Dreaming of pursuing a Ph.D. in Japan without worrying about tuition or living expenses? The door is now wide open for brilliant international students across ASEAN, as the AUN/SEED-Net Ph.D. Scholarships 2026 officially begin accepting applications for the Fall 2026 intake. If you’re ready to be a regional changemaker in science, engineering, or technology—this is your moment.
What Is the AUN/SEED-Net Ph.D. Scholarship Program?
The Graduate Studies of Human Resources Development in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) initiative under AUN/SEED-Net was launched in the Japanese fiscal year 2023 with funding and support from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). It is a transformative academic program aimed at developing the next generation of high-impact researchers and educators across ASEAN nations by offering fully funded Ph.D. study opportunities in Japan.
This is not just a scholarship—it’s a regional movement that brings together leading engineering minds from Southeast Asia and Japan to collaborate, grow, and drive real change.
Why Should You Apply?
Here’s what makes the AUN/SEED-Net Ph.D. scholarship program one of the most powerful academic opportunities for international students in Asia:
- Tuition-Free Ph.D. in Japan at a top Japanese Partner University (JPU)
- Full financial support for the entire duration of the program
- A multicultural, high-level research environment bridging ASEAN and Japan
- Mentorship from top Japanese professors in cutting-edge engineering fields
- Opportunities to contribute to your home country’s growth and academic development
- Build international networks that extend beyond graduation.
Whether you’re looking to pursue deep research, upgrade your qualifications, or become a future academic leader, this program equips you with the tools, experience, and exposure needed to succeed.
Program Duration and Timeline
For the 2026 academic year, successful applicants will begin their Ph.D. journey in Fall 2026. The total duration of the scholarship is: 3 years for the doctoral program, with an optional 6-month preparatory research student phase if necessary.
This gives students time to adjust, prepare a strong research foundation, and smoothly transition into their doctoral work.
Eligibility Criteria – Do You Qualify?
If you meet the following conditions, you’re highly encouraged to apply:
- Citizenship: You must be from an ASEAN country.
- Academic Background: Hold a Master’s degree in engineering or expect to graduate before Fall 2026.
- Age Limit: You must be under 35 years old at the time of arrival in Japan.
- Research Alignment: Your research topic should be relevant to the supervisor’s area of expertise.
- English Proficiency: A valid IELTS/TOEFL certificate is required.
- Scholarship Exclusivity: You must not be receiving another scholarship concurrently.
- Health: You must be in good physical and mental condition.
- Commitment: You must demonstrate clear dedication to contributing to your home university or country.
This opportunity favors applicants with a strong sense of purpose—those who aim not only to excel academically but also to give back.
Apply: https://partnership.itb.ac.id/aunseed2026/.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the AUN/SEED-Net Ph.D. Scholarship 2026 is 28 November 2025.