Study in Japan on fully funded scholarship? Applications are now open for Keio Scholarship 2026, with intakes available for both April and September 2026.
This scholarship, offered under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) program, fully covers a Master’s degree at Keio University. To be considered, you must first apply to one of Keio’s International Graduate Programs and successfully pass the admission process.
The program typically lasts two years. Keio University, located in Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most well-known private universities, making this a valuable opportunity for international students.
More details are provided below.
Here is the official link for Keio Scholarship
Keio Scholarship
1. Benefits of Keio Scholarship
2. Eligibility Criteria for Keio Scholarship
3. Documents required for Keio Scholarship
4. Available Programs for Keio Scholarship
5. How to apply for Keio Scholarship
6. Deadlines of Keio Scholarship
8. FAQS about the Keio Scholarship
1. Benefits of Keio Scholarship
- The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program offers a well-rounded financial package that supports students every step of the way during their studies.
2. For each selected scholar, the program covers the full cost of tuition, so there’s no need to worry about paying for classes. It also takes care of the admission fee, making the enrollment process straightforward and stress-free.
3. On top of that, scholars receive a monthly living allowance similar to what is provided under the Japanese Government Scholarship, helping them maintain a comfortable lifestyle while studying.
4. There’s also extra support for books, study materials, and research needs, so students can focus on doing their best academically.
5. To ensure peace of mind, the program includes full medical insurance. It even covers round-trip economy airfare between the scholar’s home country and Japan, so travel expenses are taken care of from start to finish.
Check step by step process of the Italy study visa.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Keio Scholarship
If you’re interested in the ADB Scholarship at Keio University, the first step is to make sure you meet all the required criteria. These guidelines help ensure that applicants have the right education, work experience, language skills, and commitment to benefit from this opportunity.
Nationality:
You must be a citizen of a country that is a member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). You’ll need to provide proof, such as a valid passport or national ID.
Educational Background:
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, completed before enrollment. Official transcripts and certificates will be required.
Work Experience:
At least two years of full-time, paid work experience after your bachelor’s degree is required. Internships, part-time roles, and volunteer work don’t count. It’s best if your experience aligns with your intended field of study.
English Proficiency:
Since all courses at Keio University are taught in English, you must be able to communicate effectively. This can be proven through tests like TOEFL or IELTS, or other valid evidence such as prior education in English.
Age Limit:
You should be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. This rule is generally strict unless stated otherwise by ADB.
Commitment After Graduation:
After completing your studies, you’re expected to return to your home country and use what you’ve learned to contribute to its development. You may need to formally confirm this commitment.
Keep in mind that meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee selection. The scholarship is highly competitive, and only shortlisted candidates will move forward.
3. Documents required for Keio Scholarship
3.1. Application form
3.2. Academic documents
3.3. Reference letters/Recommendation letters
3.4. CV (Additional document)
3.5 Experience letter or Artwork
3.6. Valid Passport
3.7. English proficiency exams
3.1. Application Form
The official application form must be typed. The FCS 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.
3.2. 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’s or fellowship)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (Supporting academic documents)
D: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies in which you are applying)
NOTE:
All of the above documents should be attested by respective boards.
Also, attest them from issuing authority of home countries. The respective university must attest university documents.
In the case of Pakistan, The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
3.3. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Meeting the English language requirements set by the Master’s course is an important step toward achieving your bigger goal.
Generally speaking, Students with IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL above 100 are considered good.
3.4. Recommendation letters / Letters of Reference
The applicants must provide up to 2letters 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.
3.5.CV
The Cv must contain all the latest & relevant information about your occupation & interests.
A perfect CV must be hand signed.
3.6. 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.
3.7. 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 in japan.
A birth certificate or national ID card is also important to attach.
3.8. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Meeting the English language requirements set by the japan 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. Available Programs for Keio Scholarship
The scholarship is offered for selected graduate programs at Keio University, including:
- Graduate School of Science and Technology
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of System Design and Management
- Graduate School of Business and Commerce
These programs are chosen because they align with the Asian Development Bank’s focus on supporting economic growth and social development. In other words, preference is given to fields that equip students with skills and knowledge that can contribute meaningfully to their home countries.
4. How to apply for Keio Scholarship
Applying for this scholarship involves a few important steps. It’s a good idea to read everything carefully before you begin.
Apply for Admission First:
You can’t apply for the ADB Scholarship on its own. You must first apply to and be accepted into a Master’s program at Keio University. Only students who receive an admission offer will be considered for the scholarship.
Check the Application Timeline:
For the 2026 intake, applications open on 1st September 2025 and close on 1st November 2025. Make sure you submit all required documents—such as transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters, proof of work experience, and English test scores—through the university’s online portal before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
Pay the Application Fee:
There is a required application fee that must be paid when you submit your admission application. This fee cannot be waived, regardless of your financial situation. If you don’t pay it, your application won’t be processed.
Visit the Official Website:
For the most accurate and updated details—such as document requirements, fee amount, and how to apply—check the official Keio University website. It’s best to review everything early so you have enough time to prepare your application properly.
Check the complete list of English courses in Itlay for international students.
6. Deadlines of Keio Scholarship
The application deadline for the Keio University ADB Scholarship usually falls in early November 2025.
For the 2026 intake, applications are open from September 1, 2025, to November 1, 2025, whether you’re planning to start in April or September 2026.
It’s important to remember that you don’t apply for the scholarship separately—your application is submitted at the same time as your admission application to a graduate program at Keio University.
8. FAQS About Keio Scholarship
Q: Can I apply without any work experience?
A: Unfortunately, no. You need at least two years of full-time professional work experience to be eligible.
Q: Is this scholarship open to PhD applicants?
A: No, the scholarship is only available for students applying to Master’s programs through the International Graduate Program.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: Yes, applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time they apply.
Q: Will my travel costs be covered?
A: Yes, the scholarship includes one round-trip economy-class ticket between your home country and Japan.
Q: Can I apply if I’m currently living abroad?
A: No, you need to be living and working in your home country when you apply.
Q: Do I need to know Japanese?
A: Japanese language skills aren’t required, but you must have a good command of English to qualify for both admission and the scholarship.
