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If you are an ambitious professional or academic seeking a world-class graduate degree in Asia, the International University of Japan (IUJ) ADB & Nakayama Scholarships in Japan 2027 offer two of the most prestigious funding routes available. Located in Minami-Uonuma, Niigata, IUJ was established as Japan’s first all-English graduate university, bringing together international students from over 60 countries across business, economics, international relations, and public management.
Through corporate sponsorships and multilateral partnerships, IUJ provides extensive financial assistance packages. The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) provides a comprehensive fully funded package for candidates from developing countries. Concurrently, the S. Nakayama Memorial Scholarship serves as IUJ’s top institutional merit award, offering tuition waivers ranging up to 100% full tuition exemption plus monthly living stipends.
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Scholarship Coverage & Comparison Overview
Both funding pathways are tailored to eliminate the financial burden of pursuing higher education in Japan. Below is a detailed side-by-side comparison of the benefits provided under each track:
| Scholarship Feature | ADB-JSP (Asian Development Bank) | S. Nakayama Memorial Scholarship |
| Funding Level | 100% Fully Funded | Full to Partial Funding (Tiers from 30% to 100% + Stipend) |
| Target Audience | Mid-career professionals from ADB member countries | Outstanding international applicants across all Master’s & Ph.D. tracks |
| Tuition Coverage | 100% Waived (Admission fee, matriculation fee & annual tuition) | 30% to 100% Tuition Waiver (Nakayama 100 Premium / Nakayama 100) |
| Monthly Stipend | ¥147,000 / month (Subsistence & living allowance) | Up to ¥100,000 / month (Under the Nakayama 100 Premium tier) |
| Airfare & Travel | Round-trip economy class international flight included | Travel costs handled individually (or supplemented by housing subsidies) |
| Additional Allowances | Book allowance, research allowance & full medical insurance | Priority dorm placement & housing assistance (Nakayama Plus) |
| Work Experience Req. | Minimum 2 years of full-time professional experience required | No mandatory work experience requirement (Fresh graduates eligible) |
| Post-Study Obligation | Must return to home country for at least 2 years post-graduation | No mandatory return requirement |
Deep-Dive: ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) at IUJ
The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) was created by the Japanese Government to cultivate technical and managerial leadership among citizens of ADB’s developing member countries.
Approved Fields of Study under ADB-JSP
At IUJ, ADB-JSP support applies to select Master’s degree programs within the Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) and the Graduate School of International Management (GSIM):
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) / Intensive MBA
- MA in International Relations (IRP)
- MA in International Development (IDP)
- MA in Economics
- MA in Public Management and Policy (PMPP)
Financial Allowance Details
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of registration, admission, and 100% of annual tuition fees.
- Living Subsistence: A standardized monthly allowance of approx. ¥147,000 JPY to cover off-campus or dorm room rental, utilities, and daily meals.
- Research & Book Grants: Up to $1,000 USD book allowance and $1,000 USD research allowance distributed during the 2-year tenure.
- Insurance: Comprehensive national health and medical insurance coverage throughout the enrollment period.
Deep-Dive: S. Nakayama Memorial Scholarships
The S. Nakayama Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Sohei Nakayama, one of the foundational leaders of IUJ. Unlike external awards, this scholarship is administered directly by IUJ during the admission evaluation.
Breakdown of Nakayama Scholarship Award Tiers
| Scholarship Tier | Tuition Waiver Coverage | Additional Monthly Allowance & Subsidy |
| Nakayama 100 Premium | 100% Tuition Exempt + Partial Admission Fee Exemption | ¥100,000 JPY / month living allowance |
| Nakayama 100 A | 100% Tuition Exempt + Partial Admission Fee Exemption | Dormitory reduction / priority allocation |
| Nakayama 100 | 100% Full Tuition Exemption | Standard university benefits |
| Nakayama 90 / 70 | 90% or 70% Partial Tuition Waiver | Reduces tuition to 10%–30% of total cost |
| Nakayama 50 / 30 | 50% or 30% Partial Tuition Waiver | Designed for high-potential applicants needing merit aid |
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
To qualify for consideration under either track for the 2027 intake, applicants must satisfy specific academic and professional requirements.
For ADB-JSP Applicants:
- Citizenship: Must hold nationality in an ADB borrowing member country (e.g., Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, etc.).
- Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a superior academic record.
- Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience acquired after university graduation in a field relevant to development, economics, or management.
- Age Limit: Generally under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Return Commitment: Must agree to return to your home country immediately after completing the Master’s program for at least 2 years to contribute to socio-economic development.
