The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) was established in 1988 with funding from the Government of Japan and is administered by the Asian Development Bank. Its goal is to support talented students from ADB’s developing member countries in pursuing postgraduate studies in development-related fields across Asia and the Pacific.
This scholarship serves as a gateway for emerging leaders to gain advanced skills in economics, business, science, technology, and policy—then apply those skills to promote growth and development in their home countries.
Below is a breakdown of the benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines, and step-by-step application process.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Countries: USA, China, Singapore, Japan, India, Thailand, Philippines
- Host University: Partner University
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Monthly stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits of Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026
The ADB-JSP scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support, including:
- Full tuition coverage: All tuition fees for the approved master’s program are paid.
- Monthly subsistence allowance: A living stipend that typically covers housing and daily expenses. For example, one guideline lists approximately ¥147,000 per month.
- Books and instructional materials allowance: Funding for textbooks and study resources.
- Health and medical insurance: Coverage while studying abroad.
- Round-trip economy airfare: Travel to and from your home country and the host institution.
- Research or thesis allowance (if applicable): Additional grant support for programs that require research or thesis work.
- Duration: The scholarship is initially awarded for one year and may be extended to a second year based on academic performance.
These benefits make ADB-JSP one of the most generous scholarships available to postgraduate students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Eligibility Requirements Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026
To apply for the ADB-JSP, applicants must:
- Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and eligible for Japanese ODA scholarships.
- Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
- Have gained admission (or be eligible to apply) for an approved master’s course at a designated institution under the program.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record.
- Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after earning a university degree (internships or part-time work typically do not count).
- Be proficient in English, both written and spoken.
- Be in good health.
- Be no more than 35 years old at the time of application (with some exceptions up to 45 in special cases).
- Commit to returning to their home country after completing their studies and working for at least two years to contribute to national development.
- Not be an executive director, alternate director, management staff, or consultant of ADB, nor a close relative of such persons.
- Typically, applicants living or working outside their home country at the time of application may not be eligible.
See Also:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026/2027: Fully Funded Study Opportunity in UK
- City University of Hong Kong–Cambridge Master of Finance Scholarship 2026/27: A Fully Funded Opportunity Worth £79,076
- Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Asia
Required Documents for Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026
Applicants generally need to prepare the following documents (specific requirements may vary by institution):
- Completed application form for the host institution and ADB-JSP Information Sheet.
- Official transcripts and degree certificate (bachelor’s level).
- Proof of full-time employment or work experience after undergraduate studies (certificate or letter from employer with dates).
- English proficiency test results (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted tests).
- Proof of income for the applicant and/or family (such as income statement or tax return).
- Medical certificate of good health.
- Recommendation letters (usually two or more) and a statement of purpose or research proposal.
- Copy of passport, photographs, and any additional documents required by the host university (such as proof of nationality).
- Certified English translations if original documents are not in English.
Scholarship Deadline
Deadlines vary depending on the partner institution.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline with their chosen university and submit all documents well before the due date.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Research participating institutions: Identify a designated university that offers a master’s program aligned with your field of interest (e.g., economics, business, science, technology, public policy).
- Check eligibility: Make sure you meet both ADB-JSP and institution-specific requirements.
- Apply for admission: Submit your application to the university, indicating your interest in the ADB-JSP scholarship.
- Prepare your scholarship package: Include the ADB-JSP Information Sheet, transcripts, degree certificate, employment and income proof, English test scores, statement of purpose, recommendations, and medical certificate.
- Submit by the deadline: Ensure both your university and scholarship applications are submitted on time. Some universities handle scholarship nominations directly.
- Selection process:
- The host institution reviews and nominates eligible candidates to ADB.
- ADB reviews nominations and makes final award decisions in coordination with the Government of Japan.
- Award and acceptance: Selected scholars receive an official award letter, confirm acceptance, and complete any required documentation (such as a scholarship agreement).
- Enrollment: Once all formalities are complete, scholars travel to the host institution, enroll in their program, and begin their studies. Maintaining good academic performance is essential for continued funding.
- Post-graduation: After completing the program, scholars are required to return to their home country and work for at least two years to contribute to national development.
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