Waseda University has officially opened applications for the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS) MEXT Scholarships, a highly competitive government-funded opportunity that will remain available for the 2026–2027 cohort under Japan’s prestigious International Priority Graduate Program (PGP). This announcement alerts international students seeking a fully funded academic pathway into one of Japan’s top research universities.
This article explains what the GSAPS MEXT Scholarship is, what it offers, who can apply, and the key deadlines you must follow. It also highlights why this scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students aiming to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in International Relations at a globally recognized institution.
What This GSAPS Scholarship Offers?
The Waseda University GSAPS MEXT Scholarship provides a comprehensive, fully funded package for outstanding international students admitted into the International Relations Program. Key benefits include:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage for the entire duration of the degree
- Monthly Stipend as per MEXT’s official allocation to support living expenses in Tokyo
- Round-Trip Airfare between the applicant’s home country and Japan
- Priority Admission Support under the PGP scheme, which gives GSAPS higher selection quotas
- Advanced Research Training within one of Japan’s leading graduate schools in Asia-Pacific studies
- International Academic Environment with multidisciplinary faculty and global research networks
This scholarship will continue to be available until the end of Academic Year 2026 under the PGP designation.
Eligibility Checks
To qualify for the Waseda University GSAPS MEXT Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
For PhD Applicants
- Must hold a Master’s Degree or Professional Master’s Degree, or be scheduled to receive it by September 2026
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.30 or higher on a 3.00 scale
- Must have been born on or after 2 April 1991
For Master’s Applicants
- Must have graduated or be scheduled to graduate from a Japanese university by September 2026
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.30.
General Requirements
Must submit all required documents, including:
- Application Form for Application Fee Waiver
- Essay A / Research Plan (MA)
- Research Plan (PhD)
- List of Previous Publications (PhD)
- Field of Study & Research Plan
Must apply directly through the designated MEXT Online Application Portal.
When to Apply?
The deadline to apply for the Waseda University GSAPS MEXT Scholarships is 16 December 2025.