About the opportunity
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) provides well-qualified citizens of ADB developing member countries with opportunities to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields across the Asia-Pacific region. Designated as a partner institution by ADB in 2010, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) offers this scholarship each year to select eligible applicants to the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (GSA), excluding the IMAT program. Candidates must first apply for admission to APU, which evaluates applications and recommends suitable candidates to ADB-JSP for final selection.
Funding and benefits
- Full admission fee waiver
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly subsistence allowance of 144,000 JPY (including housing; amount subject to change)
- Books and instructional materials allowance
- Medical insurance coverage
- Economy-class airfare travel expenses between home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program
- Initial scholarship coverage for one year, with potential extension for a second year based on academic performance
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) scholarship eligible country
- Must not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
- Must not currently live or work outside your home country
- Must have at least two years of full-time work experience after obtaining a bachelor's degree at the time of application
- Must possess strong oral and written English communication skills suitable for academic study
- Must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Must gain admission to an approved master's program at APU's Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (excluding the IMAT program)
- Must not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program or pursuing a second master's degree
- In principle, must not hold a bachelor's or master's degree obtained outside your home country
- Must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a superior academic record
- Must not be an executive director, alternate director, manager, or staff of ADB, staff of ADB-JSP designated institutions, nor a consultant or relative of the aforementioned
- Must agree to return to and work in your home country for at least two years after completion of studies
- Family income must not exceed US$50,000 per year, and individual income must not exceed US$25,000 per year
Required documents
- Certificate of Employment issued on company letterhead/logo and signed by an authorized signatory, specifying start and end dates of employment, position, and monthly or annual income
- USD Conversion Form (submitted along with Certificate of Employment if income is shown in local currency)
- Certificate of Employment from previous employer(s) if current employment duration is less than two years
- Certificate of Income (required if selected as a scholarship candidate)
- Additional documents requested individually by ADB-JSP upon selection as a candidate
When to apply
- Scholarship applications are accepted for September 2026 enrollment only
- First application deadline: November 5, 2026
- Second application deadline: January 8, 2027
- APU reviews application documents and selects candidates to recommend to ADB-JSP in mid-March
- Final scholarship award results are decided and announced by ADB-JSP at the end of June
How to apply
- Apply for admission to an eligible master's program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU).
- Indicate your request to be considered for the ADB-JSP scholarship within the APU Online Application.
- Upload the required Certificate of Employment and USD Conversion Form (if applicable) before the application deadline.
- APU evaluates applicants and submits recommendations of shortlisted candidates to ADB-JSP in mid-March.
- If nominated, prepare and submit any additional documents requested by ADB-JSP for final award selection by the end of June.
Additional information
- The International Material and Analysis (IMAT) program is excluded from ADB-JSP eligibility at APU.
- Scholarship terms, country lists, and allowance amounts are subject to change according to Asian Development Bank guidelines.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Citizens of ADB borrowing member countries who meet the specific income and age requirements.
- Professionals with at least two years of full-time work experience post-bachelor's degree.
- Individuals with a strong academic record who are committed to returning to their home country for at least two years post-study.
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship has strict eligibility criteria, including a maximum age of 35 and specific family/individual income caps.
- Candidates must be currently living and working in their home country to apply.
- The scholarship excludes the IMAT program, so applicants must ensure their chosen master's program at APU is eligible.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is a strategic choice for development-focused professionals who want to gain a graduate degree in Japan without the financial burden of tuition or living costs. It is designed for those who intend to use their advanced education to contribute to development projects in their home countries upon graduation.
Our take
This is a highly attractive, fully funded opportunity for qualified professionals from eligible countries; however, those who do not meet the strict income or residency requirements will not be eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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