ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 in Asia and the Pacific — Fully Funded
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2027 is open to outstanding students from eligible developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) who want to pursue a master’s degree in Asia and the Pacific. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by ADB, the programme provides approximately 130 fully funded scholarships each year at selected universities across the region.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, accommodation, books, medical insurance, and travel costs. It supports postgraduate study in areas that contribute to economic and social development, including economics, business, science, technology, public policy, and development studies. Application deadlines vary by institution, but prospective applicants are encouraged to apply at least six months before their intended programme start date.
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ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Summary
| Scholarship Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2027 |
| Host Region | Asia |
| Funded By | Government of Japan through the Asian Development Bank |
| Degree Level | Masters |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | Citizens of Eligible ADB Developing Member Countries |
| Number of Awards | Approximately 130 Scholarships Per Year |
| Application Deadline | Varies by Institution |
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About the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program was established in 1988 through a partnership between the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan to strengthen human resource development across Asia and the Pacific.
The programme gives talented professionals from developing member countries the opportunity to earn postgraduate qualifications at leading universities while developing the skills needed to contribute to economic growth and sustainable development in their home countries.
Since its launch, the scholarship has supported thousands of students across multiple disciplines and currently works with 27 designated institutions located in several countries, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong (China), and the United States.
Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after graduation and use the knowledge and experience gained to support national development.
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Fields of Study
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program supports master’s degrees in a wide range of development-related disciplines.
Science and Technology
Eligible fields include:
- Agriculture
- Biological Sciences
- Computer Science
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Forestry
- Genetics
- Health Sciences
Economics, Business and Management
Supported programmes include:
- Economics
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Entrepreneurship
- International Cooperation
- Social Sciences
- E-Business
Development Studies
Examples include:
- Development Studies
- Development Management
- Asia Pacific Studies
Law and Public Policy
Eligible areas include:
- International Business Law
- International Environmental Law
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
- Political Science
- Policy Studies
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Participating Institutions
The scholarship is available at 27 designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific.
Some participating universities include:
Japan
- The University of Tokyo
- Kyoto University
- Kyushu University
- Kobe University
- Nagoya University
- Tohoku University
- Keio University
- Hitotsubashi University
- International University of Japan
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Ritsumeikan University
- University of Tsukuba
- Saitama University
- Nagasaki University
- United Nations University (UNU-IAS)
- Institute of Science Tokyo
Singapore
- National University of Singapore
Philippines
- Asian Institute of Management
- International Rice Research Institute (through the University of the Philippines Los Baños)
Thailand
- Asian Institute of Technology
- Thammasat University
India
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Pakistan
- Lahore University of Management Sciences
Hong Kong (China)
- The University of Hong Kong
United States
- East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
Each institution determines its own admission requirements and application deadlines.
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What the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Covers
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Full tuition fees for the approved master’s programme
- Monthly subsistence allowance
- Housing allowance
- Books and instructional materials allowance
- Medical insurance
- Round-trip airfare between the home country and host institution
- Thesis preparation grant where applicable
- Support for preparatory language or computer courses in approved cases
The scholarship is awarded for one year and may be extended to a second year if the scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance. The maximum funding period for a master’s degree is two years.
Important Note
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program does not provide financial support for spouses, children, or other family members accompanying the scholar.
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027, you must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country
- Not hold dual citizenship in a developed country
- Have secured admission into an approved master’s programme at a designated institution
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with an excellent academic record
- Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after completing your university degree
- Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, except where an approved age waiver applies
- Be in good health
- Agree to return to your home country and work there for at least two years after completing the scholarship
- Not be an Executive Director, Alternate Director, staff member, consultant, or close relative of anyone working for ADB
- Not be employed by an ADB-JSP designated institution
- Not already be living or working outside your home country
- Not already be enrolled in another graduate degree programme
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Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to citizens of eligible ADB developing member countries, including:
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
Additional eligible countries are listed by the Asian Development Bank on the official scholarship website.
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Required Documents
Document requirements may vary slightly by institution, but applicants are generally expected to submit:
- Completed university admission application
- Completed ADB-JSP application form
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of at least two years of professional work experience
- Income tax return or salary certification
- Family income certification
- English language proficiency documents where required
- Passport or identification documents
- Any additional documents requested by the selected institution
Practical Tip
Many partner universities have application deadlines several months before classes begin. Start preparing your documents early, especially employment certificates and income records, as obtaining official copies can take longer than expected.
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How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Choose a Participating Institution
Review the list of designated universities and select an eligible master’s programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Contact the Institution
Visit the university’s admissions website and request information about admission requirements and the ADB-JSP application process.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required admission and scholarship documents before beginning your application.
Step 4: Apply Through the Institution
Submit your admission application directly to the selected university and indicate that you wish to be considered for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program.
Step 5: Institution Evaluation
The university will review applications, assess eligibility, and nominate qualified candidates to the Asian Development Bank.
Step 6: Final Selection
ADB reviews the nominated candidates and recommends award recipients for approval by the Government of Japan.
Step 7: Receive Notification
Successful applicants are informed through their chosen institution and receive official confirmation of their scholarship award.
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Important Information
- There is no separate application submitted directly to ADB.
- All scholarship applications must be made through participating institutions.
- Admission to an eligible master’s programme is required before scholarship consideration.
- Institutions may have different deadlines and additional admission requirements.
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Application Deadline
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program does not have a single application deadline.
Each participating institution sets its own closing date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least six months before their intended programme start date to allow sufficient time for admission and scholarship processing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly living expenses, accommodation support, books, medical insurance, travel costs, and other approved academic expenses.
Can African students apply?
Only citizens of eligible ADB developing member countries can apply. Applicants should confirm that their country appears on the current eligibility list before applying.
Do I apply directly to ADB?
No. Applications are submitted through participating universities, which nominate eligible candidates to ADB.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The programme provides approximately 130 scholarships annually across participating institutions.
Am I required to return to my home country after graduation?
Yes. Scholarship recipients are expected to return to their home country and work there for at least two years after completing their studies.
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Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, requirements, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official scholarship website. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.
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