The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 (ADB-JSP) offers fully funded opportunities for students from eligible developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank to pursue graduate studies at selected universities across Asia and the Pacific.
Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank, the program supports Master’s-level study in areas such as economics, business and management, development studies, public policy, science and technology, environment, health, and other development-related fields.
For students from eligible countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, the scholarship can provide tuition fees, living and housing support, medical insurance, books and study materials, and travel expenses.
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027: Quick Overview
- Scholarship: ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
- Academic level: Master’s degree
- Study destination: Asia and the Pacific
- Funding: Fully funded
- Scholarship provider: Government of Japan and Asian Development Bank
- Number of scholarships: About 130 graduate scholarships annually
- Study duration: Up to 2 years
- Eligible countries: Selected developing member countries of ADB
- Age limit: Normally 35 years or younger
- Work experience: At least 2 years of full-time professional experience after completing a university degree
- Application method: Apply through a participating academic institution
- Separate ADB application: Not required
- 2027 deadline: Varies by university and program
What Does the ADB-Japan Scholarship Cover?
The ADB-JSP is designed to cover the major costs of studying abroad. The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly subsistence allowance, including housing
- Books and instructional materials
- Medical insurance
- Travel expenses
- Possible thesis-preparation support for eligible research students
- In certain circumstances, support for preparatory language or computer-literacy courses
The scholarship is normally awarded for one year and may be extended for a second year if the scholar maintains satisfactory academic performance. The maximum scholarship duration for a Master’s program is two years.
The scholarship does not cover expenses for spouses or other dependents.
Who Can Apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship 2027?
The program is intended for qualified citizens of ADB borrowing member countries that are also eligible for Japanese ODA scholarships.
Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of an eligible ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country.
- Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record.
- Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience acquired after completing a university degree.
- Have sufficient English proficiency for graduate-level study.
- Normally be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Be in good health.
- Agree to return to the home country after completing the program and work there for at least two years to contribute to its development.
- Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
- Not be living or working in a country other than the applicant’s home country.
- Not be an ADB executive director, alternate director, management, staff member, consultant, or an ineligible close relative of such a person.
- Not be a staff member of an ADB-JSP participating institution.
Also check: Honjo International Scholarship Foundation Scholarship 2027 in Japan |
What Fields of Study Are Available?
ADB-JSP supports graduate programs connected with economic and social development. Approved fields include areas such as:
- Economics
- Business Administration and Management
- Finance
- Commerce
- Entrepreneurship
- International Cooperation
- Development Studies
- Development Management
- Asia-Pacific Studies
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
- Political Science
- International Business Law
- Environmental studies
- Agriculture
- Health
- Education
- Natural resource management
- Science and technology
- Engineering
- Computer science
However, not every field is available at every participating university. Applicants must select an approved Master’s program at one of the designated institutions.
Where Can You Study Under the ADB-Japan Scholarship?
The ADB-JSP currently supports graduate study at 27 selected academic institutions across Asia and the Pacific, including universities in Japan.
Examples include:
- Hitotsubashi University – Japan
- International University of Japan
- Keio University – Japan
- Kobe University – Japan
- Kyoto University – Japan
- Kyushu University – Japan
- Nagoya University – Japan
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) – Japan
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University – Japan
- Ritsumeikan University – Japan
- University of Tokyo – Japan
- Tohoku University – Japan
- University of Tsukuba – Japan
- Institute of Science Tokyo – Japan
- National University of Singapore
- Asian Institute of Management – Philippines
- Thammasat University – Thailand
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) – Pakistan
- University of Hong Kong
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
- East-West Center, University of Hawaiʻi
The approved programs and application deadlines differ between institutions, so applicants should carefully check the university’s ADB-JSP information before applying.
Does ADB-JSP Have One Application Deadline?
No. There is no single universal ADB-JSP 2027 deadline.
Each participating university sets its own admission and scholarship application schedule. ADB advises applicants to submit their scholarship application to the academic institution at least six months before the planned start of their studies.
For example, a university may have an application deadline in December or January for a September intake, while another institution may follow a different schedule.
Therefore, applicants should first select an eligible university and Master’s program and then check that institution’s specific 2027 admission and ADB-JSP deadline.
Also check: WHO Internship Programme 2026–2027: Guide & Benefits
How to Apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship 2027
The application process is different from scholarships where applicants submit one central application directly to the scholarship provider.
Step 1: Choose a participating university
Scholarship Program: List of Academic Institutions | Asian Development Bank
Review the official ADB-JSP list of participating academic institutions and identify a Master’s program that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Check the university’s admission requirements
Visit the university’s official website and check its Master’s admission requirements, deadlines, English-language requirements, required documents, and ADB-JSP procedures.
