The Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program, often called the ADB-JSP, is one of the most respected fully funded scholarship opportunities in Asia and the Pacific. Since it was introduced in 1988 with financial support from the Government of Japan, the program has helped thousands of students pursue master’s degrees at leading universities across the region.
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Scholars are supported to study subjects that contribute to economic growth, sustainable development, public policy, technology, and innovation before returning home to use their knowledge to improve their communities.
If you are looking for a fully funded master’s scholarship that covers almost every major study expense, the ADB Japan Scholarship Program is an opportunity worth considering.
Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Funded By | Government of Japan |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | ADB Developing Member Countries |
| Study Location | Asia and the Pacific |
| Number of Awards | About 130 Each Year |
| Benefits | Tuition, Living Stipend, Travel, Medical Insurance, Books |
| Application Method | Through a Designated Partner University |
| Deadline | Varies by Institution |
About the Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship Program is funded by the Government of Japan and managed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The scholarship gives qualified students from ADB’s developing member countries the opportunity to study at selected universities across Asia and the Pacific.
The main goal of the scholarship is to develop highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries after graduation.
Instead of remaining abroad permanently, successful scholars are expected to return home after completing their studies and apply the knowledge and skills they gained during their master’s degree. Currently, the scholarship supports studies at 27 designated academic institutions, including 17 universities located in Japan.
Scholarship Benefits
- The scholarship pays the full tuition fees charged by the selected university, allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about education costs.
- Successful applicants receive a monthly allowance to help pay for accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily living expenses throughout their studies.
- The living allowance is designed to help scholars meet their housing costs while studying at their host institution.
- The scholarship also provides financial support for books and other instructional materials needed during the degree program.
- Recipients receive medical insurance to help cover healthcare needs during the scholarship period.
- The program pays for approved travel expenses between the scholar’s home country and the host institution.
Fields of Study
Science and Technology
- Agriculture
- Biological Science
- Computer Science
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environment
- Forestry
- Genetics
- Health
Economics, Business and Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- 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
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to citizens of eligible developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank who want to pursue a master’s degree at one of the designated partner institutions. Applicants must also meet several academic and professional requirements before submitting an application.
Eligibility Requirements
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of an ADB borrowing member country that is eligible for the Japanese Official Development Assistance scholarship program.
Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification with an excellent academic record before applying.
Admission Requirement
You must first obtain admission into an approved master’s program at one of the designated partner institutions before being considered for the scholarship.
Work Experience
Applicants must have at least two years of full time professional work experience after completing their university degree.
English Language Skills
Applicants should have good spoken and written English to successfully complete postgraduate studies.
Age Requirement
Applicants should generally be 35 years old or younger at the time of application. Exceptions may be considered in special cases with approval from the Government of Japan.
Health Status
Applicants must be in good health.
Commitment After Graduation
Successful scholars must agree to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies to contribute to national development.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You are NOT eligible if you:
- Hold dual citizenship with a developed country.
- Already live or work outside your home country.
- Are already enrolled in another graduate degree program.
- Work for the Asian Development Bank.
- Are an Executive Director, consultant, management staff, or close relative of certain ADB officials.
- Work at an ADB Japan Scholarship designated institution.
Eligible Countries
Citizens from the following countries and territories can apply, provided they meet all other requirements.
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- Cook Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Niue
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Viet Nam
Required Documents
- Completed Scholarship Application Form
- Academic Certificates
- Proof of Admission
- Employment Records
- Identification Documents
How to Apply
Step 1
Choose one of the approved partner universities that offers your preferred master’s degree.
Step 2
Request application information and scholarship forms directly from the selected institution.
Step 3
Complete the university admission process and prepare all required scholarship documents.
Step 4
Submit your completed application to the partner institution before its deadline.
Step 5
The university evaluates applications and prepares a shortlist of qualified candidates.
Step 6
The shortlisted candidates are forwarded to the Asian Development Bank for final review and selection.
Step 7
Successful applicants are informed through their selected partner institution.
How Applications Are Selected
Applications are first reviewed by the partner university. Institutions assess applicants based on their academic qualifications, work experience, leadership potential, and suitability for the selected program.
The universities then recommend qualified candidates to the Asian Development Bank, which makes the final scholarship selections based on its established criteria.
Application Deadline: Varies by Institution
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ADB Japan Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, books, medical insurance, and approved travel costs.
Can Nigerian students apply?
No. Nigeria is not listed among the eligible member countries for this scholarship.
Do I need work experience?
Yes. Applicants need at least two years of full time professional work experience after earning their bachelor’s degree.
Is IELTS compulsory?
English proficiency is required, but the exact language requirements depend on the partner university.
Can I apply before receiving admission?
No. Applicants must gain admission into an approved master’s program at a designated institution.
Can I study any course?
No. Only approved development related master’s programs are supported.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
About 130 scholarships are awarded annually.
Is there an age limit?
Applicants are generally expected to be 35 years old or younger, except in special approved cases.
Can I stay abroad after graduation?
No. Scholars are expected to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies.
Can government employees apply?
Yes, provided they satisfy all eligibility requirements and are not excluded under the program’s rules.
Is the scholarship available every year?
Yes. The program is offered annually through participating universities.
Can married applicants apply?
Yes. Marriage does not affect eligibility.
Can I apply to more than one partner institution?
Applicants should follow the application guidelines provided by each designated institution.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
The monthly living allowance helps cover accommodation and other daily expenses.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
Eligibility depends on the admission requirements of the selected institution and the scholarship rules.
How are scholars selected?
Partner universities evaluate applicants before recommending shortlisted candidates to ADB for final selection.
What fields of study are available?
The scholarship supports development related programs in science, technology, economics, business, management, law, public policy, and development studies.
When should I apply?
Application deadlines vary depending on the partner university.
Can I change my university after applying?
Applicants should carefully choose their institution before submitting an application.
Where can I find the list of partner universities?
The complete list is available through the official ADB Japan Scholarship Program website.
