which the university notes is subject to change over time as cost-of-living adjustments are made. In addition to tuition and stipend support, the scholarship includes economy class air travel between the recipient's home country and Japan, provided at both the beginning and the conclusion of the study program, which meaningfully reduces one of the larger incidental costs that international students often underestimate when planning to study abroad. Students may pursue any course of study available at Asia Pacific University, which spans media, business, and engineering and information technology programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, giving scholarship recipients considerable flexibility in choosing an academic path that matches their interests and career goals.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship rests on a combination of nationality, age, academic performance, and language ability requirements. Applicants must intend to study abroad in Japan as an overseas student and must not hold Japanese nationality, though they must be a national of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan, which in practice covers the vast majority of countries worldwide. There is an age-related eligibility marker tied to birth date, requiring applicants to have been born on or after April 2, 1992, which functions as an upper age boundary for the scholarship. On the academic side, applicants need to have achieved a grade point average of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale at their most recently attended university or educational institution, a relatively moderate threshold compared to some other highly competitive international scholarships that demand near-perfect academic records. Language proficiency is required at a level equivalent to B2 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which can be demonstrated through recognized tests such as the TOEFL iBT, where a score of 72 or above is generally expected, or IELTS, where a score of 5.5 or above typically suffices. Notably, applicants who have not taken either of these standardized English tests are not automatically excluded; they can instead submit an English Proficiency Certificate from their previous university confirming that their prior degree was completed with English as the language of instruction, which offers meaningful flexibility for students coming from English-medium educational systems who may not have had the opportunity or resources to sit for a formal international English test.
Fields of Study & Programs
Asia Pacific University, established in 1993 as a relatively young but rapidly internationalized institution, has built its academic reputation primarily around three broad pillars: media studies, business administration, and engineering combined with information technology. This focus reflects Japan's broader economic priorities around digital transformation, international business competitiveness, and technology-driven innovation, and it positions APU as a particularly attractive destination for students whose career ambitions lie at the intersection of technology and global commerce. Scholarship recipients are not restricted to a narrow list of pre-approved programs; instead, they may take any course of study available at the university, spanning both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This open structure gives students considerable latitude to design an academic path suited to their specific interests, whether that means pursuing a business degree with an international management focus, a media and communications program geared toward the growing content and journalism industries, or an engineering and IT track aligned with software development, data science, or related technical fields. For students who are still refining their specific specialization or who want the flexibility to explore adjacent disciplines during their studies, this openness is a distinct advantage compared to more narrowly defined scholarship programs.
Participating Universities
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, generally referred to by its abbreviation APU, was founded in 1993 and has since developed a reputation as one of Japan's most deliberately international university campuses. Unlike many Japanese universities where international students represent a small minority of the student body, APU has cultivated a genuinely global campus culture, drawing students from across Asia, the Pacific region, and beyond, and offering substantial coursework in both Japanese and English to accommodate this diverse population. The university's academic strengths in media, business, and engineering and information technology have been built with an eye toward preparing graduates for careers in increasingly globalized and technology-driven industries. Studying at APU offers students the opportunity to be part of a campus community explicitly designed around cross-cultural exchange, which can be a significant draw for students seeking an academically rigorous but also culturally immersive study-abroad experience, distinct from the experience of studying at a more traditional, domestically oriented Japanese national university.
How to Apply
Applying for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship begins with the university's dedicated online application system, which streamlines the submission of academic records, personal information, and supporting materials into a single digital platform. Prospective applicants should start by visiting the official APU admissions website and locating the graduate or undergraduate application portal, depending on their intended degree level, where they can create a personal account to begin the application process. Once an account has been established, applicants work through the online system to input their academic history, personal details, and program preferences, and to upload the digital copies of all required supporting documentation. Because the scholarship covers three distinct degree levels with potentially different document requirements and internal review processes, applicants should carefully review the specific application instructions provided for their intended degree level rather than assuming a single uniform checklist applies across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral tracks. Given that the scholarship operates on an annual cycle tied to a September enrollment period, applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their materials, including academic transcripts and English proficiency documentation, well ahead of the published deadline to avoid a last-minute scramble. Since the application system is entirely online, having stable internet access and digital copies of all documents ready in advance of beginning the application will make the process considerably smoother. After submission, applicants should watch for further communication from the university regarding document verification, potential interviews, and final scholarship award decisions.
Deadlines & Important Dates
The application deadline for the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship for the 2027 cycle falls on November 5, 2026, corresponding to enrollment beginning in September 2027. This roughly ten-month gap between the application deadline and the start of the academic term gives admitted and awarded students a reasonably comfortable window to handle visa processing, arrange travel, and prepare for relocation to Japan, though applicants should not treat this as a reason to delay their own application preparation. Because MEXT-affiliated scholarships at Japanese universities are typically processed through a combination of university-level review and national government coordination, processing times can be longer than for scholarships administered entirely by a single institution, making early submission a sensible strategy for anyone hoping to secure a spot in the coming intake cycle.
