The Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship is a joint initiative of the Nippon Foundation, University of Peace (UPEACE) and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU). The program was founded to train young Asian professionals to become peacebuilding practitioners, ready to take on leadership positions in organizations around the world.
Furthermore, the program offers training that allows professionals with low English proficiency to participate. They can also study in the Philippines and Costa Rica and will gain access to practical workshop and field project design. Moreover, scholars will obtain two different Master’s of Arts degrees, one from the Ateneo de Manila University in political science with a major in world politics and the other from the University of Peace (UPEACE) in a field related to peacebuilding.
Interestingly, this is a fully funded scholarship. Hence, the scholarship will cover airfare, tuition fees, transit, and visa costs in addition to a monthly stipend. If you’re passionate about leadership and peacekeeping, here is an opportunity to pursue your passion at little or not cost. This post will show you all you need to know about the ASP scholarship, from eligibility requirements, deadline, and application guide. Thus, ensure to read through every line so you don’t miss any important details.
Overview of the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship
The Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship (APS) is a joint initiative of the Nippon Foundation, University of Peace (UPEACE) and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU). The program is hosted by Nippon, and they’ve been offering full scholarship for the Dual Master’s Degree Program since 2007. Typically, APS was founded to train Asian professionals to become peacebuilding practitioners, who can take on leadership positions in organizations around the world.
Furthermore, the program is designed to enhance the representation of Asian professionals with expertise in Asian issues such as peace, human rights and sustainable development. Till date, large number of students have been awarded scholarships to participate in the program, and many graduates now occupy prominent positions in a variety of organizations, including UN agencies, NGOs, and government.
Additionally, APS academic study consists of an Intensive English Language Learning component, a Master of Arts in the University of Peace, and a Master of Interdisciplinary Social Development at the Ateneo de Manila University. Also, selected applicants always receive a full scholarship that covers tuition fees, travel and transit costs, and visa costs for all program and a monthly stipend.
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Benefits of the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship
The Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship equips scholars with academic training and practical leadership experience to actively build peace in communities across Asia. Below are some of its key benefits:
How Much Is the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship Worth?
The Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship is a fully funded award, meaning it covers nearly all major costs of pursuing the dual degree. This includes full tuition for both MA programs, a generous monthly stipend of US$700–800 to help with living costs, visa and transit fees, and international airfare.
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Required Documents
To apply for the Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship, you must prepare and submit the following documents:
Eligible Programs
Under the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship, you can choose from several MA programs offered by UPEACE, including:
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Deadline
The deadline for the Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship varies each year, but applications typically close between August and October, depending on the cycle. Meanwhile, the deadline for the 2026 application circle haven’t been published. Hence, you should always check the latest application announcement from UPEACE or Ateneo Global.
Eligibility Criteria for the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship
To be considered for the APS Master Degree Scholarship, candidates must:
Host Country
The APS Scholarship includes study in two countries. Thus, you’ll complete part of the program at Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines) and another part at UPEACE in Costa Rica.
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How to Apply for the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship?
Before starting your application, ensure you’ve reviewed and meet all the eligibility criteria set by APS. This step ensures you meet the minimum standards before investing time into the application process. After this, you can sign up on the UPEACE application portal and follow the steps below:
#1. Complete the Online Application Form
Visit the official APS scholarship application portal and fill out the online form carefully. Provide accurate personal details, academic history, and professional experience while ensuring that each section aligns with the strengths you want the selection committee to see.
#2. Upload All Supporting Documents
Attach all the required documents in the correct format before submitting the application. Ensure your uploads are clear, properly labeled, and meet the file size requirements to avoid processing delays or disqualification.
#3. Submit the Application
Once all sections are complete, submit your application ahead of the deadline to avoid technical issues or last-minute errors. After submission, monitor your email regularly for updates or additional instructions from the scholarship team.
Selection Process
Once applications are submitted, the admissions team begins an initial screening process to ensure candidates meet the basic eligibility requirements. Applicants who pass this stage move on to a more detailed evaluation, where reviewers assess leadership qualities, motivation for pursuing peacebuilding, professional experience, and the strength of written essays. This stage focuses on identifying candidates with a genuine passion for social impact and the potential to contribute to peacebuilding efforts globally.
After the academic and professional review, shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview conducted virtually or in-person, depending on the year’s procedures. During the interview, the panel will evaluate communication skills, clarity of purpose, critical thinking abilities, and overall suitability for the intensive program. Successful candidates are then selected based on a holistic evaluation of their background, achievements, and alignment with the program’s mission. Final results are communicated through official email notifications.
Does the Scholarship Provide Past Questions?
No, the Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship does not provide past questions. The program does not use written exams or standardized tests for selection. Instead, candidates are assessed through their application documents, essays, and interviews. So, ensure to thoroughly prepare for all these.
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How to Improve Your Chances of Winning the Scholarship?
The Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship is competitive because it attracts highly motivated and talented candidates from across Asia. Therefore, you have to mak your application to stand out from the pool of candidates. Here’s how you can achieve this:
International Scholarship You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About the Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship
What is the Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship?
It is a fully funded graduate program designed to train future peace leaders through academic study and practical field experience.
Who offers the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship?
The APS scholarship is offered through a partnership between the University for Peace (UPEACE), Ateneo de Manila University, and the Nippon Foundation.
Is the Asian Peacebuilders Master Degree Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the APS scholarship covers full tuition, travel, living expenses, and other program-related costs.
Do I need work experience to apply for the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship?
Well, work experience is not mandatory but is highly valued, especially experience in community service, NGOs, or peace-related organizations.
Is English proficiency required for APS?
Yes, applicants must provide TOEFL/IELTS scores unless they studied in an English-speaking institution.
What is the duration of the APS scholarship program?
The full program typically lasts 18–21 months, covering studies at UPEACE and Ateneo, plus field training.
Can international students apply for the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship?
Yes, applicants from any country can apply for the APS scholarship, especially those from conflict-prone or developing regions.