The Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship (APS) is a shared initiative of The Nippon Foundation, the University for Peace (UPEACE), and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU). The objective of the programme is to train young Asian professionals to become peacebuilding practitioners, ready to take up leading positions in organisations across the globe. In particular, the programme serves to strengthen the representation of Asian professionals with expertise in Asian issues.

The programme offers intensive, specialised language training to facilitate the participation of professionals with lower levels of English proficiency, thus allowing them to study in both Costa Rica and the Philippines. Scholars obtain a Master of Arts Degree from the University for Peace (UPEACE) in an area related to peacebuilding, and a Master of Science Degree in Social Development from Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU).

Scholarship Benefits

Students selected to participate in the APS programme receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, airfare, transit and some visa costs for all programme components, and a monthly stipend. The programme facilititates up to 30 students per cohort.

Programme Overview

The APS is an intensive academic study programme targeted towards young professionals from Asia. Academic study takes place in Costa Rica and The Philippines and is made up of the following elements: 1) intensive language learning component, 2) M.A. at UPEACE, 3) M.S. at AdMU in Social Development, and 4) completion of programme requirements.

This 18.5 – 21.5 month programme (depending on English proficiency), is scheduled to begin in March 2020 and is to be completed over six terms:

1. March-June 2020 (The Philippines), English Module 1: Intermediate English Training

Accepted applicants with an intermediate level of English language proficiency will participate in this first module of English Training.

2. June-August 2020 (The Philippines), English Module 2: Advanced Academic English Training

Applicants with a high level of English language proficiency will start the programme with English module 2, together with the students who successfully completed Module 1

3. July-August 2020 (The Philippines), Modular M.S. Coursework, 1st leg

4. August 2020-May 2021 (Costa Rica), Specialized M.A. Coursework

Students will continue their studies in one of the Specialized MA Programmes offered by UPEACE.

Areas of Study Include:

• Peace and Conflict Studies
• International Law
• Environment and Development

5. June-November 2021 (The Philippines), Modular M.S. Coursework, 2nd leg

Participants will complete the programme requirements, principally in the Philippines

Modular M.S. Coursework, 3rd Leg

6. Mid December 2021 (The Philippines), Graduation

Click here to review the Academic Content of APS in detail.

Student Profile

Applications are accepted from students all over Asia, with preference given to students who:

1. Have at least 2 years work experience in a relevant field. Excellent candidates with less work experience are considered for participation on a case-by-case basis. Voluntary work, internships and student activities may be considered as work experience, if relevant for the programme.

2. Have Bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution.

3. Demonstrate a compelling desire to work on issues related to peace and conflict.

4. Demonstrate a commitment to learning in an international and multi-cultural environment.

5. Are from countries where English is not widely spoken, particularly, but not limited to, Japan, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

Application Requirements

The application period for the 2020/2021 Academic Year (APS 14) is now OPEN. The application deadline is 16 August 2019.

IMPORTANT: The following information is regarding the application process specifically for the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship (APS) dual degree programme. Only applicants from Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lankaand The Philippines will be considered for this programme. Candidates who are selected for an interview but who are NOT offered a scholarship under the APS will automatically be consider for regular admission to UPEACE and offered a 50% tuition waiver.

UPEACE accepts applications in electronic format only through our on-line application form. Applicants are therefore advised to first collect all supporting documents and other required information before submitting the form. The documentation and information provided in an application reflects on the quality of the applicant. It is not acceptable to misrepresent accomplishments; borrow from the works of others without proper acknowledgment; or to submit material that has been written, re-written, or heavily edited by others. Breaches of these protocols will result in immediate rejection of the application.

Required Supporting Documents to be Uploaded:

• English-language Proficiency Test Scores Report
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation (AdMU recommendation letter form).
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Copy of Diploma (Master’s/Ph.D./Doctoral degree/Study Abroad experience: transcript issued by the University where the applicant participated as exchange/study abroad student - if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Copy of Passport
• Passport-size photo

Should admission be granted, the following documents must be presented in official hard copy upon confirmation of enrollment:

• English-language Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Copy of Diploma (Master’s/Ph.D./Doctoral degree/Study Abroad experience: transcript issued by the University where the applicant participated as exchange/study abroad student - if applicable)
• Ten passport-size photos

Please address any email inquiries to [email protected].

For detailed admissions information, click here.