MastersFully Funded Verified active

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program provides fully-funded master's scholarships for students from ADB developing member countries to study in fields such as economics, science, and public policy at institutions across Asia and the Pacific.

Provider: ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Host country: Philippines
Deadline: Varies — check official site

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, under 35 years old, and hold a bachelor's degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience. They must gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated Institution.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Varies — check official site

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, under 35 years old, and hold a bachelor's degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience. They must gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated Institution.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (2026)

## ADB-Japan Scholarship Program: Cultivating Development Leaders The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP), generously financed by the Government of Japan since 1988, offers an esteemed opportunity for citizens of developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to pursue advanced graduate studies. This initiative aims to foster human resource development and contribute to sustainable socioeconomic progress within the region. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries post-graduation, applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to local development challenges. ## Comprehensive Coverage for Academic Excellence The ADB-Japan Scholarship is a fully-funded program, meticulously designed to alleviate the financial burden on scholars and allow them to focus entirely on their studies. The scholarship package is comprehensive, encompassing: * **Full tuition fees:** Covering all academic costs associated with the chosen master's program. * **Monthly subsistence allowance:** Including provisions for housing and living expenses. * **Books and instructional materials:** Ensuring access to necessary learning resources. * **Medical insurance:** Providing essential health coverage throughout the study period. * **Travel expenses:** Covering costs related to travel to the host institution. Additionally, scholars engaged in research may be eligible for a special grant for thesis preparation. In specific circumstances, expenses for computer literacy, preparatory language, and other similar essential courses may also be covered. ## Eligibility Criteria for Aspiring Scholars To be considered for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, applicants must meet a set of rigorous criteria: * **Citizenship:** Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country. Dual citizenship with any developed country is not permitted. * **Academic Admission:** Secure admission to an approved master's course at one of the program's Designated Institutions. * **Educational Background:** Hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification with a superior academic record. * **Professional Experience:** Possess at least two years of full-time professional working experience, acquired after obtaining their university degree. * **Age Limit:** Not be more than 35 years old at the time of application, though exceptions may be granted with explicit endorsement from the Government of Japan. * **Health and Language:** Be in good health and demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English communication. * **Commitment to Development:** Agree to return and work in their home country for a minimum of two years upon completion of their studies to contribute to national development. * **Exclusions:** Individuals who are Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management, staff, consultants of ADB, or their close relatives, as well as staff of ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Designated Institutions, are not eligible. Applicants should also not be living or working outside their home country or already enrolled in a graduate degree program. ## Fields of Study and Application Process The program supports graduate studies in a diverse range of development-related fields, including: * **Science and Technology:** Agriculture, Biological Science, Computer Science, Energy, Engineering, Environment, Forestry, Genetics, Health. * **Economics, Business and Management:** Accounting, Business Administration/Management, Commerce, E-Business, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance, International Cooperation, Social Sciences. * **Development Studies:** Asia Pacific Studies, Development Management, Development Studies. * **Law and Public Policy:** International Business Law, International Environmental Law, Policy Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy. Prospective applicants should directly contact their chosen partner institution to request information and application forms. Once completed, all required application documents, including the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program information sheet, must be submitted to the partner institution. The institution will then evaluate and shortlist applicants, with final selection of scholars made by ADB based on criteria applied by the Japanese executive director. ## The Value of an ADB-Japan Scholarship Beyond the substantial financial support, the ADB-Japan Scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Scholars gain access to world-class education at leading institutions across Asia and the Pacific, develop specialized skills, and broaden their perspectives through international academic environments. This program cultivates future leaders who are equipped to address complex development challenges, fostering a network of professionals dedicated to advancing their home countries and the wider region.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, under 35 years old, and hold a bachelor's degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience. They must gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated Institution.

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, under 35 years old, and hold a bachelor's degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience. They must gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated Institution.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Varies — check official site. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Varies — check official site
Provider deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Auto-curated from official source (top-tier batch).

Last checked 5/12/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?+

Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, under 35 years old, and hold a bachelor's degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience. They must gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated Institution.

What funding does the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country, under 35 years old, and hold a bachelor's degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience. They must gain admission to an approved master's course at a Designated Institution.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies — check official site. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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