For S. Nakayama Memorial Scholarship Applicants:
- Academic Excellence: Outstanding undergraduate GPA and strong leadership potential.
- Program Enrollment: Admitted into a full-time Master’s or Ph.D. degree program at IUJ.
- Sponsorship Status: Must select “Non-Sponsored” during the Phase 1 online application process to unlock institutional scholarship evaluation.
Language Proficiency Criteria (No IELTS Option)
Because IUJ is a 100% English-medium institution, applicants must demonstrate English fluency. While TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic test scores are standard, candidates who completed their undergraduate degree at an accredited institution where English was the sole medium of instruction can submit an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate in place of standardized test scores.
Step-by-Step Application Process for 2027
Applying for graduate entry and scholarship consideration at IUJ is completed through a single, unified online application system.
1.Create Account on the IUJ Online Application System:Select GSIR or GSIM Master’s or PhD program.
Register an applicant profile on the official IUJ Online Admissions Portal. Select “Non-Sponsored” as your funding status to activate the scholarship consideration section.
2.Complete Application Form & Upload Documents:Fill out personal history, work experience, and statement of purpose.
Fill in your academic background and professional history. Upload your research plan, personal statement, official transcripts, and degree certificates.
3.Complete the Scholarship Section:Select ADB-JSP or Nakayama Scholarship options in Phase 2.
Indicate which scholarships you wish to be considered for (e.g., ADB-JSP, Nakayama Memorial Scholarship). For ADB-JSP, upload required employment verification letters and income tax declarations.
4.Submit Recommendation Letters:Request online recommendations from two supervisors.
Provide contact information for two academic or professional referees who will submit confidential recommendation letters directly through the portal.
5.Screening, Online Interview & Award Decision:Document evaluation and online interview with IUJ faculty.
Undergo admissions evaluation and an online video interview. IUJ notifies candidates of admission and initial scholarship nomination decisions via the portal.
Critical Application Timelines & Key Dates
IUJ processes international applications in rolling admissions rounds. Applicants seeking major financial support such as ADB-JSP or Nakayama 100 must apply during early priority rounds.
| Application Milestone | Priority Round 1 | Priority Round 2 |
| Online Application Window Opens | September 2026 | November 2026 |
| Submission Deadline (ADB-JSP) | Mid-November 2026 | Late January 2027 |
| Submission Deadline (Nakayama Track) | Mid-December 2026 | Mid-February 2027 |
| Online Interview Window | January 2027 | March 2027 |
| Admission & Scholarship Results | March 2027 | April – May 2027 |
| Visa & Housing Processing | June – July 2027 | July – August 2027 |
| Arrival in Japan & Semester Start | September 2027 | September 2027 |
Required Application Documents Checklist
Ensure all supporting materials are compiled in PDF format in English:
- IUJ Online Application Form
- Official Academic Transcripts for all post-secondary education
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate / Graduation Diploma
- Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose (Detailing career ambitions and interest in IUJ)
- Detailed Research Proposal (Required for GSIR and Ph.D. applicants)
- Proof of Employment & Work Experience Certificate (Mandatory for ADB-JSP applicants)
- Proof of Language Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS score report OR an official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- Two Letters of Recommendation (Academic or professional)
- Copy of Passport (Bio-data page)
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Official Website & Direct Application Portal Link
To review program specifics, download official ADB-JSP application templates, and register your admissions account, visit IUJ’s official portal:
- Official Portal: International University of Japan Tuition & Scholarships Guide
FAQs
Can fresh university graduates apply for the ADB-JSP Scholarship at IUJ?
No. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program strictly requires candidates to have a minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience acquired after completing their Bachelor’s degree. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply for the S. Nakayama Memorial Scholarship or other institutional tuition waiver options at IUJ instead.
Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to IUJ scholarships?
Not necessarily. While TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores are standard, candidates whose prior degree was conducted 100% in English can submit an official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate issued by their university registrar to fulfill the language requirement.
Does the ADB-JSP scholarship cover family members or dependents?
No. The ADB-JSP financial package—including monthly stipends, health insurance, and airfare—is awarded strictly for the individual scholar and does not provide allowances for accompanying family dependents.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
Pro Tip for Applicants: When applying for the ADB-JSP Scholarship, your professional background and essay must emphasize developmental impact. Clearly explain how returning to your home country with an IUJ Master’s degree will directly address economic, environmental, or public policy challenges in your region!
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