Introduction
The ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship at the University of Auckland for the academic year 2026/27 is a prestigious opportunity for students aiming to pursue a master's or PhD degree in various fields of study. This scholarship provides full financial support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Compared to other global scholarships like the Chevening, Rhodes, or Fulbright programs, the ADB scholarship stands out with its comprehensive coverage and global recognition, offering a life-changing educational experience in New Zealand.

ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship at the University of Auckland
History and Background of the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Japan Scholarship Program was established in 1988 to promote higher education in the field of development studies. The scholarship is designed to enhance the ability of students from developing Asian countries to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries. Over the years, the program has empowered thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to hold influential roles in governmental and international organizations, contributing to sustainable development across Asia and beyond.
Details About the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship for 2026/27
Financial Coverage
The ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship offers extensive financial support, covering all aspects of the student's education:
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Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers all tuition costs for the duration of the program.
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Monthly Stipend: A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and other living expenses.
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Airfare and Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare from the recipient's home country to New Zealand.
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Warm Clothing Allowance: For students from warmer climates, a clothing allowance is provided to help with the cold weather.
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Thesis Allowance: For PhD candidates, a thesis allowance is provided.
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Study Travel Grants: Financial support for study trips and academic conferences.
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Dependent Allowance: The scholarship also provides support for dependents, such as a child allowance for single parents.
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Additional Support for Disabled Students: Special allowances for students with disabilities.
Scholarship Tenure
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Master’s Programs: The scholarship is valid for the full duration of the Master’s program, which typically lasts 1-2 years.
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PhD Programs: For PhD candidates, the scholarship is awarded for 3 years of full-time study.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship:
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Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible developing countries in Asia.
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Academic Qualifications:
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Master’s Program: A completed undergraduate degree.
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PhD Program: A completed master’s degree or equivalent.
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Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, either through standardized tests like IELTS/TOEFL or by meeting university-specific language requirements.
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Availability: Applicants must be available to start their studies in the relevant academic year.
How to Apply for the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship
The application process for the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship is straightforward and consists of two main stages:
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Stage 1: Submit your application through the official online portal: ADB Japan Scholarship Application Portal.
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Stage 2: Some applicants may be required to apply to a nominating agency in their home country. For more details on nominating agencies, check the official scholarship website.
Supporting Documents
Applicants will need to submit the following documents:
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Proof of Citizenship: Passport or national ID.
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Academic Transcripts: Undergraduate or graduate transcripts and certificates.
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Letters of Recommendation: From professors or employers who can speak to your qualifications.
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Proof of Language Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized tests.
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Research Proposal: Required for PhD candidates.
Ensure all documents are submitted in PDF format and follow submission guidelines (e.g., signed letters of recommendation).
Important Deadlines
The application deadline for the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship is mid-January 2026 for the academic year 2026/27. It is highly recommended to apply early to avoid any delays or technical issues, as applications can be subject to system overloads.
Advice for Applicants
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Research Your Program: Take time to research universities and select the program that best fits your academic and career aspirations.
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Academic Performance: Focus on maintaining a high GPA and gain relevant experience in your field of study.
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Prepare for Interviews: If an interview stage is part of the selection process, practice common interview questions and highlight your passion for development.
Post-Scholarship Opportunities
Being a part of the ADB Japan Scholarship Program opens doors to a vast network of alumni worldwide. Scholars often find career opportunities with governmental organizations, international NGOs, and development agencies. Internships and career development support are available for scholars after completing their programs.
Eligible Countries
The following countries are eligible to apply for the ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship:
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India
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Philippines
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Indonesia
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Bangladesh
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Vietnam
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Sri Lanka
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Nepal
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Pakistan
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Myanmar
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Mongolia
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Laos
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Afghanistan
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Kyrgyzstan
Links for Application
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Official Application Portal: ADB Japan Scholarship Application
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Scholarship FAQ Page: ADB Japan Scholarship FAQs
Additional Resources
If you're looking for more scholarship opportunities, consider exploring these:
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Chevening Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship Official Page
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Commonwealth Scholarship: Commonwealth Scholarship Website
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Rhodes Scholarship: Rhodes Trust in Oxford
FAQ Section
1. What documents do I need to submit?
You will need proof of citizenship, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. PhD applicants will also need a research proposal.
2. Can I apply if I’m already studying abroad?
Yes, you can apply if you meet all the eligibility criteria, including the academic qualifications and nationality requirements.
3. How long will it take to process my application?
The processing time for the application is typically several months, so be sure to submit your application well before the deadline.
Conclusion
The ADB Japan Fully Funded Scholarship at the University of Auckland offers an exceptional opportunity for students to study in New Zealand with full financial support. The scholarship is highly competitive, so be sure to prepare a strong application. Apply today and take the next step toward advancing your academic and career goals!
Call to Action: Ready to apply? Visit the official ADB Japan scholarship portal to start your journey today. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, and let us know how we can help!
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