MEXT Waseda University Scholarships in Japan for 2026 Intake Open

A major announcement has just dropped, and it’s one no ambitious foreign student should ignore. Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS) has officially opened its Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship nomination window for the September 2026 intake under the highly prestigious International Priority Graduate Program (PGP).

This program is one of Japan’s most competitive government-funded pathways, offering full financial support to outstanding international students who want to build careers in global governance, diplomacy, sustainable development, conflict resolution, and international relations.

This alert is your reminder: the application window is extremely short — just 6 days — and the 2026 batch is expected to be one of the most competitive yet. If Waseda University has ever been in your dreams, this is the moment to act.

Why Foreign Students Should Strongly Consider This Opportunity

Waseda GSAPS hosts the specialized program “The Global Governance Building and Human Resource Development Program for Achieving the SDGs from Asia.” Selected as a MEXT Priority Graduate Program, it gives applicants a significantly higher chance of securing a fully funded study opportunity in Japan.

What Makes This Scholarship Worth Your Attention?

• Full tuition coverage provided by MEXT
• Monthly stipend to support living expenses in Tokyo
• Free international airfare (to and from Japan)
• English-taught programs for both MA and PhD students
• Priority allocation of MEXT seats—only top international programs are granted this privilege
• Training to become future global leaders in SDGs, diplomacy, regional cooperation, conflict prevention, and global governance
• A world-class Japanese university with deep industry, government, and research connections

Available Seats for 2026 Entrance

• Master’s Program: Approx. 6 seats
• PhD Program: Up to 2 seats

This limited intake highlights how competitive — and prestigious — this opportunity is.

Application Period for 2026 Batch (EXTREMELY SHORT WINDOW)

From: 13:00, December 11, 2025 (JST)
Until: 16:59, December 16, 2025 (JST)

You must complete the entire online application between these dates only. The portal will not accept submissions before or after this period.

What This Article Alerts You About

• The opening of the MEXT PGP scholarship nomination at Waseda GSAPS
• The full funding available for highly motivated students who want to study International Relations and Global Governance
• The key deadlines and documents you must prepare immediately
• The importance of quick action because the application period is very short

Before You Apply — Prepare These Documents

Waseda has released designated forms for 2026 applicants, including:

• Application fee waiver form
• Essay A: Research Plan (MA only)
• Research Plan (PhD program)
• List of previous publications (for PhD applicants)
• MEXT-designated application forms
• Field of Study & Research Plan form

Apply: https://www.waseda.jp/fire/gsaps/en/admissions/scholarship-admission

Other MEXT Routes to Consider

Even if you do not secure GSAPS nomination, you can still apply for the Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship through the Japanese embassy in your home country. This provides another pathway to study in Japan under full funding.