For international students aspiring to study in Japan, a range of prestigious scholarships provides opportunities to pursue higher education, research, and professional development with comprehensive financial support. Ritsumeikan University partners with various scholarship programmes sponsored by the Japanese Government, international organisations, and partner countries. These programmes cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance, ensuring students can focus fully on their academic and professional growth.
Below is a detailed overview of the key scholarship opportunities available through Ritsumeikan University:
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| Scholarship | Sponsor | Target Applicants | Coverage / Benefits | Notes / Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship: University Recommendation | Japanese Government (MEXT) | International students recommended by Japanese universities | Full tuition, living allowance, travel expenses, insurance | Applicants must be nominated by a Japanese university; bachelor’s or master’s level |
| MEXT Scholarship: Embassy Recommendation | Japanese Government (MEXT) | International students applying via Japanese embassies | Full tuition, living allowance, travel expenses, insurance | Applicants apply through Japanese embassy in home country; bachelor’s or master’s level |
| Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) | ADB & Japanese Government | Citizens of ADB member countries for master’s in economics, management, science & tech | Tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance | Focus on development-related fields; must meet ADB nationality and academic criteria |
| Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia | IMF & Japanese Government | Citizens of Asian countries for master’s in economics or related fields | Tuition, living allowance, travel costs | Designed to build economic and financial expertise in Asia |
| China Scholarship Council (CSC) Program | Chinese Government | International students studying in China | Tuition, living allowance, travel costs | Ritsumeikan facilitates joint CSC programs for selected degrees; requires Chinese university enrollment |
| JICA ABE Initiative & SDGs Global Leaders Course | JICA & Japanese Government | Professionals and graduates from partner countries | Tuition, living expenses, travel costs, insurance | Focus on leadership, SDGs, and investment promotion; long-term knowledge co-creation program |
| Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Scholarships | JICA | International students from developing countries | Full tuition, travel, living expenses, insurance | Various programs for master’s, PhD, and professional development; applicants nominated by home countries |
| LPDP-JICA Development of Exhaustive Human Resources (DXHR) | LPDP (Indonesia) & JICA (Japan) | Indonesian citizens, bachelor’s graduates ≤37 years | Full tuition, research, travel, seminar costs, health insurance | Double-degree master’s: 1st year in Indonesia, 2nd in Japan; full-ride scholarship |
Why Apply for These Scholarships?
- Full Financial Support: Most programs cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, and travel, reducing the financial burden for students.
- Professional & Academic Growth: Programs like JICA ABE Initiative and DXHR are designed to develop leadership skills and promote sustainable development expertise.
- Global Networking: Scholarships often connect students with peers, industry experts, and government officials across Asia and the world.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates gain access to global career pathways, particularly in development, economics, science, and international relations.
Read More:
- Apply for the 2026 TotalEnergies National Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMSS) & NNPC Limited/TotalEnergies International Scholarship (TIS)
- 2026 UK Humanities Scholarship at the University of Manchester: Fully Funded Masters and PhD Funding
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2026 for Low- or Middle-Income Countries (Get Full tuition fees & Living allowance/stipend for 2 years)
- University College London (UCL) Offers 200 MSc Mathematics Scholarships | Value: £13000 towards tuition fees
- LOTUS Bank Entry Level Program 2026 (Must hold a B.Sc. & at least a Second-Class Lower)
- University of Liverpool Hodgson £10,550 Law Scholarship 2026 for International Students i(Must have B.Sc & at least a 2.1)
How to Apply
Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application procedures:
- MEXT University Recommendation: Apply via Ritsumeikan University; the university nominates qualified candidates.
- MEXT Embassy Recommendation: Apply through the Japanese embassy in your home country.
- ADB-JSP, IMF-Japan, JICA programs: Follow application guidelines provided by the respective sponsoring organization.
- LPDP-JICA DXHR: Indonesian citizens apply via LPDP, followed by JICA’s selection process.
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Final Thoughts
These scholarships offer life-changing opportunities for international students looking to advance their education in Japan or Asia. By providing financial support, mentorship, and professional development, these programs empower students to contribute to global economic development, sustainable initiatives, and cross-cultural understanding.
