Ritsumeikan University brings you an opportunity to apply for the prestigious and fully funded MEXT Scholarship program in Japan for the 2026-27 academic year. The duration of a Master’s program at Ritsumeikan University is two years, and the Doctoral program is three years.

Ritsumeikan University is a renowned private institution in Japan, founded in 1869 and strongly emphasising internationalism. Its multiple campuses offer a diverse range of English and Japanese-taught academic programs across Kyoto, Osaka, and Shiga prefectures.

The host will select several students to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in Science, Engineering, Policy Science, or International Relations. Students residing outside Japan and possessing an academic record must follow the application procedure and submit their applications by 11 December 2025.

Details of the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship for 2026-27

Below is complete information on the MEXT Scholarship by the Ritsumeikan University in Japan for the 2026-27 academic year.

Offered Degree Program

Students can pursue their degrees in the following disciplines under the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan for the 2026-27 academic year.

• Science
• Engineering
• Policy Science
• International Relations

Benefits of Scholarship

The Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan is fully funded and offers the following benefits.

• Scholars will be exempt from the admission fee.
• Scholars will receive the full tuition fee waiver.
• Scholars will receive an allowance of JPY 143,000-145,000.
• Scholars will receive economy-class airfare tickets to & from Japan at the beginning and end of the program.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility requirements for the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan are available here.

• You must be an international student from a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
• You must possess a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field with a CGPA of at least 2.30 out of 3.00.
• You must be proficient in English/Japanese, depending on the program.
• You must be able to arrive in Japan in mid-September 2026.
• You must be physically and mentally fit.

How to Apply

Students must explore the process below to apply for the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan.

• Firstly, you must apply for enrollment in the Master’s/Doctoral degree at Ritsumeikan University.
• Those granted admission to the university will be recommended for the MEXT scholarship.
• Applicants to the GSSE must contact their preferred academic advisor to discuss their research plan and receive academic supervision approval via email from the faculty member before applying. 

Documents Required for Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship 2026-27

• Passport
• CV
• Cover letter
• Personal statement
• Academic transcripts
• English language proficiency certificate
• An abstract of your thesis or relevant academic work
• Recommendation letters

Last Date to Apply

The deadline to apply for the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan is 11 December 2025.

FAQs

Who funds the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan?

The Government of Japan funds the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year in Japan.

What criteria must Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship applicants satisfy?

• Be an international student.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of at least 2.30 out of 3.00.
• Be proficient in English/Japanese, depending on the program.
• Be able to arrive in Japan in mid-September 2026.
• Be physically and mentally fit.

Is a Bachelor’s degree offered under the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan?

No, currently only postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD) are offered the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan.

Are only English-taught programs offered under the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship?

No, both English and Japanese-taught programs are offered under the Ritsumeikan University MEXT Scholarship in Japan. You can choose any course according to your proficiency.