10
Apr

ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)

Home>Scholarships>ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan. It provides approximately 130–135 graduate scholarships per year to well-qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs), enabling them to pursue master’s-level studies at 27 designated institutions (DIs) across Asia and the Pacific — including 17 institutions in Japan.

The program covers fields such as economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related disciplines. After completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries to contribute to socioeconomic development.

Program Outline

Program Type: Full scholarship for master’s degree studies (1–2 years)

Study Locations: 27 designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific, including 17 in Japan

Eligible Fields: Economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields

 

What the scholarship covers:

  • Full tuition and enrollment fees
  • Monthly subsistence allowance (approx. JPY 147,000/month where applicable)
  • Book allowance (approx. JPY 100,000/year)
  • Thesis/research allowance (approx. JPY 116,250)
  • Medical insurance
  • Round-trip airfare between home country and study location
  • Establishment (arrival) allowance (approx. JPY 30,000)

 

What is NOT covered:

  • Expenses for the scholar’s family members
  • Extra-curricular courses or training outside the degree program
  • Additional travel during the course of study
  • Purchase of computers or educational equipment
  • Participation in workshops, seminars, or internships beyond the program

Eligibility Requirements

All of the following conditions must be met:

  • Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country AND a Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country (Turkmenistan is included)
  • Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
  • Currently living and working in your home country (not abroad)
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a high academic record
  • Have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after obtaining a bachelor’s degree (internships and volunteer work do NOT count)
  • Proficiency in oral and written English sufficient to pursue graduate studies
  • Not more than 35 years old at the time of application (up to 45 years for programs designated for senior officials/managers, subject to Japanese Government approval)
  • In good health
  • Must agree to return to home country for at least 2 years after completing studies
  • Not already enrolled in a graduate degree program

 

The following are NOT eligible:

  • Staff, consultants, and relatives of ADB staff or Executive Directors
  • Staff of the ADB–JSP Designated Institutions
  • Applicants living or working outside their home country
  • Those already enrolled in a graduate program

 

Selection preferences:

  • Preference given to women candidates
  • Preference given to applicants with limited financial means (family income below USD 50,000/year; individual income below USD 25,000/year)

Required Documents

Documents must be submitted to your chosen Designated Institution (not directly to ADB). Requirements may vary slightly by institution, but typically include:

  • Completed online/paper application form of the Designated Institution
  • Completed ADB–JSP Information Sheet / Application Form
  • Official bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or institution-equivalent)
  • Employment certificate(s) confirming at least 2 years of full-time work (on company letterhead, signed, with start/end dates, position, and salary)
  • Latest Income Tax Return or certification of annual/monthly salary
  • Certification of Family Income (parent’s or spouse’s income, if married)
  • Curriculum Vitae / résumé
  • Statement of purpose / personal essay
  • Two or more letters of recommendation
  • Passport copy (valid)
  • Medical certificate (some institutions require this at final stage)

How to Apply

The application process is institution-led. You do NOT apply directly to ADB.

Step 1 — Choose a Designated Institution (DI): Browse the list of ADB-JSP approved institutions on the ADB website (www.adb.org/JSP). Select one or more institutions offering your desired field of study.

Step 2 — Request Application Materials: Contact your chosen DI directly to request their admission application form and the ADB–JSP Information Sheet.

Step 3 — Apply to the Institution for Admission: Submit a complete application to the DI for both admission and consideration for the ADB–JSP scholarship. Clearly indicate you are applying for the ADB–JSP scholarship.

Step 4 — Institution Screening: The DI screens and ranks applicants based on its own criteria (aligned with ADB’s eligibility requirements). Shortlisted candidates are endorsed to ADB.

Step 5 — ADB Final Selection: ADB reviews endorsed candidates and selects final scholarship recipients, based on criteria applied by the Japanese Executive Director.

Step 6 — Notification & Enrollment: Selected scholars are notified and arrangements are made for travel and enrollment at the DI.

Deadline & Timeline

No fixed universal deadline. Each Designated Institution sets its own application deadlines.

Recommended Submission: At least 6 months before your planned study start date

Important Note: Acceptance into the institution or completion of the application does NOT guarantee a scholarship award. Do not resign from your job or make other commitments until officially notified of the award.

More information: www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program