ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (JSP)
About
Since its establishment in April 1988, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with financing from the Government of Japan, has offered citizens from developing member countries the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at leading universities across Asia and the Pacific.
The program supports studies at 25 designated institutions, including 15 in Japan, and aims to build human resource capacity by equipping scholars with advanced knowledge and skills. Upon completion, scholars are expected to return to their home countries to contribute to socioeconomic development and nation-building.
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (JSP)
Course Programs and Areas of Study
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program offers postgraduate opportunities in fields relevant to development and economic growth, including:
Science and Technology
- Agriculture
- Biological Science
- Computer Science
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environment
- Forestry
- Genetics
- Health
Economics, Business, and Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration / Management
- Commerce
- E-Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics
- Finance
- International Cooperation
- Social Sciences
Development Studies
- Asia-Pacific Studies
- Development Management
- Development Studies
Law and Public Policy
- International Business Law
- International Environmental Law
- Policy Studies
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
Scholarship Benefits
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial support covering:
- Full tuition fees for the approved master’s degree program.
- Monthly subsistence allowance, including housing.
- Books and instructional materials allowance.
- Medical insurance for the duration of study.
- Travel expenses, including airfare to and from the home country.
Additional provisions may include:
- A research grant for thesis preparation.
- Coverage for computer literacy, language training, or similar preparatory courses under special circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a national 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 or its equivalent with an excellent academic record.
- Have at least two (2) years of full-time professional work experience after completing a university degree.
- Be proficient in English, both spoken and written.
- Be no older than 35 years at the time of application (exceptions may be considered in special cases endorsed by the Government of Japan).
- Be in good health.
- Agree to return to their home country and work there for at least two (2) years after completing studies.
- Not be an Executive Director, Alternate Director, staff, or consultant of ADB, or a close relative of any of the above.
- Not be a staff member of a Designated Institution under the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program.
- Not be living or working outside their home country.
- Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to citizens of the following ADB member countries:
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam.
Application Process
- Select a Designated Institution offering the program of your interest and apply for admission.
- Indicate your interest in the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program when submitting your admission application.
- Submit all required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of employment, proof of income, and recommendation letters as required by the institution.
- The Designated Institution will screen and nominate eligible candidates to ADB.
- The Asian Development Bank will make the final selection and notify successful applicants.
- Upon acceptance, scholars will complete visa formalities and begin their studies at the host institution.