ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) 2026

  • Scholarship
  • Japan

Website Government of Japan

IDEAL FOR:

Citizens of ADB member countries who:

  • Have a strong academic background

  • Are committed to contributing to the development of their home countries

  • Seek postgraduate degrees in economics, management, science & technology, environment, public policy, and other development-related fields

ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY:

Must align with ADB’s mission of sustainable development and poverty reduction. Common fields include:

  • Economics

  • Public Administration

  • Environmental Management

  • Business Administration / Finance

  • Urban Planning

  • Engineering

  • Agriculture and Rural Development

  • Public Health / Social Sciences

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES (ADB MEMBER COUNTRIES):

Examples include:

  • South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

  • Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam

  • Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

  • Pacific Islands: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands

  • Others: Mongolia, Georgia, Armenia

Note: Nationals of Japan are not eligible.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE:

This is a fully funded scholarship that includes:

Benefit Description
Tuition Fees Full cost of program paid directly to the university
Monthly Living Allowance To cover housing, food, and daily expenses (varies by country but generous)
Travel Costs Round-trip airfare from home country to study destination
Medical Insurance Comprehensive health insurance during your study
Thesis/Research Allowance Grant for required thesis or research expenses
Settling-In Allowance One-time payment to assist with relocation

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To apply, you must:

  • Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country

  • Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with strong academic performance

  • Have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience

  • Be under 35 years old at the time of application (in some cases, 45 for senior roles)

  • Agree to return to your home country after study to contribute to its development

  • Be in good health

  • Not be employed by ADB or its affiliates

  • Not be living or working abroad at the time of application

APPLICATION PROCESS:

  1. Research eligible universities and programs participating under ADB–JSP.

  2. Apply directly to the university for admission, specifying your interest in the ADB–JSP.

  3. Submit all required documents:

    • Completed application form

    • Academic transcripts and certificates

    • Proof of work experience (2+ years)

    • Passport copy

    • CV/resume

    • Statement of purpose with a development focus

    • Recommendation letters (usually 2)

  4. Universities will shortlist and nominate candidates to ADB.

  5. ADB reviews nominations and makes the final award decisions.

DEADLINES:

  • Vary by university but typically fall between December 2025 and March 2026

  • It is recommended to start preparing in late 2025 and apply to universities by their internal deadlines

PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES (Examples):

  • University of Tokyo (Japan)

  • Kyoto University (Japan)

  • National University of Singapore

  • Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand)

  • University of Auckland (New Zealand)

  • Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (India)

  • East-West Center/University of Hawaii (USA)

  • Lahore University of Management Sciences (Pakistan)

Each university offers specific programs aligned with ADB goals.

AFTER GRADUATION:

  • Recipients must return to their home country and contribute to its development

  • Must not seek permanent residency or employment abroad immediately after graduation

  • Some may continue into higher education with special permission

QUICK FACTS:

Feature Detail
Level Master’s (some PhD)
Eligible Countries ADB member countries
Funding Fully funded
Duration 1 to 2 years
Deadline Varies by university (Dec–Mar)

To apply for this job please visit www.adb.org.