The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) offers about 130 graduate scholarships a year for studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields.
Application Deadline:
- Varies by partner institution (applications must be submitted directly to the chosen university).
Tell Me About The Award:
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (JSP), financed by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), offers about 130 graduate scholarships annually. Since 1988, it has supported citizens from ADB developing member countries to pursue postgraduate studies in 27 designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific (including 17 in Japan). Scholars are expected to return home after their studies to contribute to socioeconomic development.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The programme supports Master’s studies in development‑related fields, including:
- Science & Technology (engineering, environment, health, computer science, energy, agriculture, genetics, forestry).
- Economics, Business & Management (finance, accounting, commerce, entrepreneurship, international cooperation, and social sciences).
- Development Studies (Asia Pacific studies, development management).
- Law & Public Policy (public administration, political science, international law, policy studies).
Type:
- Postgraduate Scholarship | Master’s | Fully Funded | Asia & Pacific
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA scholarship‑eligible country.
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- Have gained admission to an approved master’s course at a designated institution.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a superior academic record.
- Have at least two years of full‑time professional work experience after graduation.
- Be proficient in English (oral and written).
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application (exceptions possible with Japan’s endorsement).
- Be in good health.
- Agree to return and work in their home country for at least two years after completion.
- Not be ADB staff, close relatives of ADB staff, or staff of designated institutions.
- Not already enrolled in graduate programmes.
How are applicants selected?
- Applications are submitted to partner institutions.
- Institutions assess and shortlist candidates.
- Final selection made by ADB in consultation with the government of Japan.
Which Countries are Eligible?
Citizens of ADB borrowing member countries such as:
- South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives.
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor‑Leste, and Viet Nam.
- Pacific: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Niue, Naoero.
- Central Asia & Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
- Afghanistan is also eligible.
Where will the award be taken?
- 27 designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific, including 17 in Japan.
How Many Awards?
- About 130 scholarships annually.
What is the benefit of the award?
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly subsistence allowance (including housing).
- Books and instructional materials.
- Medical insurance.
- Travel expenses.
- Special grant for thesis preparation (if applicable).
- Coverage for preparatory language or computer literacy courses (in special cases).
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration of the master’s programme (typically 2 years).
How to Apply:
- Request information and application forms from your chosen partner institution.
- Submit completed application documents, including the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program information sheet, directly to the institution.
- Institution reviews and shortlists applicants.
- Final selection made by ADB and the Government of Japan.
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
