Keio University ADB-Japan Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded Master's)

The Asian Development Bank has funded postgraduate study in Japan since 1988, and Keio University is one of the longest-running host institutions in that program. For 2027, the scholarship covers full tuition, a living stipend, health insurance, and a round-trip flight for a two-year master's — but the eligibility bar is narrower than a quick scan of the listing suggests.

Several versions of this scholarship circulating online describe it as open to "all international students" and "all nationalities." That's not accurate. This is the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP), and it's restricted to nationals of ADB borrowing member countries who currently live and work in their home country. If you don't meet that specific condition, the rest of the requirements won't matter.

About the Program and University

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program was established in 1988 and is funded by the Government of Japan through the Asian Development Bank, aiming to build human resource capacity in ADB's developing member countries. It funds around 135 graduate scholarships a year across roughly 9 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with Keio University as one of the participating institutions.

Keio University itself is a private research university headquartered in Tokyo, tracing its roots to a school founded in 1858 and gaining university status in 1920, making it one of Japan's oldest private universities. It's ranked in the top 60 globally by more than one major ranking system.

Eligible Programmes

• Graduate School of Science and Technology
• Graduate School of Economics
• Graduate School of System Design and Management
• Graduate School of Business and Commerce

The scholarship applies to master's-level study only, through Keio's International Graduate Program (IGP). It does not fund PhD study, research-only stays, conferences, seminars, short-term training, distance learning, undergraduate study, or standalone thesis writing.

Who Can Actually Apply

• Must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country (a citizen of a country no longer classified as an ADB borrowing member is not eligible)
• Must currently reside and work in that home country. This is the detail the headline "all nationalities" framing leaves out — if you're already living or working abroad, you're not eligible, unless you're applying from a different ADB developing member country, which may be considered case by case
• At least 2 years of full-time professional work experience gained after your bachelor's degree
• A strong academic record and a bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent
• Under 35 years old at the time of application
• Strong written and spoken English
• In good health
• A genuine commitment to return home after the program to contribute to your country's development
• Not eligible: ADB executive directors, alternate directors, management, staff, consultants, or their family members

Financial Benefits

• Full tuition and admission fees
• A monthly living allowance in line with the standard Japanese Government Scholarship rate
• Health insurance
• One round-trip economy airfare to Japan
• Research and study material allowances, per the wider ADB-JSP structure

Documents Required

• Online application form
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate(s)
• Two recommendation letters
• Valid passport or ID
• Up-to-date CV/resume

Program and Application Details

• Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, insurance, flight)
• Duration: Maximum 2 years
• Location: Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
• Deadline: 1 November 2026, based on Keio's published intake schedule for its International Graduate Program — this date is not centrally fixed for the whole ADB-JSP program, since ADB-JSP deadlines vary by participating university, so confirm the current date directly on Keio's own admissions page before applying

How to Apply

The application isn't a separate scholarship form. Apply for admission to Keio University's International Graduate Program (IGP) first and pass its entrance examination — only students admitted to the master's program are then eligible to be nominated for the ADB-JSP scholarship itself.

1. Confirm your eligibility against the ADB-JSP criteria above
2. Apply to Keio's International Graduate Program in your chosen field
3. Sit and pass the IGP entrance examination
4. If admitted, you'll be considered for ADB-JSP nomination as part of that same process

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