ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2025

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. This program, offered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Government of Japan, provides full funding for graduate-level education. It aims to support talented individuals in obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary for the development of their home countries.

What the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Offers

The ADB-JSP offers comprehensive support to students by covering all major expenses. Here's a detailed list of the benefits provided:

• Full tuition fees: The scholarship covers all tuition fees, allowing students to focus fully on their studies without financial stress.
• Monthly subsistence allowance (including housing): Scholars receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, including housing.
• Books and instructional materials: The program also covers the cost of books and other instructional materials required for the academic program.
• Medical insurance: Scholars are provided with medical insurance for the duration of their studies.
• Travel expenses: Round-trip airfare from the scholar's home country to the academic institution is covered.

For scholars engaged in research, the program may also provide a special grant for thesis preparation. In exceptional circumstances, courses such as computer literacy or preparatory language training may be covered.

Major Fields of Study

The ADB-JSP focuses on a variety of fields, particularly those related to development, economics, and technology. These fields are crucial for fostering development in the scholars' home countries. The following are some of the main fields of study supported by the program:

Science and Technology

This field includes disciplines such as:

• Agriculture
• Biological Science
• Computer Science
• Energy
• Engineering
• Environment
• Forestry
• Genetics
• Health

Economics, Business, and Management

This category covers areas like:

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

Development Studies

Focused on development-related fields, this category includes:

• Asia Pacific Studies
• Development Management
• Development Studies

Law and Public Policy

Scholars interested in governance and law can pursue:

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

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ADB-JSP, candidates must meet several strict criteria. These eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that the program benefits individuals who can contribute significantly to the development of their home countries. The key requirements include:

• Nationality: The candidate must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA (Official Development Assistance) scholarship-eligible country.
• Dual citizenship: Applicants who hold dual citizenship of any developed country are ineligible.
• Admission: Candidates must have gained admission to an approved master’s course at a Designated Institution.
• Educational background: Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with an outstanding academic record.
• Work experience: A minimum of two years of full-time professional experience is required. This must be acquired after completing the university degree.
• English proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in both oral and written English to pursue their studies.
• Age limit: Applicants should be no older than 35 years at the time of application. Exceptions may be made in rare cases, with the endorsement of the Government of Japan.
• Health status: Candidates must be in good health.
• Return requirement: After completing their studies, scholars must agree to return and work in their home countries for at least two years.
• Exclusion criteria: Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management, staff, and consultants of ADB, or their close relatives, are not eligible to apply.
• Institution staff: Staff of ADB-JSP Designated Institutions are not eligible.
• Residence: Applicants must be living and working in their home country at the time of application.
• Graduate enrollment: Applicants should not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program.

Eligible Countries

The ADB-JSP is available to citizens of the following ADB borrowing member countries and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible countries:

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia
• Cook Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• Georgia
• India
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Kiribati
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Niue
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Viet Nam

Application Process

The application process for the ADB-JSP is thorough and competitive. Follow these steps to apply:

• Request information: First, applicants should request information and application forms from their chosen partner institution.
• Complete application: Applicants must complete all required documents, including the ADB-JSP information sheet.
• Submit documents: Once completed, the documents must be sent to the chosen institution. It is important to submit these at least six months before the desired intake period.
• Evaluation by institution: The academic institution evaluates the applicant’s admission qualifications.
• Shortlist submission: The institution sends a shortlist of qualified candidates to ADB.
• Review by ADB: ADB reviews the submission and recommends scholars based on selection criteria.
• Approval by Japan: The Japanese executive director must approve the recommended awardees.
• Notification of award: ADB informs the institution of the selected scholars, and the institution, in turn, informs the scholars.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:

• Income tax return or salary certification: Applicants must submit their latest income tax return or certification of their annual salary.
• Family income certification: This includes parents' income.
• Academic records: Copies of academic transcripts and relevant documents must be submitted.
• Application forms: The completed application forms should be sent to the institution.

Important Notes

• Family expenses: The ADB-JSP does not cover expenses for scholars’ families.
• Supplementary costs: It also does not cover extra-curricular courses, additional travel, or participation in workshops, seminars, or internships.
• Scholarship confirmation: Acceptance into a graduate program does not guarantee a scholarship. Applicants must wait for confirmation from ADB before making any decisions regarding employment or further commitments.

To learn more and apply, visit Asian Development Bank here.

Key Deadlines

Applicants are advised to submit all materials at least six months before the commencement of the intake period they wish to join. The specific intake deadlines may vary depending on the partner institution.

Partner Institutions

The ADB-JSP collaborates with academic institutions across Asia and the Pacific to offer scholarships. Some of the prominent institutions include:

• University of Tokyo, Japan
• National University of Singapore
• Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
• University of Hong Kong, China
• Kyoto University, Japan
• Indian Institute of Technology, India
• Korea University, Republic of Korea

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) is an incredible opportunity for students from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to pursue graduate-level education in various fields such as science, economics, law, and development studies. By offering full financial support, the program empowers individuals to contribute to the development of their home countries. With strict eligibility criteria and a detailed application process, this scholarship is highly competitive. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements and prepare their applications well in advance.

Click Here to Visit Asian Development Bank Scholarship Application Official Page