ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027

Overview

The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is a fully funded graduate scholarship that has supported citizens of ADB's developing member countries since 1988, financed by the Government of Japan. The programme awards about 135 scholarships each year for Master's-level study in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at 27 academic institutions across Asia and the Pacific, including 17 universities in Japan.

The ADB-JSP covers the full cost of attendance: tuition fees, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, book allowance, medical insurance, and travel expenses. Scholars doing research may receive additional grants for thesis preparation. The programme is built to strengthen capacity in ADB's developing member countries by training professionals who will return home and contribute to national development.

Eligibility requirements include citizenship of an ADB borrowing member country, a Bachelor's degree with strong academic records, at least two years of full-time professional work experience, admission to an approved Master's programme at a designated institution, English proficiency, and a commitment to return and work in the home country for at least two years after completion. The maximum age is 35 at the time of application, though exceptions may be made with Government of Japan endorsement.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Government of Japan, administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Host Country	Japan
Degree Levels	Master's, MBA
Value	Full tuition, monthly subsistence/housing allowance, book allowance, medical insurance, round-trip travel, and potential research subsidies
Deadline	Varies by institution
Duration	Up to 2 years (standard Master's programme duration)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of ADB borrowing member countries (must not hold dual citizenship of a developed country)
Official Website	https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a strong academic record. Admission to an approved Master's course at one of the 27 designated institutions is required. Academic performance is a core selection criterion.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be nationals of an ADB borrowing member country. Citizens of countries that are no longer borrowing from ADB are not eligible. Dual citizenship of a developed country disqualifies the applicant. Eligible countries span South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Pacific.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in oral and written English is required, as most programmes are conducted in English. Specific test scores are determined by the designated institution. Programmes in Japan may require Japanese language ability for daily life, though most Master's courses are taught in English.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of full-time professional working experience acquired after completing a university degree is required at the time of application. The work experience should be relevant to development.

Other Requirements

Applicants must be no more than 35 years old at the time of application, unless an exception is granted with endorsement from the Government of Japan. Scholars must agree to return to their home country and work for at least two years after completion of studies. Applicants must be in good health.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees at the designated academic institution
• Monthly subsistence allowance covering housing, food, and daily expenses
• Book and study materials allowance
• Medical and health insurance coverage
• Round-trip economy class travel between home country and host institution
• Research subsidy for thesis preparation (where applicable)
• Possible coverage for computer literacy courses, preparatory language courses, and similar supplementary training in special circumstances
• Access to ADB's professional network and development community
• About 135 scholarships awarded annually across 27 institutions

How to Apply

1. Select a Designated Institution and Programme: Review the list of 27 ADB-JSP designated academic institutions on the ADB website. Choose an institution and Master's programme that aligns with your professional background and development goals. Institutions are located in Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, and other Asia-Pacific countries.
2. Contact the Designated Institution: Request information and application forms directly from your chosen institution. Indicate that you are applying for admission and wish to be considered for the ADB-JSP Scholarship. Each institution manages its own admissions and ADB-JSP selection process.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather official academic transcripts, Bachelor's degree certificate, English proficiency test results, professional references, a statement of purpose, and the ADB-JSP application sheet form. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
4. Submit Your Application to the Institution: Send the completed institution application form and the ADB-JSP application sheet form, along with all required documentation, to your chosen designated institution. Submit at least six months before the programme commencement date.
5. Institutional Review and Selection: The designated institution reviews your application for both admission and ADB-JSP scholarship suitability. The institution's selection committee evaluates academic merit, professional experience, and development potential before nominating candidates to ADB.
6. ADB Approval: Nominated candidates are reviewed and approved by ADB. Successful applicants receive formal scholarship notification and can proceed with visa arrangements, travel planning, and enrolment.

Required Documents

• Completed institution admission application form
• ADB-JSP application sheet form
• Official academic transcripts from all prior institutions
• Bachelor's degree certificate or equivalent
• English language proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or as specified by the institution)
• Statement of purpose outlining study objectives and development goals
• Two or three professional or academic reference letters
• CV or resume detailing professional work experience (minimum 2 years)
• Copy of valid passport proving citizenship of an ADB borrowing member country
• Medical certificate confirming good health

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	Varies by institution; typically 8–12 months before programme start
Application Deadline	Varies by institution; applications should be submitted at least 6 months before commencement. Japanese university intakes are typically April and October.
Results Announced	Varies by institution; typically 2–4 months after the application deadline
Course Start	Varies by institution; April or September/October depending on the country and university

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Show how your professional experience in development connects to the Master's programme you are applying for
• Spell out your plan to return to your home country and apply your new skills to specific development challenges
• Explain how studying at the specific designated institution will provide training unavailable in your home country

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to a university that is not on the list of 27 ADB-JSP designated institutions
• Not having the required minimum of two years of post-degree professional work experience
• Submitting the application less than six months before the programme start date
• Exceeding the 35-year age limit without securing a Government of Japan endorsement waiver
• Failing to submit the separate ADB-JSP application sheet form alongside the institution's admission application

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scholarships does the ADB-JSP award each year?

About 135 scholarships annually across 27 designated academic institutions in Asia and the Pacific.

Which institutions are designated for the ADB-JSP?

The programme partners with 27 institutions in 9 countries, including 17 universities in Japan. Examples include Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand), and University of Tokyo. The full list is on the ADB website.

Must I return to my home country after studies?

Scholars must return to their home country and work for at least two years after completing their studies, contributing to national development.

Is the ADB-JSP available for PhD programmes?

The ADB-JSP funds Master's-level programmes only (MA, MS, MBA). PhD funding is not covered.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must be 35 or younger at the time of application. Exceptions may be made with endorsement from the Government of Japan.

Do I apply to ADB directly?

You apply through the designated academic institution. The institution manages the admissions process and nominates eligible candidates for ADB-JSP funding. ADB provides the final approval.

What fields of study are covered?

Master's study in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields. The specific programmes available depend on the designated institution.

Can I extend the scholarship beyond two years?

Extensions beyond two years are not permitted. The maximum scholarship duration is two years for standard Master's programmes. Continuation into the second year depends on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

Is the scholarship available for programmes outside Asia?

The ADB-JSP is exclusively for study at designated institutions within the Asia-Pacific region. All 27 partner universities are in Asia and the Pacific.

What is the monthly living allowance amount?

The exact amount varies by host country and institution. The allowance covers housing, food, and essential living expenses. Institutions in Japan provide higher allowances to match the cost of living.

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