Studying in Japan can be expensive for international students, but scholarship opportunities at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) can significantly reduce the financial burden.
APU offers an international student tuition reduction scholarship covering 30%, 50%, 65%, 80% or 100% of tuition. Separately, selected students may qualify for external scholarships such as MEXT or ADB-JSP, which can provide much broader financial support.
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For students considering graduate-level study, these opportunities can be particularly relevant across fields including management, economics, international relations, public policy, sustainability and Asia-Pacific studies.
Who Is This Opportunity Best For?
APU’s graduate scholarship routes can be relevant for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are looking to pursue a master’s or other graduate-level qualification.
Potential academic areas include:
● Business and Management
● MBA and International Management
● Economics and Development
● International Relations
● Global Studies
● Peace and Conflict Studies
● Public Policy and Governance
● Sustainability and Environment
● Culture, Society and Area Studies
APU’s Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies and Graduate School of Management offer programs for international applicants. Some programs and scholarships have additional eligibility requirements, so applicants need to check the specific program before applying.
APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship
One of APU’s major scholarship options is the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship.
For international graduate applicants, the scholarship can cover:
● 30% of tuition
● 50% of tuition
● 65% of tuition
● 80% of tuition
● 100% of tuition
The scholarship applies during the standard period required to complete the program, subject to APU’s continuation assessment and conditions.
A 100% tuition reduction means the student does not have to pay tuition during the covered period. However, applicants should remember that a tuition scholarship is not automatically the same as a fully funded scholarshipbecause living expenses, accommodation and other costs may remain.
Students who are separately selected for certain external scholarships can receive much more comprehensive financial support.
The MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship at APU can provide:
● Full admission fee
● Full tuition fee
● Monthly subsistence allowance of ¥144,000
● Economy-class round-trip airfare between the student’s home country and APU
The ¥144,000 monthly amount is subject to change according to the scholarship conditions.
APU also lists the MEXT Embassy Recommendation route, which provides full admission and tuition support together with a monthly subsistence allowance and other benefits under the applicable scholarship conditions.
Another full scholarship route is the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP).
At APU, the listed benefits include:
● Full admission fee
● Full tuition
● Monthly allowance of ¥144,000, including housing
● Books and instructional materials
● Medical insurance
● Round-trip economy-class airfare
The initial scholarship period is generally one year, with the possibility of extension depending on academic performance and the applicable scholarship rules.
This makes ADB-JSP particularly relevant for eligible applicants from countries covered by the program.
The claim that APU scholarships are simply “without IELTS” needs some clarification.
APU currently states that whether an applicant must submit an English proficiency test depends on their educational history.
For the 2027 Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies master’s program, APU lists IELTS/IELTS Online 6.5 as one of the minimum English proficiency options, alongside alternatives such as TOEFL, TOEIC, PTE and Cambridge English/Linguaskill.
However, certain applicants can be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test. For example, APU identifies applicants who completed a qualifying bachelor’s or master’s degree conducted in English as eligible for an exemption under its stated conditions.
Therefore, “without IELTS” generally means some applicants may qualify for an English-test exemption—not that IELTS is unnecessary for every applicant.
Scholarship Support Can Be Significant
APU’s tuition reduction system can make a substantial difference to the cost of studying in Japan.
For example, APU currently lists the following tuition reductions for its Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies:
| Tuition reduction | Annual tuition for first year |
| 30% | ¥1,018,500 |
| 50% | ¥727,500 |
| 65% | ¥509,250 |
| 80% | ¥291,000 |
| 100% | ¥0 |
These figures are based on APU’s current published graduate tuition information and may be subject to change.
The separate MEXT and ADB-JSP scholarships can provide additional benefits beyond tuition, including living support and travel expenses.
The opportunity may be relevant for:
1. Bachelor’s graduates
Students who want to continue into a master’s program in Japan.
2. Professionals
Applicants seeking graduate education in management, international relations, public policy or related fields.
3. Students Looking for Tuition Support
Applicants who may not receive a fully funded scholarship can still apply for APU’s tuition reduction scholarship.
4. Applicants With an English-Medium Degree
Students whose previous degree was taught entirely in English may be eligible for an English-proficiency test exemption, subject to APU’s requirements.
5. Applicants Seeking Full Funding
Students who meet the requirements for scholarships such as MEXT or ADB-JSP can pursue routes that include tuition and living support.
Important Things Applicants Should Check
Before applying, students should carefully verify:
● The specific degree program
● Academic eligibility
● English-language requirements or exemption conditions
● Scholarship eligibility
● Application deadline
● Whether the scholarship is automatically considered or requires a separate application
● Living and accommodation costs not covered by a particular award
● Renewal and academic-performance requirements
APU notes that scholarship continuation can be subject to academic performance and other conditions.
1. Multiple Scholarship Routes
Students are not limited to one funding mechanism. APU offers its own tuition reduction scholarship, while separate external programs can provide broader financial support.
2. Tuition Can Be Fully Covered
The APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship can reach 100% tuition reduction, while MEXT and ADB-JSP can also cover full tuition under their respective conditions.
3. Some Students Can Apply Without an English Test
Applicants who satisfy APU’s stated exemption conditions may not need to submit IELTS or another English proficiency test. The exemption depends on educational background rather than simply applying for a scholarship.
4. Some Full Scholarships Include Living Support
MEXT and ADB-JSP can provide monthly financial support in addition to tuition coverage, with certain scholarships also covering airfare and other expenses.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University provides several scholarship pathways for international students interested in studying in Japan. Its tuition reduction scholarship can cover 30% to 100% of tuition, while selected MEXT and ADB-JSP recipients can receive broader support covering tuition, living expenses and travel.
For students searching for a Japan scholarship without IELTS, the key point is to check the eligibility rules carefully: APU does offer English-proficiency exemptions for certain educational backgrounds, but an IELTS score or another accepted English test may still be required for many applicants.
The best starting point is APU’s official admissions and scholarship information, where applicants can verify the latest requirements, deadlines and scholarship conditions before applying.
