Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program at Kyoto University (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University for October 2026 enrollment. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship is available for graduate studies in any academic field at one of Japan’s leading universities. It targets outstanding young leaders from 23 Asian countries and regions who want to pursue a master’s, professional degree, or the first year of a five-year doctoral program.

The scholarship provides generous financial support (monthly living stipend + full tuition and admission fee coverage), leadership development opportunities, and a strong pan-Asian network. There is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: Master’s, professional degree programs, or the first year of five-year doctoral
• Host Country: Japan
• Host Institution: Kyoto University
• Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of 23 Asian countries
• Application Fee: None
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 (closes at 5:00 p.m. Japan time)

What This Scholarship Offers:

• A monthly living stipend of approximately 150,000 – 220,000 Japanese Yen paid to cover living expenses in Kyoto.
• Full coverage of tuition fees and admission fees through reimbursement.
• Exclusive access to the BXAI Summer Program (3-week leadership and cultural exchange program in your first summer) and other enriching events.
• Recognition as part of a highly selective group of young changemakers committed to a peaceful and prosperous Asia.

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Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of one of the 23 eligible Asian countries/regions listed Below.
• Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
• Have high English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 90+ or equivalent preferred) and strong presentation skills.
• Have passed (or plan to take) the entrance examination for October 2026 admission to a Kyoto University graduate program, OR be currently enrolled in / graduated from one of the designated universities (full list available in guidelines).
• Plan to enroll as a full-time, regular student at Kyoto University in October 2026 and remain enrolled full-time for the entire scholarship period.
• Be in financial need.
• Have an outstanding academic record, high moral standards, and good physical and mental health.
• Be recommended by a supervising professor (at least one recommendation letter required).
• Never have received an AFLSP scholarship before.
• Not be receiving any other scholarship or third-party funding.
• Agree not to take paid employment (full-time or part-time) without permission.

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Eligible Countries:

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

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Programs Available:

The AFLSP at Kyoto University is open to all academic fields offered by the university’s graduate schools. You can apply for any of the following degree types in any discipline:

• Master’s Degree Programs
• Professional Degree Programs
• First Year of Five-Year Doctoral Degree Programs

Examples of fields include (but are not limited to):

• Humanities and Letters
• Education
• Law and Political Science
• Economics and Business
• Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics)
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
• Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability
• Informatics and Data Science
• Asian and African Area Studies
• Energy Science

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Required Application Documents

• Scholarship Application Form (official form)
• Research Plan (any format)
• Essay on a contemporary key issue in Asia (max 2 A4 pages)
• Letter of Recommendation (official form, at least 1)
• Recent photograph (JPEG, head-and-shoulders, last 6 months)
• English proficiency certificate (or explanation letter)
• University diploma(s)
• Certificate of enrollment (if still studying)
• Academic transcript (with GPA, official stamp, in English)
• Declaration of Understanding and Agreement (official form)
• Letter of Admission from Kyoto University (submit later if not yet available)
• Residence Card copy (if already in Japan)
• China-specific document (if applicable)

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Selection Process & Timeline

• April 1–10, 2026: Submit application
• Mid–late April 2026: Document screening
• Early May 2026: Stage 1 results notified by email
• Mid–late May 2026: Interview with Kyoto University selection committee (mandatory attendance)
• Early June 2026: Stage 2 results notified by email
• TBD: Final interview with BXAI Leaders and Board members

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How to Apply (Step-by-Step):

1. Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria and come from one of the designated countries/universities.
2. Prepare all required documents in English (typed, PDF format except photo).
3. Combine all files into one ZIP folder.
4. Email the ZIP folder to: [email protected]
5. Submit between April 1 (Wed) – April 10 (Fri), 2026 (by 5:00 p.m. Japan time).

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