Fully Funded ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) 🇯🇵🎓✈️

Ambitious mid-career professionals and university graduates can pursue a world-class Master’s degree in Japan with all core expenses covered. Applications are officially open for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2027 at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan!

Financed directly by the Government of Japan through the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this fellowship supports future leaders from developing member countries—including Pakistan—who are committed to driving socio-economic progress across the Asia-Pacific region.

Program Summary & Fast Facts

• Host Country: Japan
• Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Beppu, Oita
• Funding Body: Asian Development Bank (ADB-JSP)
• Degree Level: 2-Year Master’s Degree
• Instruction Language: 100% English-taught programs
• Application Fee: $0 (Completely free to apply via the APU Online Portal)
• Application Deadlines:
  • Round 1 Deadline: November 5, 2026 (11:59 PM JST)
  • Round 2 Deadline: January 8, 2027 (11:59 PM JST)

Comprehensive Financial Benefits & Coverage

Selected scholars receive an extensive financial award that covers academic, living, and travel costs throughout the degree program:

• 100% Tuition Fee Exemption: Complete coverage of full tuition fees for both academic years.
• Full Admission Fee Waiver: Mandatory enrollment and administrative charges are 100% covered.
• Monthly Living Allowance: A monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY (which includes student housing support).
• Round-Trip Flights: Economy-class return airfare between your home country and Japan.
• Books & Materials Allowance: Financial allocation dedicated to academic literature, textbooks, and field research.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Complete medical and accident coverage in Japan.

Eligible Master’s Degree Programs at APU

The ADB-JSP award applies to developmental, economic, and policy master’s programs, including:

1. Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy (ICP): Covering Development Economics, International Public Administration, Sustainability Science, and Tourism & Hospitality.
2. Master of Science in Asia Pacific Studies (APS): Focusing on International Relations, Society & Culture, and Regional Geopolitics.
3. Master of Business Administration (MBA): Focused on Finance, Emerging Markets Management, Strategic Innovation, and Supply Chain Systems.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for nomination by APU to the ADB Selection Committee, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of an eligible ADB borrowing member country (e.g., Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, Central Asian states).
• Age Limit: Must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Work Experience: Must hold at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience acquired after graduating from a 4-year Bachelor’s degree.
• Residence Status: Must be currently residing and working in your home country.
• Income Ceiling: Individual annual income must not exceed $25,000 USD, and total annual household income must remain under $50,000 USD.
• Return Obligation: Scholars must formally agree to return to their home country upon graduation and work for a minimum of 2 years to contribute to local socio-economic development.

Step-by-Step Application Roadmap

Applying for the ADB-JSP at APU requires no separate external portal to the ADB initially; the entire review starts through the university:

1. Step 1: Create your applicant profile on the official APU Graduate Online Application Portal.
2. Step 2: Select an eligible Master’s program and check the box requesting ADB-JSP Consideration.
3. Step 3: Upload required documents—including undergraduate transcripts, graduation degree, CV, Certificate of Employment (confirming 2+ years of post-degree experience), and Income Tax Statements/Salary Slips.
4. Step 4: Submit the complete application prior to the Round 1 deadline (November 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM JST) or Round 2 deadline (January 8, 2027, by 11:59 PM JST). Shortlisted applicants will be nominated directly to ADB by APU management.

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📌 Important Notice: Apply directly through APU’s official admissions system (admissions.apu.ac.jp). The Asian Development Bank and APU do not charge processing fees at any stage of the application or selection cycle.