ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2026 (Fully Funded)

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is a fully funded graduate scholarship established in 1988 and financed by the Government of Japan. The program is administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and aims to support talented students from developing member countries to pursue master’s degree studies in development-related fields.

Each year, the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program awards approximately 135 scholarships for study at 27 designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific, including 17 institutions in Japan. Scholars are required to return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to social and economic development.

Degree Level

Master’s Degree (Graduate Studies)

Available Subjects

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program supports development-focused academic fields, including:

Science and Technology

Agriculture
Biological Sciences
Computer Science
Energy
Engineering
Environment
Forestry
Genetics
Health

Economics, Business, and Management

Accounting
Business Administration / Management
Commerce
E-Business
Entrepreneurship
Economics
Finance
International Cooperation
Social Sciences

Development Studies

Development Studies
Development Management
Asia-Pacific Studies

Law and Public Policy

International Business Law
International Environmental Law
Policy Studies
Political Science
Public Administration
Public Policy

Only programs offered by ADB-JSP designated institutions are eligible.

Benefits

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program is fully funded and covers:

Full tuition fees
Monthly subsistence allowance (including housing)
Books and instructional materials
Medical insurance
Travel expenses (round-trip airfare)

Additional support:

Research scholars may receive a special thesis preparation grant
In special cases, funding may cover language training or preparatory courses

The scholarship does not cover expenses for dependents or extracurricular activities.

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants must be citizens of ADB borrowing member countries that are eligible for Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Eligible countries include, but are not limited to:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, and several Pacific Island nations.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a national of an ADB developing member country
Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record
Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after graduation
Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (exceptions are rare)
Be in good physical and mental health
Not be currently enrolled in any graduate degree program
Not be living or working outside their home country
Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing studies

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

ADB staff, consultants, executive directors, and their close relatives
Staff of ADB-JSP designated institutions
Applicants already receiving another ADB-JSP scholarship

Application Procedure

There is no direct application to ADB.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Choose a participating ADB-JSP designated institution
Request application forms and scholarship information from the institution
Apply directly to the institution and submit:
- Academic documents
- Admission application
- ADB-JSP Information Sheet
The institution evaluates and shortlists candidates
Final selection is made by ADB based on institutional recommendations

Applications should be submitted at least six months before the intended program start date.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are selected based on:

Academic excellence
Professional experience
Relevance of the chosen field to national development
Leadership potential
Commitment to returning home after graduation

Admission to a university does not guarantee scholarship selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, housing, books, medical insurance, and travel expenses for selected master’s degree students.