Step 3: Request application information
Contact the selected institution and request the relevant admission and scholarship application information.
Step 4: Apply for admission and ADB-JSP consideration
Tell the university that you are applying for admission and want to be considered for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program.
Submit the required university documents together with the ADB-JSP application information sheet and other required materials.
Step 5: University screening
The participating university reviews and ranks eligible applicants according to its own selection procedures and ADB-JSP requirements.
Step 6: ADB selection
The university sends its recommended candidates to the Asian Development Bank. ADB reviews the nominations and recommends scholarship awardees for final approval.
Step 7: Scholarship award
Successful applicants are informed through the participating academic institution and can then proceed with the arrangements for their scholarship and study.
Do You Apply Directly to the Asian Development Bank?
No.
Applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application directly to ADB.
The application is submitted through a participating academic institution. The university screens and nominates candidates, after which ADB conducts its part of the selection process.
This makes choosing the right university particularly important.
What Documents Are Required?
The exact document list depends on the participating institution and program, but applicants may be asked to provide:
- Completed university application form
- ADB-JSP application/information sheet
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Proof of professional work experience
- Proof of English proficiency, where required
- Statement of purpose or study plan
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of income or salary
- Family income certification
- Passport or proof of nationality
- Other documents required by the selected university
Applicants should follow the university’s current application instructions because document requirements can vary.
ADB-JSP Selection Criteria
The scholarship selection considers several factors, including the candidate’s academic qualifications, professional background, proposed field of study, and potential contribution to development in the home country.
ADB also considers the recommendations and ranking submitted by participating institutions.
The program gives consideration to factors such as:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional experience
- Financial circumstances
- Development-related career potential
- Gender and nationality diversity
- Relevance of the proposed field of study to the applicant’s academic and professional background
- Potential to contribute to development after returning home
Applicants should therefore clearly explain how their proposed Master’s degree connects with their previous education, professional experience, and future contribution to their country.
Can You Apply to More Than One University?
Yes. ADB states that applicants may apply to more than one participating institution at the same time.
However, applicants should disclose this information in the ADB-JSP application form and carefully follow each university’s application rules.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program has several important conditions.
First, admission to a participating university does not automatically mean that you will receive the scholarship. Scholarship selection is a separate process involving the university and ADB.
Second, applicants should not assume that every Master’s program at a participating university is eligible. Only approved programs and fields under the ADB-JSP are supported.
Third, the program expects scholars to return to their home country after completing their studies and contribute to its development.
Finally, applicants should begin preparing early because university admission deadlines can be several months before the intended study start date.
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027: Important Dates
There is no single ADB-JSP deadline for all applicants.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| 2027 applications | Depends on participating university |
| University admission deadline | Varies by institution |
| ADB-JSP application deadline | Varies by institution |
| Recommended application timing | At least 6 months before study begins |
| Study period | Generally up to 2 years |
Always confirm the deadline directly with the university offering your selected program.
Also check: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027–2028 in China – Fully Funded Study Opportunity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship covers major study and living expenses, including full tuition, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, books and study materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses.
Is ADB-JSP for Bachelor’s degrees?
No. The program supports graduate studies, primarily Master’s-level programs, rather than undergraduate degrees.
Do I need two years of work experience?
Yes. The general ADB-JSP requirement is at least two years of full-time professional work experience acquired after completing a university degree.
Is IELTS required?
ADB requires sufficient English proficiency, but the exact English-language test and score requirements depend on the participating university and Master’s program.
What is the age limit?
Applicants should normally be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. Exceptional waivers may be possible with the required endorsement from the Government of Japan.
Do I need to apply directly to ADB?
No. You apply through a participating academic institution and request consideration for the ADB-JSP scholarship.
Can I study in Japan?
Yes. Many participating institutions are located in Japan, including universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Kobe University, Nagoya University, Keio University, and others.
Can I apply for a second Master’s degree?
ADB states that the program will, in principle, not support applicants pursuing a second Master’s degree.
Does the scholarship cover my family?
No. ADB-JSP does not provide funding for spouses or other dependents.
Final Advice for Applicants
The most important step for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 is to choose an eligible Master’s program and university early.
Instead of waiting for a general scholarship opening, applicants should review the participating universities, identify programs that match their academic and professional background, and then follow the university’s admission and ADB-JSP instructions.
For applicants from countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan who already have a Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience, the program can provide a pathway to fully funded graduate study in Japan and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Official ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
For the latest eligible-country list, participating universities, approved fields, application procedures, and program requirements, applicants should use the official Asian Development Bank sources.
