The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 at Asia Pacific University (APU) Ritsumeikan supports qualified students from eligible ADB member countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in Japan. APU has been a designated ADB-JSP institution since 2010.
The scholarship covers tuition, admission fees, living expenses, housing, medical insurance, airfare, and other study-related costs. Applicants must first apply to APU and request consideration for the ADB-JSP.
Quick Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) |
| Host Institution | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) |
| Location | Beppu, Oita, Japan |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Monthly Allowance | JPY 144,000, including housing |
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Admission Fee | Fully covered |
| Airfare | Economy-class airfare between home country and APU |
| Medical Insurance | Covered |
| Work Experience | At least 2 years after bachelor’s degree |
| Age Limit | 35 or younger at application |
| Application | Through APU |
| September 2027 Deadline 1 | November 5, 2026 |
| September 2027 Deadline 2 | January 8, 2027 |
| Official Link | ADB-Japan Scholarship Program at APU |
About the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program at APU
The ADB-JSP gives qualified citizens of ADB developing member countries an opportunity to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields.
At APU, the scholarship is available to eligible applicants admitted to an approved master’s course. APU selects suitable candidates and recommends them to the scholarship organization. Applicants do not apply directly to ADB for the scholarship.
APU also states that the scholarship is offered each year to a few eligible applicants in its Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, excluding IMAT program applicants.
Other Related Opportunities : ACU Stipend Scholarship 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Scholarship at Australian Catholic University.
Scholarship Benefits
The ADB-JSP at APU provides:
- Full admission fee
- Full tuition
- JPY 144,000 monthly subsistence allowance, including housing
- Books and instructional materials
- Medical insurance
- Economy-class airfare between the scholar’s home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program
The monthly allowance is subject to change. The initial scholarship period is one year, with a possible extension for a second year based on academic performance at APU.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the ADB-JSP and APU requirements. The main conditions include:
- Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country
- Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country
- Currently live and work in your home country
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience after obtaining a bachelor’s degree
- Have sufficient oral and written English skills
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Gain admission to an approved master’s course at a designated institution
- Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record
- Not be pursuing a second master’s degree
- Agree to return to your home country and work there for at least two years after completing your studies
APU also states that, in principle, applicants should not have obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree outside their home country.
Income Requirement
The applicant’s individual annual income must not exceed US$25,000, while family annual income must not exceed US$50,000.
If selected as a scholarship candidate, you must provide a certificate of income.
Other Related Opportunities : KAUST Scholarship 2027 |Fully Funded Masters & PhD.
Who Cannot Apply?
The program excludes applicants who fall under certain categories, including:
- Dual citizens of developed countries
- Applicants already enrolled in a graduate degree program
- Applicants pursuing a second master’s degree
- Certain ADB, designated-institution staff, consultants, and their relatives
- Applicants who do not meet the home-country residence requirement
The rules also state that previous degrees obtained outside the applicant’s home country are, in principle, not supported.
Required Documents
The APU page specifically requires a Certificate of Employment for ADB-JSP candidates.
The certificate must:
- Be issued on company letterhead or include the company logo
- Be signed by an authorized person
- Show employment start and end dates
- State the applicant’s position
- Include monthly or annual income
If income is shown in local currency, applicants must convert it using the required USD Conversion Form and submit both documents.
If the current job has lasted less than two years, the employment certificate from the previous employer must also be submitted. Additional documents are provided to applicants who are selected as scholarship candidates.
How to Apply
- Check the ADB-JSP eligibility requirements.
- Choose an eligible master’s program at APU.
- Prepare your APU admission documents and employment certificate.
- Submit your application through the APU Online Application.
- Request consideration for the ADB-JSP within the APU application.
- Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
- APU reviews applications and selects candidates for recommendation.
- Recommended candidates submit any additional documents requested by ADB-JSP.
- The final scholarship decision is made by ADB-JSP.
APU says suitable candidates are recommended around the middle of March, while final scholarship results are expected around the end of June. The timing can change depending on the scholarship organization’s circumstances.
Important Dates
For September 2027 enrollment, APU lists two ADB Scholarship application rounds:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September 1, 2026 |
| ADB Scholarship 1 Deadline | November 5, 2026 |
| ADB Scholarship 1 Result | January 27, 2027 |
| ADB Scholarship 2 Deadline | January 8, 2027 |
| ADB Scholarship 2 Result | March 10, 2027 |
| September 2027 Enrollment | September 2027 |
APU states that applications can be submitted from September 1, 2026, and that deadlines cannot be extended.
Other Related Opportunities : University of Miami Stamps Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Undergraduate Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 at APU fully funded?
Yes. It covers the full admission fee and tuition and provides a monthly allowance, medical insurance, airfare, books, and instructional materials.
How much is the monthly allowance?
The current APU page lists JPY 144,000 per month, including housing. The amount is subject to change.
Is the scholarship for master’s students?
Yes. Applicants must gain admission to an approved master’s course at a designated institution.
Do I apply directly to ADB?
No. You first apply to APU and request consideration for the ADB-JSP. APU recommends suitable candidates to the scholarship organization.
How much work experience is required?
At least two years of full-time work experience after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Do I have to return to my home country?
Yes. Scholars must agree to return and work in their home country for at least two years after completing their studies.
What are the deadlines for September 2027 enrollment?
APU lists November 5, 2026, for ADB Scholarship 1 and January 8, 2027, for ADB Scholarship 2.
Official Links
- ADB-Japan Scholarship Program at APU
- APU 2027 Application Schedule
- Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program