The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) 2026 offers fully funded opportunities for qualified students and professionals from eligible developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank to pursue a master’s degree at selected universities and institutions across Asia and the Pacific. The program is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The scholarship is designed to support individuals who have the academic background, professional experience, and potential to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial support for the approved period of study. Benefits generally include:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly subsistence and housing allowance
• Books and instructional materials
• Medical insurance
• Round-trip airfare
• Research and thesis preparation support, where applicable
• Allowances for other approved educational expenses

The scholarship is normally awarded for one year and may be extended for a second year, subject to satisfactory academic performance. The maximum scholarship period for a master’s program is generally two years.

Fields of Study

Applicants can pursue master’s programs in development-related fields offered by participating institutions. Areas may include economics, business administration, finance, science and technology, engineering, computer science, agriculture, environmental studies, health, education, public policy, development studies, international business, and social sciences.

The available fields vary according to the participating institution, so applicants should check the current list of eligible programs before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants generally need to:

• Be a citizen of an eligible ADB developing member country.
• Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a strong academic record.
• Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after completing a university degree.
• Meet the English-language requirements of the selected institution.
• Be 35 years old or younger, with limited exceptions for certain programs.
• Be in good health.
• Gain admission to an approved master’s program at an ADB–JSP designated institution.
• Agree to return to their home country after completing their studies.

Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements of their selected university.

Eligible Countries

The program is available to citizens of eligible ADB developing member countries, including countries such as Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia, Fiji, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan, among others.

How to Apply

Applicants do not normally apply directly to ADB. Instead, they should first identify an eligible master’s program at one of the ADB–JSP designated institutions.

The application process generally involves:

1. Select an eligible university and master’s program.
2. Check the university’s admission and scholarship requirements.
3. Prepare the required academic, professional, and financial documents.
4. Apply to the institution and indicate that you wish to be considered for the ADB–JSP scholarship.
5. The institution evaluates applications and nominates selected candidates to ADB.
6. ADB conducts the final scholarship selection process.

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2026 provides an opportunity for qualified professionals from developing countries to gain advanced knowledge and skills through a fully funded master’s degree. With tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and other support included, the program can help prepare future professionals to contribute to development in their home countries.