Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP)

Applications are now open for the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP), a prestigious opportunity for young Asian scholars to pursue graduate studies at Kyoto University and other partner universities in East Asia. Established in 2014 by Mr. Ronald K.Y. Chao and administered by the Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI), this program supports fields such as master’s, professional, and five-year doctoral degree programs.

The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, admission fees, and a monthly stipend, with no application fee required. Eligible applicants include citizens of 24 Asian countries/regions under 35 years old with high English proficiency and a strong academic record. The application deadline is November 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Japan time. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here. 

Key Details

• Study Location: Kyoto University (and 7 other partner universities in East Asia)
• Degree Level: Master’s, professional, or five-year doctoral degree programs
• Funding: Fully funded
• Duration: Maximum 2 years (non-extendable)
• Number of Awards: 5–7 at Kyoto University (100 total across all partners)
• Application Period: November 4–13, 2025(5:00 p.m. Japan time)
• Application Fee: None

Check this: The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2025

Overview

The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP), established in 2014 by Mr. Ronald K.Y. Chao and administered by the Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI), supports young Asian scholars in pursuing graduate studies at one of eight partner universities across East Asia, including Kyoto University. The program aims to foster future leaders who embrace cultural diversity and promote international harmony. Each year, up to 100 scholarships are awarded to elite Asian students.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: Approximately 150,000–220,000 JPY (varies due to exchange rates).
• Tuition and Admission Fees:
  • Tuition: Up to 535,800 JPY per year (reimbursed after payment confirmation).
  • Admission Fees: Up to 282,000 JPY (reimbursed after payment confirmation).
• Payment Method:
  • Monthly stipend paid directly to the recipient’s bank account.
  • Tuition and admission fees reimbursed upon submission of receipts.
  • Payments require monthly confirmation of enrollment. No payments during extended absences or leaves.

Best opportunity: CoCirculation3 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Turkey

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of one of the following countries/regions (dual citizenship with Japan is not eligible):
   • China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, East Timor, Philippines, Bhutan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, Mongolia, Laos.
2. Age: Under 35 years at the time of application.
3. English Proficiency: High proficiency (TOEFL iBT score of ~90 or equivalent preferred).
4. Academic Status:
   • Have passed the entrance exam for April 2026 admission to a Kyoto University master’s, professional degree, or five-year doctoral program, OR
   • Hold (or expect to hold) a bachelor’s degree from a designated university and plan to take the entrance exam for April 2026.
5. Enrollment: Enroll as a full-time, degree-seeking student at Kyoto University in April 2026.
6. Recommendation: Provide a letter of recommendation from a supervising professor or equivalent.
7. Financial Need: Demonstrate a need for financial support.
8. Health and Academic Record: Be in good physical and mental health with an outstanding academic record.
9. No Other Scholarships: Not receive funding from other scholarships or third parties.
10. No Employment: Not engage in paid employment during the scholarship term without permission.

Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)

Application Documents

1. Scholarship Application Form: Use the prescribed form.
2. Research Plan: Describe necessity, background, objectives, methods, and expected results.
3. Essay: Address a contemporary Asian issue and propose solutions (max 2 A4 pages).
4. Letter of Recommendation: From a supervising professor (preferably Kyoto University faculty or equivalent from your current/recent university). Additional letters optional.
5. English Proficiency Certificate: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or equivalent. If unavailable, submit a document verifying proficiency or proof of an English-taught undergraduate program.
6. University Diploma: For graduates (bachelor’s and master’s, if applicable).
7. Certificate of Enrollment: For those expecting to graduate (with university stamp).
8. Academic Transcript: Include GPA and scale (if applicable), with university stamp.
9. Declaration of Understanding and Agreement: Use the standard form (Japanese or English).
10. Letter of Admission: From a Kyoto University graduate school (submit ASAP if unavailable by deadline).
11. Residence Card (Copy): Both sides, for applicants in Japan (submit after entering Japan if unavailable).

Also check: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2025-2026

Application Process

• Submission: Send all documents in a single ZIP folder via email to [email protected].
• Application Period: November 4–13, 2025, until 5:00 p.m. Japan time.
• Notes:
  • Confirmation email sent within 2 days (excluding weekends/holidays). Contact the coordinator if not received.