Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in Japan. Sponsored by the Japanese Government through the MEXT program, this fully funded scholarship supports students aiming for a Master’s or PhD degree at Ritsumeikan University. Students from all countries with diplomatic relations with Japan are eligible to apply. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential costs for the academic session 2026–2027. Notably, applicants do not need IELTS to apply, and the duration is 2 years for Master’s programs and 3 years for Doctoral programs. All fields of study available at Ritsumeikan University are included under this scholarship.
Established in 1900, Ritsumeikan University is a prestigious private institution located in Kyoto, Japan. Recognized as a leading private university, it currently enrolls approximately 35,000 national and international students. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and research, Ritsumeikan University provides an ideal environment for international scholars to thrive. By applying for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026, students gain access not only to world-class education but also to vibrant cultural experiences in Japan.
Benefits
MEXT is a Fully Funded Scholarship at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto Japan. All the Expenses will be covered by the MEXT.
- 100% of Tuition Fee (covered by the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship)
- Monthly Allowance: JPY 143,000-145,000
- Economy Class Air Travel Tickets to/from Japan at the beginning and end of the program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants have to meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan:
- Not have Japanese Nationality and be a national of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
- Must be physically and mentally fit.
- Must born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Be able to arrive in Japan in the middle of September 2026
- Have a CGPA equal to or higher than 2.30 out of 3.00 for most recent two years of formal study.
- Be willing to newly acquire a student visa and newly enter Japan for the purpose of study upon receipt of the scholarship.
- English Language Proficiency
Introduction about MEXT Scholarship
MEXT Stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships For Bachelors, Master & Doctoral Degree in the fields which you have studied in Your Country.
Funded & Sponsored by the Ministry of Education Japan. You will study in the Top Japanese Universities as Research Students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program.
Language Requirements
Applicants Must meet anyone the English language Requirements.
English Proficiency test score is equivalent to B2 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale (e.g. TOEFL iBT 72 or above, IELTS 5.5 or above).
OR
Those students whose previous Institute instructions language is in English can Submit English Proficiency Certificate from their University & they are exempted from the Language Test.
How to apply?
- Read the official application guidelines carefully to ensure your chosen program accepts MEXT University Recommendation applicants.
- Fill out the online application form for Ritsumeikan University’s Graduate School.
- Prepare all required documents, including the MEXT scholarship application, study plan/field-of-study form, health certificate, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
- Indicate your desired supervisor in the application. You do not need prior permission, just list a professor you hope can guide your research.
- Submit all documents together by the scholarship’s deadline as instructed in the guidelines.
- Wait for the university’s admission decision. If accepted, your application will be forwarded to MEXT for final scholarship review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded MEXT program for international graduate students, offering tuition, living support, and recommendation-based selection. Applicants must meet eligibility, submit required documents, and arrive in Japan by mid-September.
What is the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026?
The Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship. It covers tuition, living expenses, and more for international students admitted to Ritsumeikan University through the university’s recommendation process.
Who is eligible for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must have a nationality with diplomatic ties to Japan, be born on or after April 2, 1991, be in good health, and be able to enter Japan for study in September 2026. Japanese nationals are not eligible unless renouncing citizenship.
Which study levels are covered by this scholarship?
The scholarship supports graduate students seeking a Master’s or PhD degree. Applicants must apply to the relevant graduate school at Ritsumeikan University, pass the admission process, and receive a university recommendation to be considered for MEXT.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants need academic transcripts, a study plan, a health certificate, and letters of recommendation. Additional forms include the MEXT Scholarship Application and field-of-study documentation. All documents must follow the university’s submission instructions.
Do I need Japanese language proficiency?
No Japanese language proficiency is required. The scholarship allows students to enroll in programs conducted in English. Applicants do not need to submit IELTS or other language test scores for the university recommendation process.
How does the selection process work?
First, applicants must pass Ritsumeikan University’s admission review. Successful candidates receive a university recommendation, which is then sent to MEXT for final scholarship review. Awardees are selected after MEXT evaluates all recommended applicants.
When should students arrive for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026?
Selected applicants are required to arrive in Japan in mid-September 2026, as specified by Ritsumeikan University. This ensures students start their programs on time and comply with MEXT requirements for visa issuance and enrollment.
Can dual nationals apply for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026?
Dual nationals can apply for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026 only if they renounce their Japanese citizenship before receiving the scholarship. Students holding only Japanese nationality are not eligible for this MEXT University Recommendation scholarship.
How many students can be recommended for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026?
Ritsumeikan University has a limited number of recommendation slots for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026. Only applicants equal to the allocated slots may receive a Letter of Acceptance, so competition is strong and only a few are recommended each year.
What GPA is required for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026?
Applicants for the Ritsumeikan University Scholarship 2026 must have a CGPA of 2.30 or higher on a 3.00 scale for their current or most recent degree. The university calculates GPA according to MEXT’s formula, so students do not need to calculate it themselves.
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