In order to continue to receive MEXT scholarship, scholars must meet MEXT’s standards by maintaining good grades and not going over their regular degree program duration. MEXT’s management of scholars’ grades has become more strict in recent years, and during that time we have seen several scholars fall below the standards, leading to their unfortunate withdraw from the scholarship.
When a MEXT Scholar is made to withdraw from the scholarship they lose all scholarship benefits from that point forward, including coverage of tuition fees, monthly stipend, and any qualification they previously had to receive a scholarship-sponsored flight home. Students who wish to continue their studies must thus pay any further tuition fees out of pocket. The standards which scholars must meet in order to avoid such a situation differ depending on their type of MEXT scholarship.
Make sure you understand all information contained in this notice, carefully plan your academic study schedule in order to graduate on time, maintain good grades and accurately keep track of them.
■Rules relevant for all MEXT scholarship types
Regardless of MEXT scholarship type, scholars must withdraw from MEXT scholarship as soon as it is confirmed that they won’t be able to graduate on time due to bad grades (leading to a lack of earned credits), a leave of absence, suspension from the university, and so on. This goes for all scholars, including those listed as “No minimum requirement” in the table below.
＜Minimum period required for graduation＞
Doctoral program: 3 years; Master’s program: 2 years; Undergraduate program: 4 years
■MEXT scholarship type and grade point average (GPA) standards
| Scholarship type*1 | Scholarship Award Duration | GPA Standard*2 (Out of 3.00 max.) |
Period of Grades Reviewed to Determine Continued Scholarship Eligibility | |
| University Recommendation | Special Type | Minimum number of years required for graduation/ program completion | 2.30 or higher |
In September, the cumulative GPA of last academic year’s fall semester and the current academic year’s spring semester is evaluated. If the CGPA meets the GPA Standard, the scholar maintains their status as a MEXT Scholarship recipient. Ex. In September 2026, the CGPA for Fall sem. 2025 and Spring sem. 2026 is calculated. If the CGPA meets the GPA Standard, the scholar continues as a MEXT Scholar from October forward. |
| Regular Type | Minimum number of years required for graduation/ program completion | No minimum requirement | None | |
| Embassy Recommendation | Minimum number of years required for graduation/ program completion | No minimum requirement | None | |
*1 If you’re unsure of your scholarship type, contact r-kokuhi@st.ritsumei.ac.jp.
*2 Cumulative GPA standards as of April 2026.
■How to determine your GPA using MEXT’s formula (the same for all scholarship types)
MEXT and the university use different GPA formula to evaluate grades. To evaluate your GPA to see whether you meet MEXT’s standards, you must use the following MEXT formula.
Point scale: A+ & A = 3 points; B = 2 points; C = 1 point; F = 0 points
Formula:
The International Center will not manage your course schedule, grades, or offer advice on these matters. If, however, you have any questions on how to calculate your grades using the formula above or about scholarship types, please don’t hesitate to ask.
MEXT Scholars whose grades are determined to fall below the grade standards must complete procedures to withdraw from the scholarship. Withdraw procedures for such scholars will occur in September for Special Type scholars.