ADB-Japan Scholarship 2027 at Ritsumeikan APU (Fully Funded)

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2027 is a fully funded master’s scholarship at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan. It is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly allowance of 144,000 Japanese yen, return airfare, and medical insurance, so scholars can complete a master’s degree in Japan at no personal cost. Applications close in two rounds, on 5 November 2026 and 8 January 2027.

Overview

Host country	Japan
University	Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Beppu
Provider	Asian Development Bank, funded by the Government of Japan
Study level	Master’s degree
Funding	Fully funded
Who can apply	Nationals of ADB borrowing member countries with 2 years of work experience
Deadline	5 November 2026 and 8 January 2027

About the ADB-Japan Scholarship

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program supports students from the developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank. At APU, it funds a master’s degree in the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies. The program is designed for people who will return home and contribute to the development of their own country.

Selection considers academic record, work experience, and financial need. The scholarship is aimed at applicants who could not otherwise afford postgraduate study abroad.

Scholarship Benefits

The ADB-JSP at APU is fully funded. It covers the following:

• The full admission fee and tuition
• A monthly subsistence allowance of 144,000 Japanese yen, which includes housing
• Books and instructional materials
• Medical insurance
• Economy class airfare from the home country to APU at the start of study, and back at the end

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country
• Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country
• Not be living or working outside the home country at the time of application
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
• Have at least two years of full-time work experience after the bachelor’s degree
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
• Have English proficiency sufficient for graduate study
• Not already hold a master’s degree, and not be applying for a second master’s
• Meet the income limits: family income of US$50,000 or less per year, and individual income of US$25,000 or less per year
• Commit to return home and work there for at least two years after graduation

You May Also Like These Opportunities

• Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026/27 (Fully Funded Tuition + Stipend)
• Chicago Booth Journalists in Residence 2027 (Fully Funded + $14,000 Stipend)
• UN Youth Townhall 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded Places)

Is There an Age Limit?

Yes. Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.

Is There an Income Limit?

Yes. This scholarship is meant for applicants who need financial support. The family income must be US$50,000 or less per year, and the applicant’s own income must be US$25,000 or less per year.

Can I Apply If I Already Live Abroad?

No. Applicants must be living and working in their home country at the time of application. People who are already living or working outside their home country are not eligible. This rule is often missed, so check it before applying.

Is IELTS Required?

Applicants must show English proficiency sufficient for graduate study at APU. APU sets the accepted English tests and the required scores in its admission guidelines, so check those requirements before applying.

Required Documents

The exact documents are listed in the APU online application. In most cases, applicants need the following:

• The completed APU online graduate application
• A bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency
• Evidence of at least two years of work experience
• Proof of income, for the financial assessment
• A copy of the passport

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and that the home country is an ADB borrowing member
2. Choose an eligible master’s program at APU’s Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
3. Complete the APU online graduate application
4. Within the application, request to be considered for the ADB-JSP scholarship
5. Submit before the chosen deadline, either 5 November 2026 or 8 January 2027

Deadline

Applications close in two rounds: 5 November 2026 and 8 January 2027. Places are limited, so applicants are advised to apply in the earlier round where possible.

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted only through the official APU graduate admissions website. Apply directly, and never pay a third party to apply on your behalf.

Would you study in Japan on this scholarship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Never Miss an Opportunity

New fully funded opportunities are posted every day. Follow along to receive each one before the deadline closes.