The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) is a prestigious initiative aimed at building skilled leaders across Asia and the Pacific. Launched in 1988, the program offers fully funded opportunities for postgraduate education to students from ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs).
Program Overview #
The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program provides approximately 135 scholarships each year. It enables outstanding individuals to pursue Master’s degree programs in various development-related fields such as economics, business, science and technology, public policy, and more. Scholars are expected to return to their home country after graduation and contribute to its socioeconomic development.
What the Scholarship Covers #
The ADB–JSP is a fully funded scholarship. It includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living and housing allowance
- Books and instructional materials
- Medical insurance
- Travel costs (from home country to institution and return)
- Thesis research support (where applicable)
- Preparatory or remedial coursework (e.g., language classes, computer literacy), if required
Note: The scholarship does not cover family travel, extra-curricular training, or personal expenses not directly related to the academic program.
Eligible Fields of Study #
1. Science and Technology
- Agriculture
- Biological Sciences
- Computer Science
- Energy and Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Forestry
- Genetics
- Health Sciences
2. Economics, Business, and Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Commerce
- E-Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- International Cooperation
- Social Sciences
3. Development Studies
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Development Management
- Sustainable Development
4. Law and Public Policy
- International Law
- Environmental Law
- Public Administration
- Political Science
- Public Policy
Eligibility Criteria #
Applicants must fulfill all the following conditions to be considered:
- Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country (see list below)
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with strong academic performance
- Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience after completing university
- Be no older than 35 years at the time of application (exceptions possible with Japan’s endorsement)
- Have English language proficiency (oral and written)
- Be in good health
- Agree to return and work in your home country for at least 2 years post-study
- Not hold dual citizenship in a developed country
- Not be an employee or relative of staff at ADB or the selected academic institution
- Not be currently living or working abroad
- Not already enrolled in a graduate program
Eligible Countries #
Applicants must belong to any of the following ADB DMCs:
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, 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, Vietnam.
Partner Institutions #
Applicants must apply to and secure admission from a Designated Institution. Some of the 25 participating institutions include:
Japan
- University of Tokyo
- Keio University
- Kyoto University
- Kyushu University
- Kobe University
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Hitotsubashi University
- International University of Japan
India
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
Philippines
- Asian Institute of Management
- International Rice Research Institute
Singapore
- National University of Singapore
Thailand
- Asian Institute of Technology
- Thammasat University
New Zealand
- University of Auckland
Others
- University of Hong Kong
- East-West Center (Hawaii, USA)
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (Pakistan)
Application Process #
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Select a Partner Institution from the official list and choose an eligible Master’s course.
- Contact the institution to request the ADB–JSP application form and admission form.
- Submit the following documents to the institution:
- Completed admission and scholarship forms
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English language proficiency proof
- Certificate of employment and work experience
- Income Tax Return or salary certificate
- Family income certificate (parental)
- The institution evaluates and shortlists applicants.
- Shortlisted candidates are nominated to ADB for final selection.
- ADB makes the final decision and informs the institution.
- The institution contacts selected applicants regarding acceptance.
Application Deadline #
Each partner institution sets its own deadline, typically 6 months before the start of the academic program. It’s crucial to check the institution’s official website for specific dates.
For most programs, applications are accepted from August to February for courses starting the following academic year.
Stipend & Benefits Breakdown #
| Expense Covered | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 100% covered by the scholarship |
| Monthly Allowance | Covers housing, food, and day-to-day expenses |
| Books/Study Materials | Provided or reimbursed |
| Medical Insurance | Full health coverage during the study period |
| Travel Costs | Round-trip airfare from home country to host country |
| Thesis Grant | Available for scholars conducting research |
Important Notes #
- Do not submit applications directly to ADB. They will only review applications submitted via academic institutions.
- Incomplete or falsified applications will be disqualified.
- Family expenses are not included—the scholarship only supports the scholar.
Contact Information #
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program
Phone: +63 2 8632 4444
Email: [email protected]
Official Website: https://www.adb.org/JSP
Facebook: ADB Japan Funds
