MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship at Ritsumeikan University for 2026
The Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) University Recommendation Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2026 intake at Ritsumeikan University. This prestigious scholarship offers a comprehensive "full-ride" opportunity for international students seeking to pursue graduate studies in Japan. If you're planning to apply for the 2026 enrollment starting in November 2026, now is the perfect time to begin your preparations.
What is the MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship?
The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship sponsored by the Japanese government. Unlike the Embassy Recommendation track, this scholarship requires applicants to be recommended by a Japanese university to MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan). At Ritsumeikan University, applicants must first apply for admission through specific procedures, and those who pass will receive a university recommendation for the scholarship.
Due to limited recommendation slots allocated by MEXT to each university, only a select few applicants receive a Letter of Acceptance. After being recommended to MEXT, candidates undergo a subsequent scholarship review before final selection by MEXT.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the MEXT Scholarship at Ritsumeikan University, applicants must:
Have nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (Japanese nationals are not eligible, though dual citizens who plan to renounce Japanese citizenship may apply)
Be born on or after April 2, 1990
Be in good physical and mental health
Be willing to obtain a student visa and newly enter Japan for study purposes
Be able to arrive in Japan on a date designated by Ritsumeikan University (typically mid-September)
Have a CGPA equal to or higher than 2.30 out of 3.00 for current degree program as calculated by MEXT's formula
For English-medium programs: Have English language ability equal to or greater than CEFR B2 level, or have studied in English in your most recent degree program
Additional requirements may apply depending on the specific graduate school and program you're applying to. Some programs may have country-specific eligibility criteria.
Scholarship Benefits
The MEXT Scholarship is comprehensive and covers:
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend (approximately 144,000 yen for research students and 145,000 yen for Master's/Doctoral students)
Round-trip economy-class air ticket
Settlement allowance
Application Process
At Ritsumeikan University, applicants can apply for Master's and/or Doctoral degree programs in specific graduate schools. Based on the previous cycle, here's what you can expect for the 2026 intake:
Read the application guidelines carefully - Make sure your graduate school of interest is recruiting applicants and check whether it's for Master's, Doctoral, or both programs.
Complete the online application form - You'll need to indicate your preferred academic supervisor, but you don't need to obtain advanced permission from faculty.
Prepare and submit required documents - These typically include:
Application for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Field of Study and Study Program
Certificate of Health
Letter of Reference (mandatory, free-format)
Academic transcripts
English language proficiency certificates
Important Notes Before Applying
Before submitting your application, ensure that:
All application documents meet ALL requirements described in the guidelines
Your Letter of Recommendation meets all requirements (applications with non-compliant recommendation letters will be rejected)
Your transcripts meet all requirements (obtain additional documentation if needed)
If waiting for language test scores, submit the rest of your application before the deadline and follow up with the test score certificate when available
Expected Timeline for 2026 Intake
Based on previous cycles, here's a projected timeline for the 2026 intake:
Late November - late December 2025: Application submission period
January - February 2026: Announcement of admission results
February - March 2026: University submits scholarship recommendations to MEXT
June - July 2026: MEXT notifies scholarship results
July - September 2026: Issuance of MEXT Scholarship Certificates and visa application
Mid-September 2026: Travel to Japan, orientation
September 26, 2026: Fall Semester begins
Additional Information
Here are some additional points to note:
You may only receive University Recommendation for MEXT scholarship from one university
Ritsumeikan University only recruits MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship applicants to English-medium degree programs
You can use the Ritsumeikan University Researcher Database to find potential research supervisors
Students from Chinese universities may need to obtain China Higher-Education Student Information Online Verification System certificates
For more information about the application process, you can contact the International Center at Ritsumeikan University: cger-bkc@st.ritsumei.ac.jp
For detailed information about graduate programs offered in English and Japanese, visit the Ritsumeikan University admissions page.
Visit Official MEXT Scholarship Page
Stay updated with more scholarship opportunities by following our social media accounts:
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Start Preparing Now
The MEXT Scholarship is highly competitive, with limited slots available. To increase your chances of success, start preparing well in advance:
Research potential supervisors and programs at Ritsumeikan University
Prepare a strong research proposal that aligns with your chosen supervisor's expertise
Ensure your academic records meet the minimum GPA requirements
Take English proficiency tests if needed
Prepare for the application period in late 2025
With thorough preparation and a strong application, you can maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship for your graduate studies in Japan.