Life as a Scholar
Students who receive the Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship join a campus community that has intentionally cultivated one of the more internationally diverse student populations among Japanese universities. The monthly stipend of 144,000 yen is designed to cover the bulk of everyday living costs, including housing, food, and transportation, allowing scholars to focus on their studies without the pressure of extensive part-time work, though many students do choose to supplement their experience with campus jobs or internships related to their field of study. Because APU offers substantial coursework in English alongside Japanese, students who are still building their Japanese language skills can still fully engage with their academic program from day one, while gradually developing language proficiency through campus life and structured language courses. The inclusion of round-trip economy airfare removes one of the more significant financial hurdles that international students face when planning to study abroad, allowing scholars to travel home during breaks or for family emergencies without excessive additional cost. Beyond the classroom, APU's location and international student support services are generally oriented toward helping incoming students adjust to daily life in Japan, from housing arrangements to cultural orientation programming, and the university's diverse student body means that scholars are likely to find a supportive peer community regardless of their home country or cultural background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this scholarship cover full tuition for all degree levels? No, master's and PhD students receive full funding, but bachelor's degree applicants do not receive complete tuition fee coverage under this program.
Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory to apply? No, applicants without an IELTS or TOEFL score can instead submit an English Proficiency Certificate from a previous university confirming their degree was taught in English.
Is there an age limit for applicants? Yes, applicants must have been born on or after April 2, 1992.
What GPA do I need to qualify? A minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale from your most recent university is required.
Can students from any country apply? Applicants must not hold Japanese nationality but must be nationals of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan, which covers most countries globally.
Does the scholarship include travel costs? Yes, economy class airfare between the applicant's home country and Japan is provided at both the start and end of the program.
Final Thoughts
The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 offers a genuinely accessible pathway into fully funded graduate study in Japan, backed by the credibility of a national government scholarship program and delivered through a university with a distinctly international campus culture. While bachelor's degree applicants should note the more limited tuition coverage at that level, master's and doctoral candidates stand to benefit from comprehensive financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and international travel. Prospective applicants with a solid but not necessarily exceptional academic record, and with reasonable English proficiency demonstrated through either standardized testing or prior English-medium study, are well positioned to pursue this opportunity, provided they begin their application well ahead of the November deadline.
Award Amount
100% tuition reduction (Master's/PhD), monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY, plus round-trip economy airfare
Payment: Monthly
Deadline
2026-11-05
Deadline is for September 2027 enrollment
Duration
Varies by degree level: standard Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD program durations at APU
Renewable
No
About This Scholarship
The Asia Pacific University MEXT Scholarship 2027 is a Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship tenable at Asia Pacific University (APU), open to international students from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan. It supports Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degree programs, though full tuition coverage applies specifically to Master's and PhD levels while Bachelor's degree coverage is partial. Established in 1993, APU offers media, business, and engineering and information technology programs, and scholarship recipients may take any available course at the university. Benefits include 100% tuition reduction via the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship for graduate students, a monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY for living expenses (subject to change), and economy class round-trip airfare between the recipient's home country and Japan. Eligibility requires applicants to not hold Japanese nationality, be born on or after April 2, 1992, hold a GPA of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale, and demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 or above via TOEFL iBT (72+), IELTS (5.5+), or an English Proficiency Certificate from a previous institution. The application deadline is November 5, 2026, for September 2027 enrollment, submitted through APU's online application system.
Eligible Study Levels
UndergraduateMasterPhD
Fields of Study
MediaBusinessEngineeringInformation Technology
Available Countries
Japan
Eligibility Requirements
Intend to study abroad in Japan from overseas
Not have Japanese nationality; must be a national of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
Born on or after April 2, 1992
Achieved a GPA of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale at most recent university
English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 or above (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72+, IELTS 5.5+), or English Proficiency Certificate from previous university
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 2.30 on a 3.00 scale (minimum)
Test Scores:
TOEFL iBT 72 or above
IELTS 5.5 or above
Language Requirements:
CEFR B2 or above, or English Proficiency Certificate confirming prior degree taught in English
Application Process
1Visit the Asia Pacific University admissions website and access the Online Application System
2Create an account and select intended degree level and program
3Complete the online application with academic and personal details
4Upload required supporting documents
5Submit application before the November 5, 2026 deadline
6Monitor email for verification, interview, or award notifications
Required Documents
Online Application Form*Required
Completed via APU's online application system
Academic Transcripts*Required
From most recently attended university
Proof of English Proficiency*Required
TOEFL, IELTS, or English Proficiency Certificate
Partner Universities
Asia Pacific University (APU)
Beppu, Japan
Additional Benefits
100% tuition covered by APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship (Master's/PhD)
Economy class air travel between home country and APU at start and end of program
About the AuthorActive ApplicantUniversity Graduate
I'm a university graduate currently navigating the world of scholarship applications. I run this blog as an active, personal database of opportunities I'm researching — every listing here is one I've evaluated myself. My goal is to help fellow students cut through the noise and find funding that actually fits their profile.
📚 Researched & curated by a current applicant · Updated regularly
