The Asia Pacific ADB Scholarship Scholarship was created with a simple but powerful goal in mind: to give talented citizens from ADB’s developing member countries a real chance to pursue graduate studies.
The focus is on fields that help support growth and development across the Asia Pacific region.
Back in 2010, APU was chosen by the ADB as one of the institutions that could offer this scholarship. That means every year, APU is able to provide this opportunity to a small number of qualified applicants applying to the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (GSA).
Just keep in mind that if you’re applying to the IMAT program, unfortunately, this scholarship is not available for that particular track.
Here is the official link for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
Asia Pacific ADB Scholarship
1. Benefits of the Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
2. Eligibility Criteria for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
3. Programs covered by Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
4. Documents required for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
5. How to Apply for the Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
6. Deadlines for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
7. FAQs about the Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
1. Benefits of the Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
- If you are selected for this scholarship, you will receive comprehensive financial and practical support to help you focus fully on your studies without unnecessary stress.
- To begin with, the program will cover your full admission fee, so you won’t need to pay anything to secure your place at the university.
- Your entire tuition cost will also be fully funded for the duration of the scholarship. This allows you to concentrate on your academic goals without worrying about educational expenses.
- In addition, you will receive a monthly living allowance of 144,000 Japanese Yen (JPY). This stipend is meant to help cover your everyday needs, such as accommodation, food, and other personal expenses. Keep in mind that this amount may change slightly depending on circumstances.
- The scholarship also takes care of your academic resources. Any essential books, study materials, or course-related supplies required for your program will be provided.
- To support your well-being, you will be given medical insurance, which helps cover healthcare costs while you are studying abroad.
- Travel expenses are included as well. The scholarship will pay for your economy class airfare from your home country to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) at the start of your program, and then back to your home country once you complete your studies.
Important Information About the Scholarship Duration:
The scholarship is initially awarded for one year. However, if you perform well academically during your studies at APU, you may have the opportunity to extend it for a second year.
It’s important to understand that this extension is not guaranteed—it depends on your academic performance and will be reviewed before approval.
Here is how you can score your Erasmus Mundus Masters scholarship.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
To be considered for this scholarship, you need to meet a few important criteria.
- First, you should be a citizen of a country that is both a borrowing member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and eligible under the Japanese Official Development Assistance scholarship program.
- You must not hold dual citizenship with any developed country, and you should currently be living and working in your home country rather than abroad.
- By the time you apply, you should already have at least two years of full-time work experience after completing your bachelor’s degree. In addition, you need to be comfortable using English in both speaking and writing, as this will be essential for your studies.
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. You should also not be enrolled in any graduate-level program when applying, and generally, your previous degrees (bachelor’s or master’s) should have been completed within your home country.
- This scholarship is intended for those pursuing their first master’s degree, so applicants who already have or are seeking a second master’s degree are not eligible.
- Academically, you are expected to have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong and above-average record.
- There are also professional restrictions: you must not currently work for ADB or any ADB–JSP designated institution, whether as a director, staff member, or consultant. Close relatives of such individuals are also not eligible.
- After completing your studies, you will be expected to return to your home country and contribute there for at least two years.
- Finally, there are financial requirements. Your total family income should not exceed US$50,000 per year, and your personal income should be no more than US$25,000 annually. If you are selected, you will need to provide official proof of your income.
3. Programs covered by Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
This scholarship supports graduate studies in a variety of fields that are closely connected to development. Here are the main areas you can focus on:
Economics: Learn how economies grow, how markets work, and how policies can reduce poverty and improve lives.
Management: Build the skills to lead organizations, manage resources wisely, and make a positive impact in your home country.
Health: Study public health, healthcare systems, and ways to improve well-being for communities in need.
Education: Explore how teaching and learning can empower individuals and uplift entire societies.
Agriculture: Dive into farming, food security, and sustainable ways to feed a growing population.
Environment: Understand pressing issues like pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, and learn how to protect our planet.
Natural Resource Management: Focus on using resources like water, forests, and minerals wisely so they last for future generations.
Science and Technology: Tap into innovation and technical solutions that can solve real-world development challenges.
Other Development-Related Fields: If your interest falls outside the areas listed above but still connects to development, it may still be considered. The key is that your studies should help contribute to growth and progress in developing countries.
4. Documents required for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
4.1. Application Form
4.2. Academic documents
4.3. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
4.4. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
4.5. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference
4.6. CV
4.7. Experience letter
4.8. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)
4.1. Application Form
The official application form must be typed. The application form must be in printed form and signed by the candidate.
The applicant’s formal photo is to be attached to the application form.
4.2. Academic documents
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for 2nd Master or fellowship)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies to which you are applying)
4.3. Valid passport, Birth certificate & NIC
The passport of the applicant must contain at least one full blank page on both sides.
