Students from qualifying poor nations have a fantastic opportunity to study a Master’s degree in Japan with full financial support through Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University’s (APU) ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP).
Selected scholars will get substantial financing for the 2027 intake, which includes complete tuition coverage, a JPY 144,000 monthly stipend, admission fee coverage, assistance with books and study materials, health insurance, and return economy-class flights.
Professionals from qualified ADB developing member nations who want to advance their professional and academic expertise are the target audience for this scholarship. After finishing their education, scholars are expected to return home and apply their knowledge to promote social and economic advancement.
It should be noted by applicants that they are unable to apply directly to the Asian Development Bank. Rather, they must first use the university’s application system to apply for admission to APU and request consideration for the ADB-JSP scholarship. The Asian Development Bank, which makes the final scholarship decision, will thereafter receive nominations from APU for eligible applicants.
ADB-Japan Scholarships Ritsumeikan APU 2027, Japan – Quick Details
Host Country: Japan
Host University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Scholarship Program: Asian Development Bank-Japan
Degree Level: Master’s Degree
Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of eligible ADB borrowing member countries
Funding: Fully Funded
Scholarship Duration: Normally up to 2 years for a Master’s degree
Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
Degree Level
- Degree: Master’s Degree
Available Subjects
- Asia Pacific Studies
- International Development
- Other related graduate-level fields offered by APU.
- Applicants should review APU’s available Master’s programs before applying.
- The selected program must be eligible for ADB-JSP scholarship consideration.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to citizens of eligible developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Applicants must also meet the relevant Japanese ODA scholarship requirements.
Examples of eligible countries include:
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- India
- Indonesia
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Mongolia
- Uzbekistan
- Other eligible ADB borrowing member countries
The list of eligible countries and scholarship requirements may change.
Applicants should check the latest official ADB-JSP requirements to confirm their nationality eligibility before applying.
Eligibility Criteria ADB-Japan Scholarships Ritsumeikan APU 2027, Japan
Applicants for the ADB-Japan Scholarship at APU must meet both ADB-JSP and APU admission requirements. Generally, applicants should:
- be a citizen of a nation that qualifies for ADB borrowing.
- Unless otherwise noted, you must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- possess a bachelor’s degree or a comparable credential.
- possess a solid academic background.
- After earning a bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of full-time professional employment experience.
- When applying, they must be employed and living in their nation of origin, as stipulated by the scholarship regulations.
- fulfill the prerequisites for admission to the chosen Master’s program at APU.
- possess the English language skills necessary for graduate-level coursework.
- fulfill the income requirements for the scholarship.
- not be enrolled in another graduate program at the moment.
- not pursuing a second master’s degree.
- fulfill the prerequisites for prior degrees and academic background.
- After earning the degree, they agree to go back home and work for at least two years.
- be able to provide the necessary supporting documentation, employment, income, and academic records.
- Examine the most recent APU and ADB-JSP eligibility standards carefully because eligibility may vary depending on personal circumstances.
Work Experience
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree.
- Employment certificates may be required as proof.
- Experience from multiple employers may be combined if properly documented.
Income Requirements
- Family annual income: Up to USD 50,000
- Personal annual income: Up to USD 25,000
- Official income documents may be required for verification.
Previous Master’s Degree
- Generally, applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for another Master’s degree under ADB-JSP.
- Those currently enrolled in a graduate program may also be ineligible.
Return-to-Home-Country Requirement
- Scholars are expected to return to their home country after graduation.
- They must generally work there for at least 2 years after completing their studies.
Benefits ADB-Japan Scholarships Ritsumeikan APU 2027, Japan
The ADB-Japan Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to selected students, including:
- complete reimbursement of the accepted Master’s program’s tuition.
- complete reimbursement of the entrance cost.
- A monthly allowance of JPY 144,000, which includes housing assistance.
- Study-related books and educational resources.
- health insurance throughout the duration of the scholarship.
- economy-class round-trip airfare to Japan from the scholar’s home nation.
- financial assistance during the duration of the authorized scholarship.
- The chance to study for a master’s degree at Ritsumeikan APU in Japan.
- The scholarship is typically awarded for one year at first, but if the student continues to perform well academically and fulfills all requirements, it may be extended for an additional year.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required for both APU admission and ADB-JSP scholarship consideration. Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be asked to provide:
- Completed APU application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of professional work experience
- Employment certificates
- Updated CV or résumé
- Proof of income and family financial circumstances
- Proof of nationality or passport
- English language proficiency documents, if required
- Documents related to previous academic qualifications
- Other supporting documents requested by APU
Applicants should check the latest APU instructions because the required documents may vary depending on the applicant and selected program.
Application Process
Follow these general steps to apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship at Ritsumeikan APU:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the ADB-JSP and APU eligibility requirements.
- Choose a Master’s Program: Select an eligible Master’s program at Ritsumeikan APU.
- Prepare Documents: Gather academic, employment, income, identification, and other required documents.
- Apply to APU: Submit your application for admission through the official APU application system.
- Request Scholarship Consideration: Indicate that you wish to be considered for the ADB-JSP scholarship according to APU’s application instructions.
- APU Screening: APU reviews applications and selects suitable candidates for nomination.
- ADB-JSP Nomination: APU nominates selected candidates to the Asian Development Bank.
- Final Selection: The Asian Development Bank makes the final scholarship decision.
- Admission and Scholarship Confirmation: Successful applicants receive the relevant admission and scholarship information and can prepare for their studies in Japan.
Important: Applicants do not apply directly to the Asian Development Bank for this scholarship. The application and scholarship consideration process begins through APU.
Deadline
Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
Applicants should submit their application and supporting documents before the stated deadline and carefully follow the latest APU application instructions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ADB-Japan Scholarship at Ritsumeikan APU?
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program at Ritsumeikan APU is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for eligible students from developing ADB member countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Japan.
2. Is the ADB-JSP scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, admission fees, monthly allowance, study materials, medical insurance, and airfare.
3. How much is the monthly allowance?
Selected scholars receive a monthly allowance of JPY 144,000, including housing support, according to the provided scholarship information.
4. Who can apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship?
Citizens of eligible ADB borrowing member countries who meet the ADB-JSP and APU admission requirements can apply.
5. Can Pakistani students apply for the ADB-JSP at APU?
Yes, Pakistan is included among the eligible countries listed in this scholarship information, subject to meeting all current ADB-JSP and APU requirements.
6. How much work experience is required?
Applicants generally need at least two years of full-time professional work experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree.
7. Can someone with a previous Master’s degree apply?
Generally, the ADB-JSP is not intended for applicants who already hold a Master’s degree and want to pursue another Master’s degree.
8. Do I apply directly to the Asian Development Bank?
No. Applicants first apply to Ritsumeikan APU and request consideration for the ADB-JSP scholarship through the university’s application process. APU then nominates selected candidates to ADB.
9. What is the application deadline for ADB-Japan Scholarships at APU 2027?
The stated application deadline is November 5, 2026.
10. Do I have to return to my home country after graduation?
Yes. Scholars are generally expected to return to their home country after completing their degree and work there for at least two years.
11. How long is the ADB-Japan Scholarship?
The scholarship is normally available for up to two years for a Master’s degree, subject to satisfactory academic performance and scholarship conditions.
12. Where can I apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship at APU?
Applicants should apply through the official Ritsumeikan APU graduate admission system and follow the university’s instructions for ADB-JSP consideration.
