The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2026 is now open for applications through the East-West Center. This scholarship supports master’s degree study associated with the University of Hawai‘i.
Application Deadline:
- 1 December 2026 (at 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time / Closing Date: December 2, 2026)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) at the East-West Center (EWC) and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) provides fully funded opportunities for well-qualified citizens of ADB developing member countries to undertake graduate Master’s studies. Established in 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan, the program aims to strengthen human resource capacity in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields, preparing scholars to return to their home countries and contribute directly to socioeconomic development.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Approved Master’s degree programs at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa:
- Business Administration (Global MBA)
- Economics (MA)
- Geography (MA)
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management (MS)
- Ocean and Resources Engineering (MS)
- Oceanography (MS)
- Pacific Islands Studies (MA)
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Sociology (MA)
- Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (MS)
- Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)
Type:
Fully Funded International Graduate Master’s Scholarship & Leadership Program
Who can Apply:
- Nationality & Residence: Must be a citizen and current resident of a developing member country of the Asian Development Bank. (Note: Applicants living/working in a country other than their home country or who have previously studied outside ADB developing member countries are ineligible).
- Age Limit: Must not be more than 35 years old at the time of application.
- Academic Requirements: Must hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, such as a 3-year bachelor’s plus a 1-year master’s degree).
- Professional Experience: Must have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after a university degree at the time of application.
- Language Proficiency: Must submit acceptable English test scores (minimum TOEFL iBT 79–80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 95, or paper/computer-based TOEFL equivalents).
- Degree History: Must not be seeking a second master’s degree.
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates are evaluated based on their academic excellence, professional background, alignment with ADB’s development objectives (Strategy 2030), leadership potential, and commitment to returning to their home country upon graduation.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Citizens and residents of developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Where will the Program be Taken:
East-West Center and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
How Many Fellows:
Competitive international cohort selected for the Fall 2027 academic intake.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Financial Support: Covers full tuition and university fees.
- Travel & Housing: Roundtrip travel between the home country and Honolulu, plus housing in East-West Center residence facilities.
- Living Allowances: Monthly living stipend and funds for textbooks and instructional materials.
- Insurance & Visas: Comprehensive health insurance and US J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship.
- Leadership Development: Participation in professional, residential, and leadership programs at the East-West Center.
How Long Will it Last:
Duration of the approved Master’s degree program (typically 18 to 24 months).
How to Apply:
- Apply to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa: Submit a separate application for admission to your chosen eligible Master’s degree program at UHM (ensure you obtain proof of application submission / acknowledgement receipt).
- Apply to the East-West Center: Complete the online ADB-JSP scholarship application via Submittable. Upload required documents, including:
- Proof of UH application submission (or explanatory note if delayed)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Scanned copies of official academic transcripts and degree/graduation certificates (with official hard copies mailed by December 15)
- Scanned TOEFL/IELTS test scores
- Submit the EWC scholarship application before the deadline on 1 December 2026 at 11:59 PM HST.
- For inquiries, contact
[email protected].
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
