🇯🇵 MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026 | Full-Ride Graduate Studies in Japan — Masters & PhD | Fully Funded

Overview

The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded Japanese Government scholarship awarded through university nomination. Applicants must first apply and be admitted to a participating Japanese university — such as Ritsumeikan University — to receive a university recommendation to the Ministry of Education (MEXT).

Only a limited number of candidates receive recommendation slots, making this one of the most competitive and sought-after scholarships in Asia.

This scholarship supports Master’s and Doctoral degree programs for September 2026 enrollment.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you:
✔ Hold nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
✔ Were born on or after April 2, 1991
✔ Are in good physical and mental health
✔ Can travel to Japan by mid-September 2026
✔ Have a CGPA ≥ 2.30/3.00 (MEXT formula applied by university)
✔ Will obtain a student visa and enter Japan newly
✔ Meet language requirement:

• English-medium programs → CEFR B2 level or higher OR proof of English-taught degree

• Japanese-medium programs → Follow language requirements listed in guidelines

Special Note:

• Applicants with Japanese nationality are not eligible, except those renouncing Japanese citizenship.

• Some schools (e.g., Science & Engineering) require prior informal approval from a supervisor.

Benefits (Fully Funded)

This is a true full-ride package — tuition, travel, and monthly living cost support included.

Program Components

The scholarship applies to Master’s or Doctoral programs at participating graduate schools, including:

• Graduate School of Science and Engineering

• Graduate School of Life Sciences

• Potential openings for International Relations (Master’s) and Information Science & Engineering (Doctoral) — pending updates.

Programs are offered primarily in English, with research supervision assigned based on academic alignment.

Application Requirements

📍 Online application to Ritsumeikan University
📍 MEXT Scholarship Application Form
📍 Field of Study & Research Program Plan
📍 Certificate of Health
📍 Letter of Recommendation (free format but specific criteria must be met)
📍 Transcripts meeting guideline requirements
📍 Proof of language qualification (can be submitted later if pending)

Additional Notes:

• Forms must be typed

• Incomplete or non-compliant documents lead to rejection

• Only one university recommendation is allowed per candidate

Selection Criteria

Candidates are assessed based on:
⭐ Academic track record (GPA + research potential)
⭐ Supervisor alignment & research proposal quality
⭐ Language proficiency (English/Japanese depending on program)
⭐ Quality of recommendation letter
⭐ Document accuracy, completeness & professionalism

Application Process

Important Dates — (Ritsumeikan University Timeline)

Final scholarship and admission results: Jan–July 2026

Arrival in Japan: Mid-September 2026

Courses start: September 26, 2026

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the 🇯🇵 MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship 2026 | Full-Ride Graduate Studies in Japan — Masters & PhD | Fully Funded