ADB Japan Scholarship Program 2026–2027 Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship Deadline Varies by University The Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program, commonly known as ADB JSP, provides fully funded opportunities for eligible students from developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank to pursue postgraduate Master’s degree programmes at selected universities across the Asia and Pacific region. The scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank. The programme offers approximately 130 graduate scholarships each year and supports students who want to develop advanced knowledge and skills in fields related to economic and social development. Applicants can pursue eligible Master’s programmes at participating academic...

ADB Japan Scholarship Program 2026–2027 Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship Deadline Varies by University

The Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program, commonly known as ADB JSP, provides fully funded opportunities for eligible students from developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank to pursue postgraduate Master’s degree programmes at selected universities across the Asia and Pacific region.

The scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank.

The programme offers approximately 130 graduate scholarships each year and supports students who want to develop advanced knowledge and skills in fields related to economic and social development.

Applicants can pursue eligible Master’s programmes at participating academic institutions in countries across Asia and the Pacific.

ADB Japan Scholarship Program 2026–2027 Quick Facts

Scholarship Name: Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program

Academic Year: 2026–2027

Study Level: Master’s Degree

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

Duration: Up to 2 years

Number of Scholarships: Approximately 130 per year

Eligible Applicants: Citizens of eligible ADB borrowing member countries

Study Region: Asia and Pacific

Age Requirement: Generally 35 years or younger

Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time professional experience

Application Method: Through participating universities

Application Deadline: Varies by participating university

What Does the ADB Japan Scholarship Cover?

The ADB Japan Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful scholars.

The scholarship may cover:

Full tuition fees

Monthly subsistence and housing allowance

Books and study materials

Medical insurance

Travel expenses

Research or thesis preparation support where applicable

The scholarship is normally awarded for one year and may be extended for a second year, provided the scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance and continues to meet the scholarship requirements.

The maximum scholarship duration is two years for a Master’s programme.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements established by the ADB Japan Scholarship Program and the selected university.

Applicants generally must:

Be a citizen of an eligible ADB borrowing member country.

Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a strong academic record.

Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience gained after completing a university degree.

Be proficient in English.

Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, unless an applicable exceptional age waiver is granted.

Be in good health.

Have admission to an approved Master’s programme at a designated participating institution.

Agree to return to their home country after completing their studies and work there for at least two years.

Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree programme.

Applicants must also satisfy the specific admission requirements of the participating university and selected Master’s programme.

Fields of Study

The ADB Japan Scholarship supports Master’s programmes in various academic and development-related fields.

These may include:

Economics

Business and Management

Finance

Science and Technology

Engineering

Computer Science

Agriculture

Environmental Studies

Health

Education

Public Administration

Public Policy

Development Studies

Social Sciences

Law

Other development-related fields

The availability of programmes depends on the participating academic institution.

Where Can You Study?

ADB Japan Scholarship scholars can study at designated academic institutions across the Asia and Pacific region.

Participating institutions are located in countries and territories including:

Japan

China and Hong Kong

India

New Zealand

Philippines

Singapore

Thailand

Other participating locations in the Asia and Pacific region

The ADB currently lists selected educational institutions participating in the scholarship programme, including universities in Japan and other countries in the region.

Applicants should check the current list of participating institutions before selecting a university.

How to Apply

There is no separate scholarship application submitted directly to the Asian Development Bank.

Applicants must apply through an ADB Japan Scholarship participating university.

The general application process is as follows:

  1. Select an ADB Japan Scholarship participating university.

  2. Check the Master’s programmes eligible for the scholarship at that institution.

  3. Review the university's admission and scholarship requirements.

  4. Apply for admission to the selected university.

  5. Indicate that you wish to be considered for the ADB Japan Scholarship where required.

  6. Submit the required academic documents and supporting materials to the university.

  7. The university evaluates applications and identifies qualified candidates.

  8. The university submits shortlisted candidates to the Asian Development Bank.

  9. ADB reviews the shortlisted candidates and recommends scholarship awardees.

  10. Final approval is made by the Government of Japan.

Application Deadline

There is no single application deadline for all ADB Japan Scholarship programmes.

The deadline varies depending on the participating university and the selected Master’s programme.

Applicants should therefore check the official deadline of the university they intend to apply to.

ADB generally recommends submitting scholarship applications at least six months before the intended start of studies.

Applicants should begin the process early because university admission, document preparation, and scholarship selection can take considerable time.

Important Information for Applicants

Admission to a participating university does not automatically guarantee an ADB Japan Scholarship.

Applicants must be nominated or endorsed by the participating university and selected through the ADB Japan Scholarship process.

The programme gives particular consideration to candidates who have the potential to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries after completing their studies.

Successful scholars are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to development after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ADB Japan Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support that may include full tuition, monthly living and housing allowances, books and study materials, medical insurance, travel expenses, and research or thesis support where applicable.

What level of study does the scholarship support?

The ADB Japan Scholarship supports eligible postgraduate Master’s degree programmes.

How long is the scholarship?

The scholarship can support studies for up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and compliance with the scholarship conditions.

Who is eligible?

The programme is available to citizens of eligible ADB borrowing member countries who meet the academic, professional experience, age, health, English language, admission, and other requirements.

Can I apply directly to ADB?

No. Applicants must apply through a participating university. There is no separate application submitted directly to ADB.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline varies by participating university and programme. Applicants must check the specific deadline of their chosen institution.

Do I need work experience?

Yes. Applicants generally need at least two years of full-time professional work experience obtained after completing their university degree.

Do I have to return home after graduation?

Yes. Scholarship recipients are required to return to their home country and work there for at least two years after completing their studies.

Conclusion

The ADB Japan Scholarship Program 2026–2027 is a fully funded opportunity for qualified students from eligible developing member countries to pursue Master’s degrees at selected universities across Asia and the Pacific.

The scholarship provides financial support for tuition, living expenses, housing, travel, insurance, study materials, and other eligible costs.

Because there is no single deadline for all participating universities, applicants should identify their preferred university and Master’s programme early and carefully check its specific application deadline.

Interested applicants should begin preparing their academic documents, professional experience records, English language evidence, and other required materials well in advance of the university deadline.

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