Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) 2026. Established in 1988 with funding from the Government of Japan, the programme provides fully funded Master's scholarships to outstanding citizens of developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The scholarship enables qualified professionals to pursue postgraduate studies in development-related fields at participating universities across Asia and the Pacific. In addition to financial support, scholars gain access to leadership development opportunities, academic enrichment programmes, and international networks that prepare them to contribute to the socioeconomic development of their home countries after graduation.

About the Scholarship

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program was created to strengthen human resource capacity across Asia and the Pacific by supporting talented professionals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to national development.

Each year, the programme awards scholarships at selected universities offering approved Master's programmes in areas such as economics, business, management, science and technology, public policy, agriculture, environmental studies, education, and other development-related disciplines.

Upon completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to support sustainable development.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition and mandatory university fees.
• Monthly living and housing allowance.
• Round-trip economy-class airfare between the scholar's home country and the host institution.
• Health and medical insurance.
• Allowance for books and instructional materials.
• Research support where applicable.
• Visa support where required by the participating institution.
• Access to leadership development and professional networking opportunities offered by participating institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen and current resident of an ADB developing member country.
• Have gained admission to an approved Master's programme at a participating institution.
• Hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with an excellent academic record.
• Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience acquired after completing a university degree.
• Be proficient in English.
• Be in good health.
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application, unless an exception is approved by the Government of Japan.
• Agree to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies to contribute to national development.

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
• Are already enrolled in a graduate degree programme.
• Are employees of ADB or close relatives of ADB staff.
• Are applying for a second Master's degree under the programme.

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship supports Master's programmes in approved development-related fields, including:

• Economics.
• Business and Management.
• Public Administration.
• Public Policy.
• Science and Technology.
• Engineering.
• Agriculture.
• Environmental Studies.
• Health.
• Education.
• Natural Resource Management.
• International Development.
• Other approved development-related disciplines offered by participating institutions.

Eligible Countries

Applications are open to citizens of eligible ADB developing member countries across Asia and the Pacific.

These include countries such as:

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia
• Fiji
• India
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Lao PDR
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Viet Nam

Additional eligible countries are listed by the Asian Development Bank on its official scholarship website.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed university admission application.
• ADB–JSP application form (where required).
• Bachelor's degree certificate.
• Academic transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• English language proficiency test results.
• Employment certificate confirming at least two years of professional work experience.
• Income or salary documentation as required by the participating institution.
• Passport or proof of citizenship.
• Any additional documents requested by the selected university.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Professional experience.
• Leadership potential.
• Relevance of the proposed field of study to national development.
• Financial need.
• Commitment to returning to the applicant's home country after graduation.
• Recommendations submitted by participating academic institutions.

Preference may be given to women applicants and candidates with limited financial resources.

How to Apply

To apply for the scholarship:

1. Choose an eligible Master's programme at a participating ADB–JSP institution.
2. Apply for admission directly to the selected university.
3. Indicate that you wish to be considered for the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program.
4. Complete and submit all required scholarship documents together with your university application.
5. Submit your application before the deadline set by the participating institution.

There is no separate application to the Asian Development Bank. Participating universities evaluate applications, nominate qualified candidates, and forward their recommendations to ADB for final selection.