An exceptional opportunity for higher education has been announced for students across Asia and the Pacific. Applications are now being accepted for the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Japan Scholarship Program for the fall 2026 semester at the renowned University of Tokyo. This fully funded scholarship is available to students from ADB member countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in one of several eligible fields. In addition, this scholarship in Japan is made even more accessible as no application charges are required.
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program was established with the aim of supporting students in pursuing their master's studies at one of Japan's top institutions. Specifically, the scholarship is intended to support citizens of ADB member countries so that higher education can be pursued without any financial burden. Consequently, all expenses, including flight tickets, tuition fees, and living costs, will be covered by the Asian Development Bank. Moreover, a master's degree will be obtained by the candidates from one of the world's leading universities.
Why Study at the University of Tokyo?
The University of Tokyo consistently ranks among the world's best, placed at 32nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It provides a world-class platform for research and education, aiming to nourish global leaders. Through this scholarship, a top-quality education from a renowned university will be received by international students. Furthermore, they will be able to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of Japan.
Japan is renowned for its exceptional educational institutions. By studying in Japan, access to high-quality education and other development opportunities is gained by students, enabling them to acquire valuable knowledge and skills. It is also important to note that this international scholarship program can be applied for without an IELTS score, and proficiency in the Japanese language is not required. This alleviates an additional burden, making the application procedure more streamlined for prospective students.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: The University of Tokyo
- Sponsored by: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: December 10, 2025
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
This scholarship is a prestigious program that not only covers tuition fees but also provides generous support to allow students to focus entirely on their studies.
- Full Tuition Fees: The program covers the complete tuition fees for the duration of the master's course.
- Subsistence Allowance: A monthly stipend will be received by students to support daily living expenses, including housing.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare from the scholar's home country to Japan will be provided.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical and accident insurance coverage is included.
- Books & Materials: An allowance is provided to cover the cost of essential books and instructional materials.
- Research Grant: A special grant may be provided to support the student's thesis or research work.
Eligible Fields of Study
- Department of Natural Environmental Studies
- Department of Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment
- Department of Environment Systems
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies
- Department of Socio-cultural Environmental Studies
- Department of International Studies
- Graduate Program in Sustainability Science
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be a national of an ADB member country.
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution must be held.
- Applicants must not hold dual citizenship with a developed country.
- A superior academic record should be demonstrated.
- A minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience (acquired after university graduation) is required at the time of application.
- Applicants must not be more than 35 years old at the time of application.
- A commitment to return to their home country after completing the program is required.
- Applicants must not be already enrolled in a graduate degree program.
Required Documents
A crucial role in the assessment is played by the following documents. It is important to ensure they are complete and official.
- Completed Application Form
- A detailed Field of Study and Research Plan
- Official academic transcripts from all universities attended
- Official certificate of graduation or degree certificate
- Two confidential letters of recommendation
The Application Process Step-by-Step
The application procedure is detailed and must be followed carefully.
- Check Eligibility: First, confirm you meet all the eligibility criteria listed above.
- Find a Supervisor: Search for faculty members within your chosen department whom you wish to be supervised by.
- Submit Application: Send the complete set of application documents by the deadline of December 10, 2025.
- University Screening: From December to February, your qualifications will be verified by the University of Tokyo.
- Nomination & Selection: Successful candidates will be nominated by the university to the ADB. The final selection notification will be sent by the ADB in May 2026.
- Enrollment: Successful scholars will enroll at the University of Tokyo for the autumn semester, which begins on October 1, 2026.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career with a degree from a top global university. Be sure to prepare your application thoroughly and submit it before the deadline.
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