The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) offers postgraduate scholarships for studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, law and public policy, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions.

The ADB–JSP enrolls about 140 graduate students annually at selected 29 academic institutions located in 9 countries within the Asia-Pacific region. A total of 3,500 scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 37 member countries, 40% of which are female scholars. Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program

Course level: Masters

Fields of study: Economics, business and management, science and technology, law and public policy, other development-related fields

Institution and country: Participating academic institutions in Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the USA

Sponsor: Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan

Scholarship Inclusions: 

  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly allowance
  • Medical insurance
  • Roundtrip travel costs
  • Thesis grant (for research programs only)

Eligibility criteria for the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program:

  • Nationality. Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country: Afghanistan; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; Cook Islands; Georgia; India; Indonesia; Fiji; Kazakhstan; Kiribati; Kyrgyz Republic; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Federated States of 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; and Viet Nam
  • Those who have gained admission to an approved MA course at participating academic institutions
  • not hold dual citizenship of any developed country;
  • hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a superior academic record;
  • have at least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience (acquired after a university degree) at the time of application. The candidate must have proficiency in oral and written English communication skills to be able to pursue studies;
  • not be more than 35 years old at the time of application, unless waived in exceptional cases with the expressed endorsement of the Government of Japan;
  • be in good health;
  • agree to return and work in his/her home country for at least two (2) years after completion of studies under the Program in order to contribute to its development;
  • not be an Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management, staff and consultants of ADB, or the close relatives of the aforementioned by blood or adoption with the term “close relative” defined as: spouse, mother, stepmother, father, stepfather, sister, stepsister, brother, stepbrother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew;
  • not be staff of ADB–JSP Designated Institutions;
  • not be living or working in a country other than his/her home country; and
  • not be already enrolled in graduate degree programs.

Application deadline: Follows the application deadlines of participating academic institutions

How to apply for the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program:

Applicants should request information and application forms from the chosen academic institution(s). They should indicate to the academic institution that they are applying for admission and that they would like to be considered for the ADB–JSP Scholarship. The completed institution application form and required documentation, including the ADB–JSP application sheet form, should be submitted to the academic institution.

Applicants must ensure that they submit accurate and complete documentation. Failure to do so may result in an application not being processed or to an award being terminated if documentation or information provided is later determined to be false. Applicants are required to submit their latest Income Tax Return or certification of their annual salary/monthly salary, whichever is available. They should also submit a certification of family income (parent’s income).

Applications for scholarships should be sent at least six months prior to the planned time that you wish to commence your studies.

Other useful links:

ADB-Japan Scholarship