2026 Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP)
- Omran Aburayya
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re a passionate and ambitious graduate from an ADB borrowing member country seeking a fully funded international postgraduate opportunity—good news! The ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP) 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious master's scholarship invites proposals in development-related fields and offers comprehensive funding to help you study in top institutions across Asia and the Pacific.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
Location: Asia and the Pacific
Host Institutions: Selected universities in nine ADB-designated countries
Study Level: Master’s degree
Target Group: Nationals of ADB borrowing member countries committed to contributing to their home country’s development
Fields of Study: Economics, business & management, science & technology, environment, public policy, agriculture, and other development-related areas
Award Coverage:
Full tuition fees
Monthly subsistence allowance (including housing)
Books and instructional materials
Medical insurance
Travel expenses (round-trip airfare)
Additional grants for thesis preparation or language/computer preparatory courses in special cases
Award Duration: Typically one year, extendable into a second year based on academic performance
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country (see full list in the eligible countries section below)
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
At least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after graduation
Age limit: Generally under 35 years at application (Japan GSFS may have similar rules)
Proficiency in English: Minimum TOEFL (550 PBT / 79 iBT), IELTS (6.0), or Duolingo (110) within last two years
Financial constraints: Family income ≤ US $50,000/year; individual income ≤ US $25,000/year
Must not be living or working outside home country at application time
Not enrolled in any other graduate programme, not ADB staff or related, and commit to returning home to work for at least 2 years post-study
📚 Participating Universities
Some of the designated institutions accepting ADB-JSP scholars include:
Nagoya University, Graduate School of International Development (GSID), Japan – program begins April 2026, applications June 1–16, 2025
Kyoto University, Graduate School of Agriculture (“Special Course in Agricultural Sciences”) – enrollment from April 2026, application window July 22 – August 5, 2025
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan – applicants may apply for September 2026 intake, with internal application deadlines around November 12, 2025 or January 9, 2026
Tokyo Institute of Technology, various master’s programs in Japan, with stipend of JPY 147,000/month plus allowances
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand – programs in sustainable development, environmental engineering, business, data science, climate change, etc.
Other examples cited include University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, NUS, University of Auckland, IIT Delhi, etc.
Note: Each university sets its own internal deadlines and procedures. Always check the institution’s admissions webpage and coordinate the ADB-JSP application as part of your university application.
🌍 Eligible Countries
ADB borrowing member countries include (among others):
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, 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, Vietnam
📝 Application Overview & Procedure
Research and select one or more participating universities and programs that match your interests.
Request the application form and indicate your interest in being considered for ADB-JSP.
Submit your university application along with the ADB-JSP information sheet and required documents (e.g., transcripts, proof of work experience, English scores, certificates).
University reviews and shortlists applicants, then nominates candidates to ADB.
ADB conducts final review, recommends awardees to Japan’s Executive Director, who gives formal approval.
Outcome is communicated via the academic institution.
No separate ADB application is needed—only through nominated institutions .
ℹ️ Important: Submit your institutional application at least six months before your intended program start date, and wait for confirmation before making any employment or life changes .
📂 Resources
Download the ADB-JSP program brochure here
FAQs
1. Does ADB-JSP support PhD studies?
No, the scholarship is limited to master's level programmes only .
2. Is there any age limit?
Yes, the usual limit is under 35 years at application. Some exceptions may require endorsement .
3. Are family members or dependents covered?
No, the scholarship covers only the scholar—not dependents .
4. Must I return to my home country after studies?
Yes, you must commit to returning and working in your home country for at least two years after completion .
5. What if I’m already abroad?
If you're currently living or working outside your home country, you are ineligible to apply .
6. Can I apply through multiple universities?
Yes, you may apply to multiple institutions. Each institution will assess your suitability and the nominated candidates will be forwarded to ADB.
7. Where and when can I apply?
Check the specific institution's call:
Nagoya Uni (GSID): June 1–16, 2025
Kyoto Uni (GSA): July 22 – August 5, 2025
APU: deadlines around November 12, 2025 or January 9, 2026
8. What documents are required?
Typical documents include:
University application form
Transcripts & diploma
Employment certificate(s)
Family income proof
English language test score
CV
Research proposal or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation .
9. What funding does the scholarship provide?
Covers tuition, living allowance (incl. housing), books, insurance, airfare; some institutions provide additional support such as thesis allowance or preparatory courses .
