Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2026
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP) is one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarships for students from developing nations in Asia and the Pacific.
The Government of Japan funds the programme, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) administers it. The fellowship allows bright professionals to undertake master’s and selected postgraduate programmes in development-related subjects at partner universities across the Asian and Pacific regions.
On an annual basis, almost 300 scholarships are offered to qualified students with good academic records and work experience. The scholarship will cover complete tuition fees, monthly living expenses, accommodation, books, medical insurance, and travel costs, so students can focus fully on their studies.
About the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP) was established to promote sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific region. The programme offers highly qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member nations the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in subjects related to national and regional development.
The programme aims to produce future leaders, policymakers, researchers, engineers, educators, and development professionals who can help address significant challenges in their home countries.
Eligible Programs for the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship
Economics & Finance
- Economics
- Development Economics
- Finance
- Public Finance
Business & Management
- Business Administration
- Management
- Public Administration
- Project Management
Science & Technology
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Innovation and Technology
Health
- Public Health
- Health Systems
- Health Management
Education
- Education Policy
- Educational Leadership
- Teaching and Learning
Rural development and agriculture
- Agricultural Sciences
- Food Security
- Rural Development
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Climate Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Sustainable Development
Eligibility Requirements for the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme
Before applying, there are several important requirements applicants need to meet.
1. Nationality
- Applicants must be nationals of an ADB borrowing member country.
2. Educational Qualification
Applicants are required to:
- have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
- have a strong academic record
- Be admitted to an approved postgraduate programme at a participating institution.
3. Work Experience
- Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience after graduation from college.
4. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must evidence adequate skills in oral and written English to undertake postgraduate studies.
5. Age Requirement
Applicants should be:
- 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- The age limit may be extended to 45 years for some programmes meant for senior officials or experienced managers.
6. Health Requirement
- Applicants should be healthy.
7. Return to Home Requirement
- Successful academics are expected to return to their home countries following their studies and contribute to national development.
Benefits of the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme
The ADB-JSP is a fully funded scholarship programme. It covers complete financial support for the entire duration of study.
1. Full Tuition Fees
- The scholarship covers full tuition fees for eligible courses at universities participating in the scheme.
2. Monthly Living Allowance
- Recipients are provided with a monthly subsistence payment to help cover the cost of daily living expenditures.
3. Housing Assistance
- The scholarship also provides a contribution towards accommodation costs during the study period.
4. Books & Study Materials
- Students are funded for the books and instructional materials they need for their programme.
5. Medical Insurance
- The programme provides medical insurance to help cover health care costs while studying abroad.
6. Travel Expenses
- The scholarship covers acceptable travel fees for studying at the host university.
7. Scholarship Duration
- The scholarship is provided for one year initially.
If a second year of financing is awarded, it may be for the following reasons:
- The programme requires more time for study.
- The scholar is in good academic standing.
How to Apply for the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme?
1. Choose a Participating University
- Choose a suitable postgraduate programme at an ADB-approved academic institution.
2. Request Scholarship Information
Enquire with the university and ask for the following:
- Entry information
- Scholarship application help
- ADB-JSP Information Sheet
3. Apply to the programme.
- Apply for admission to the university. When you apply, please clearly mention that you would like to be considered for the ADB-JSP Scholarship.
4. Provide Required Documentation
Complete and submit any required documentation, which may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree Certificates
- Work experience evidence
- Evidence of English Proficiency
- Passport
- Recommendation Letter
- Filled-out scholarship forms
5. Scholarship Evaluation
- The partnering institution will analyse applications and select qualified candidates for the scholarship. No separate application to ADB is necessary.
Application Timeline for Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program
- Applicants are advised to start preparing their application well in advance.
- The programme suggests applying for scholarships at least six months before the expected start of study.
- Each university has its admission timeline and application deadline.
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