The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) 2025 offers fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Japan. Established in 2014 by Ronald K.Y. Chao and managed by Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI), the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) offers scholarships to around 100 top Asian students annually. It supports study at six prestigious universities across East Asia, including Kyoto University, to foster future leaders who embrace cultural diversity and international harmony.
The AFLSP@KU provides a two-year, fully funded scholarship, covering tuition, admission fees, and a monthly stipend (approx. 200,000 Yen, varying by exchange rate), along with professional enrichment programs to enhance leadership and cross-cultural understanding. The application period is from April 1 to April 10, 2025.
Universities/Institutions
- Host University: Kyoto University.
- Administered by: Bai Xian Asia Institute (BXAI).
- Host Country: Japan
- Universities: Kyoto University, Waseda University, and other partner institutions
- Degree Level: Undergraduate and Graduate programs
- Scholarship Duration: 2 Year
Number of Recipients at Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP):
- General Slot: 3–5 awards for students from universities outside Kyoto University.
- Kyoto University Special Slot: Limited awards for Kyoto University graduates.
Study Areas:
- Political Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Humanities
- Business Administration
- International Relations
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: ¥150,000 – ¥220,000 (paid in JPY, subject to exchange rate changes).
- Tuition Fee Coverage: ¥535,800 per year (reimbursed after payment confirmation).
- Admission Fee Coverage: ¥282,000 (reimbursed after payment confirmation).
- Payment Method: Monthly stipend deposited into the recipient’s bank account
- Duration: Maximum of two years (extension not possible)
Benefits Not Included:
- Travel expenses to and from Japan.
- Health insurance costs.
- Personal expenses beyond the provided stipend.
Eligibility Criteria for Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP):
- Must be enrolled in or admitted to a master’s, professional, or five-year doctoral degree program at Kyoto University.
- Must graduate from one of the designated universities (e.g., Peking University, Seoul National University, National University of Singapore, IITs in India, etc.).
- Must align with the mission of BXAI, showing leadership potential and commitment to Asia’s development.
- Must be a citizen of one of the eligible Asian countries
- Age Limit: Under 35 years old at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90+ or equivalent preferred.
- Must be in good health and have strong academic records.
- Financial need and no prior AFLSP scholarship.
- Cannot receive other scholarships or work part-time/full-time without permission.
- Must participate in BXAI scholar programs and events.
- To Know More: Visit
Eligible Countries:
China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore,
Sri Lanka, Thai, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, East Timor, Philippines, Bhutan, Brunei, Vietnam,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, Mongolia, Laos
Required Application Documents for AFLSP 2025
- Scholarship Application Form
- Research Plan (any format)
- Essay on a key contemporary issue in Asia
- Letter of Recommendation
- Recent Photograph of the applicant
- English Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, etc.) or English Proficiency Evaluation Form (if no certificate is available)
- University Diploma (for graduates) or Certificate of Enrollment (for expected graduates)
- Academic Transcript
- Declaration of Understanding & Agreement for the scholarship
- Letter of Admission from Kyoto University (or a statement if pending)
- Copy of Residence Card (for applicants in Japan, can be submitted later)
- Chinese Applicants: “教育部学歴証書電子注冊備案表” or “教育部学籍在線験証報告” (for graduates from designated universities in China)
Selection Process & Notification of Results
- Primary Screening: Based on application documents.
- Interview Round: Only for shortlisted candidates.
- Interview Timing: Mid- to late May (fixed schedule, no changes allowed).
- Mandatory Attendance: Missing the interview leads to disqualification.
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) Application Process:
- University Admission: Apply and gain admission to a full-time program at one of the participating universities.
- Scholarship Application:
- Check Your Citizenship – Must be from one of the eligible Asian countries (e.g., China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.).
- Confirm Your Eligibility – Read the Eligibility & Selection Criteria and Q&A.
- Understand Scholar Duties – Must participate in and complete the program.
- Note the Application Period – April 1 to April 10, 2025 (closes at 5:00 p.m. Japan time).
- Read Application Guidelines – Available in Japanese and English.
- Review the Selection Process – Check the official guidelines.
- Prepare Required Documents – Refer to the Application Documents section.
- Submit the AFLSP application form and required documents to the university’s designated office by the specified deadline.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Start Early: Begin preparing your application materials well in advance.
- Highlight Leadership Experiences: Emphasize any leadership roles or cross-cultural experiences.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure all documents are free from errors and present a cohesive narrative.
- Seek Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who know you well and can vouch for your qualifications.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Japan:
- Accommodation: 40,000 – 80,000 Yen (depends on location)
- Food: 30,000 – 50,000 Yen
- Transportation: 5,000 – 15,000 Yen
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet): 10,000 – 15,000 Yen
- Other Expenses (Entertainment, Books, Health Insurance): 10,000 – 20,000 Yen
- Total Estimated Cost: 100,000 – 150,000 Yen per month
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The AFLSP not only provides financial support but also offers a platform for cultural exchange and leadership development. Studying in Japan allows you to experience a unique blend of tradition and innovation, preparing you to become a global leader.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP)?The AFLSP is a scholarship initiative that aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and leadership among Asian students by providing opportunities to study abroad in Asia.
- Which universities are participating in the AFLSP in Japan?Participating universities include Kyoto University and Waseda University, among others.
- What expenses are covered by the scholarship?The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, and waives admission fees.
- What are the key eligibility requirements?Applicants must be citizens of an Asian country, demonstrate high English proficiency, exhibit leadership potential, and meet the academic requirements of the host university.
- How can I apply for the AFLSP?First, apply and gain admission to a participating university. Then, submit the AFLSP application form and required documents to the university’s designated office by the specified deadline.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For comprehensive information and application guidelines, visit the official AFLSP page at Kyoto University
