Introduction — Japan, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) & the ADB-Japan Scholarship
Japan is a global leader in technology, research and higher education, offering an inspiring blend of tradition and innovation for international students. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu, Japan, is renowned for its multicultural campus, English-taught postgraduate programs and strong links to development and industry partners. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship targeted at citizens of ADB borrowing member countries to pursue Master’s degrees in development-related fields at designated institutions like APU. This scholarship covers tuition, living allowance, insurance and travel — enabling emerging leaders to gain specialist skills to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. This guide covers eligibility, benefits, eligible countries, required documents, fields of study, deadlines and how to apply for the ADB-JSP at APU.
Embedded Search Snippet — ADB-JSP APU Apply
Host Country • City • University — Study in Japan
Host Country: Japan
City / Campus: Beppu, Oita Prefecture (Ritsumeikan APU)
University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) — Multicultural, English-friendly campus
Eligibility Criteria — Admissions & ADB-JSP Scholarship (Level: Master’s)
The ADB-JSP at APU is awarded for Master’s degree programs (postgraduate level). Typical eligibility criteria include:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of an ADB borrowing member country (see full list below).
- Academic requirement: A completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent with strong academic record.
- Work experience: At least two years of full‑time relevant work experience is often required by ADB-JSP.
- Age limit: Typically applicants must be under 35 years at the time of application (check official call).
- Language: Meet APU & scholarship English requirements (see section below).
- Return intent: Commitment to return to home country to contribute to development is expected.
Scholarship Benefits — ADB-JSP at APU
- Tuition & fees: Full tuition coverage for the Master’s program.
- Monthly stipend: Living allowance to cover basic expenses during the study period.
- Insurance: Medical and accident insurance for the scholarship duration.
- Travel: Economy-class air travel to Japan (one return ticket) as per ADB rules.
- Other support: Possible research allowances or university-specific support subject to APU policy.
Available Fields — Master’s Programs Eligible for ADB-JSP (at APU)
ADB-JSP supports Master’s programs that are development-related. At APU, eligible fields typically include:
- Development Economics, International Development
- Public Policy, Governance and International Relations
- Environmental Management, Climate Change and Sustainability
- Business Administration with development focus, Finance for Development
- Tourism & Hospitality with community development streams
- Information Technology & Data Science for development applications
Note: The ADB-JSP is primarily for Master’s degrees. PhD funding is generally not offered under the standard ADB-JSP at APU — check APU & ADB for other PhD funding opportunities.
Documents Required — Application for APU Admission & ADB-JSP
- Completed APU online application form (graduate).
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified copies in English).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing work and research experience.
- Statement of purpose / research or study plan explaining development relevance.
- Reference letters (usually 2) — academic and/or professional.
- Proof of work experience (employment letters, contracts).
- English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) or documented exemption.
- Copy of passport and identification documents.
English Language Requirements & Exemptions — APU & ADB-JSP
Typical APU accepted scores (confirm on APU admissions page):
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.0–6.5 (varies by program).
- TOEFL iBT: 80+ (approximate equivalence).
- PTE Academic: 55–60 (varies).
Exemptions: Applicants who completed a prior degree at an English-medium institution may be exempt. Some programs accept alternative evidence of English proficiency or conditional admission with an English pathway program. Always confirm with APU admissions.
Eligible Countries — ADB Borrowing Member Countries (Apply for ADB-JSP)
The ADB-JSP is open to citizens of ADB borrowing member countries. The eligible countries include:
- Afghanistan; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; Cook Islands; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; Georgia; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Kiribati; Lao PDR; Malaysia; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nauru; Nepal; Niue; Pakistan; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Sri Lanka; Tajikistan; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; Vietnam.
How to Apply — Steps, Deadlines & Application Periods (ADB-JSP at APU)
Step 1: Confirm program eligibility at APU and review ADB-JSP guidelines on both APU and ADB websites.
Step 2: Complete APU online graduate application and indicate interest in external scholarships where required.
Step 3: Submit supporting documents (transcripts, CV, SOP, references, work evidence) and any ADB-specific forms if requested.
Deadlines & Application Periods:
- APU’s internal scholarship deadlines vary by intake. For the September 2026 intake, APU lists potential deadlines around 12 November 2025 and 9 January 2026 (check the official APU page for confirmed dates).
- ADB-JSP has annual cycles and select intakes (e.g., applications typically open in Oct–Dec for the following year). There may be more than one phase (institutional nomination followed by ADB selection). Always verify the specific call for applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the ADB-JSP available for PhD studies at APU?
No — the standard ADB-JSP at APU funds Master’s degree programs. For PhD funding, explore other APU or ADB-managed schemes or external scholarships.
2. Can applicants from any ADB borrowing country apply?
Yes — citizens of ADB borrowing member countries listed above are eligible, subject to meeting academic and work experience requirements.
3. Do I need work experience to apply?
Typically, ADB-JSP requires a minimum of two years of professional work experience. Check the specific scholarship call for exact requirements.
4. What does the stipend cover and is travel included?
The stipend supports living costs; ADB-JSP usually includes one economy-class return airfare to the host institution and insurance coverage as per ADB rules.
5. When will applications open for the next intake?
APU updates its scholarship pages and ADB posts calls annually. For the latest opening dates (e.g., Oct–Dec windows), check APU’s ADB-JSP page and the ADB scholarship portal regularly.
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