The passport must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to Tokyo.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
4.4. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Meeting the English language requirements set by the Tokyo Government Excellence Scholarship is an important step toward achieving your bigger goal.
Generally speaking, Students with IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL above 100, are considered good.
Nevertheless, these requirements may vary from course to course and degree to degree.
4.5. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference
The applicants must provide up to 2 letters of recommendation. from the previous university, (Depending upon courses).
It is advised to provide a letter of recommendation from the HOD (Head of the department or Relevant course head) who should be a PhD.
The referees need to write their contact details (Email, phone number) at the end of the letter.
The letter must include an official letterhead, signature, and official stamp and must be of the current date.
Ask your Referees to write about your academic achievements & discuss their confidence in you that you are fully compatible with the project or course you wish to pursue.
The referees must also mention how long they know the applicant & when was the last time they came in contact with the applicant.
4.6. CV
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
4.7. Experience letter
Applicant must provide an Experience letter of the previous jobs & Internships.
Try to customize the work experience letter with future studies.
Mention your job descriptions, work projects & the skills you learned through time.
The letter must be signed & verified by the Head or CEO of the company.
The work experience could be Paid,
Unpaid,
full-time,
part-time, or voluntary.
It could be done before, during, or after graduation.
4.8. Research Plan / Proposal (Optional)
Research publications/ Achievements (conference papers, article review, abstract of thesis)
The research proposal is mostly required for postdocs or PhD students. (Depend upon the courses)
It asks you to write about the research project you agree upon completing with the assigned academic advisor.
Your research proposal should be a brief description of your research goals and objectives, the methods with which you wish to process that research, the outcomes you desire, the timeline and budget you have estimated, and the area of study you wish upon exploring.
It shall be a brief document yet explain the entire vision to the reader so that those analyzing your application could know of your objectives and grant you the scholarship if they match the program’s criteria and eligibility.
Taking help from an external party is strictly prohibited and violation in this regard could lead to your disqualification no matter how incredible your proposal is.
5. How to Apply for the Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
The ADB-Japan Dream Scholarship (ADB-JDS) is open only to students planning to begin their studies in September 2026. To be considered, you’ll need to submit your completed application by one of the two deadlines: either November 12, 2025, or January 9, 2026—depending on which round you choose.
Initial Screening by APU:
After the application period closes, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) will carefully review all submitted applications. By around mid-March, the university will shortlist the most suitable candidates and recommend them to the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP).
Additional Document Submission:
If you are shortlisted and recommended, you may be asked to provide additional documents. These are required by the ADB-JSP to help them carry out a more thorough evaluation of your application.
Notification of APU Results:
If you are selected as a candidate, you will receive an official update regarding your application status at APU. This notification will confirm whether you have progressed to the next stage of the selection process.
Final Decision:
The final decision on scholarship awards will be made by the ADB-JSP by the end of June. However, the exact timing of this announcement may vary slightly depending on their internal review process.
6. Deadlines for Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
If you’re planning to start your studies at Asia Pacific University (APU) in September 2026, you’ll need to submit your application by one of the two deadlines: November 12, 2025, or January 9, 2026. The entire application process is completed online through APU’s official Graduate Admissions website, where you can fill out the forms and upload all the required documents.
7. FAQs about the Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship
Q. What is the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program?
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) was launched in April 1988 with support from the Government of Japan. Its main goal is to give talented individuals from developing member countries of ADB the chance to pursue graduate studies.
The program focuses on fields like economics, management, science and technology, and other areas related to development. These studies take place at selected universities across the Asia-Pacific region. After finishing their degrees, scholars are expected to return home and use their knowledge and skills to support the growth and development of their countries.
Q. How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship is initially awarded for one year. However, it can be extended for a second year if the student performs well academically and meets the university’s requirements. For master’s programs, the maximum duration of support is two years.
Q. Can I apply to universities outside the program?
No, you cannot. The ADB–JSP only offers scholarships for specific universities that are officially part of the program. Applications to other institutions are not eligible for funding.
Q. Where can I find the application form?
You can download the application form in either MS Word or PDF format. Once downloaded, you can fill it out and make copies if needed.
Q. Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes, you are allowed to apply to multiple participating institutions at the same time. Just make sure to clearly mention this in your application form.
Q. Is there an age limit?
Yes, there is. Applicants should generally be 35 years old or younger at the time of applying. In rare and exceptional cases, this limit may be relaxed if there is special approval from the Government of Japan.
Q. Does the scholarship cover short courses or training programs?
No, it does not. The ADB–JSP is strictly for full graduate degree programs. It does not provide funding for undergraduate studies, online or distance learning, short courses, training programs, seminars, conferences, or research-only projects such as thesis writing.
