ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) offers fully funded opportunities for eligible students from developing member countries to pursue master’s degrees in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at selected universities across Asia and the Pacific.

The scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Around 130 graduate scholarships are offered each year.

ADB–Japan Scholarship 2026–2027: Quick Facts

What Does the ADB–JSP Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• 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 can be awarded for one year and extended for a second year, subject to satisfactory academic performance. The maximum scholarship duration is two years for a master’s program.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible ADB borrowing member country
• Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record
• Have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after completing their university degree
• Be proficient in English
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, unless an exceptional age waiver applies
• Be in good health
• Have admission to an approved master’s program at a designated institution
• Agree to return to their home country and work for at least two years after completing their studies
• Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program

What Fields of Study Are Covered?

ADB–JSP supports master’s programs in fields including:

• Economics
• Business and management
• Finance
• Science and technology
• Engineering
• Computer science
• Agriculture
• Environment
• Health
• Education
• Public administration
• Public policy
• Development studies
• Social sciences
• Law and related development fields (Asian Development Bank)

The exact programs available depend on the participating university.

Where Can You Study?

The ADB–JSP operates through designated academic institutions across the Asia-Pacific region, including universities in Japan, China/Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and other participating locations. (Asian Development Bank)

The current ADB information lists 25 selected educational institutions across the region, including 15 in Japan.

How to Apply for ADB–JSP

There is no separate application directly to ADB.

Applicants should:

1. Select an ADB–JSP participating university.
2. Check the university’s eligible master’s programs.
3. Apply for admission to the university.
4. Indicate that they wish to be considered for the ADB–JSP scholarship.
5. Submit the required ADB–JSP documents and supporting materials to the university.
6. The university evaluates and shortlists candidates.
7. ADB reviews the shortlisted candidates and recommends awardees for final approval by the Government of Japan.

Applicants should normally submit their scholarship application at least six months before the intended study start date. However, the exact deadline varies by participating institution.

Important Note for Applicants

Admission to a participating university does not automatically guarantee the scholarship. Applicants must be endorsed by the university and selected through the ADB–JSP process.

The program also places particular emphasis on candidates who can contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries after graduation.