Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) 2026–2027 intake
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
If you are a young government official from Asia or the Pacific aspiring to build expertise in macroeconomic policy and contribute to your country’s development, applications are now open for the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) 2026–2027 intake. Established in 1993, funded by the Government of Japan, and administered by the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, JISPA equips junior officials with advanced policy tools and knowledge by supporting graduate-level study in Japan. With over 1,000 alumni now serving as senior policymakers, JISPA is more than a scholarship—it’s a gateway to becoming a leader in economic governance. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 JISPA Scholarship Summary
Location: Japan
Host Institutions: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Hitotsubashi University, International University of Japan (IUJ), University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
Study Level: Master’s and Ph.D. Tracks
Target Group: Junior government officials from eligible Asian and Pacific countries
Fields of Study: Macroeconomic policy, public policy, public economics, finance, and development-related fields
Value & Coverage: Full tuition, admission fees, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, pre-arrival allowance, orientation fees, insurance, dormitory support, and field trip expenses (Ph.D. scholars also receive research-related support)
Duration: 1–2 years for Master’s programs; variable for Ph.D. studies
Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 (reference letters due November 1, 2025)
Start Date: Orientation Program from July 2026, classes begin September–October 2026 depending on the university
Eligible To: Nationals of 21 Asian and Pacific countries (see list below)
📚 Tracks of Study
Master’s Track (Flagship Program) – Scholars enroll in specially designed economics or public policy programs at one of four partner universities:
GRIPS: Macroeconomic Policy Program (1-year or 2-year) – Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Economics, or Master of Arts in Public Economics.
Hitotsubashi University: Asian Public Policy Program – 2-year Master of Public Policy (Public Economics).
IUJ: Macroeconomic Policy Program – 2-year Master of Arts in Economics.
UTokyo: Master of Public Policy, International Program (MPP/IP) – 2-year Master of Public Policy (Economic Policy, Finance, and Development stream).
Ph.D. Track – A smaller track supporting junior officials admitted to doctoral programs at any leading Japanese university. Applicants must secure admission independently.
🌍 Orientation Program (Mandatory for Master’s Scholars)
Held from mid-July to mid-September 2026 before academic studies.
Covers academic English, mathematics, introductory economics, econometrics, Japanese language, and cross-cultural lectures.
Includes IMF-led seminars and cultural field trips.
🧭 Activities for JISPA Scholars
Networking receptions with IMF staff, Japanese policymakers, and embassies.
Policy dialogues and townhall meetings with IMF Management.
Summer workshops, thesis presentations, and regional policy seminars.
Annual field trips to Japanese industries, government offices, and cultural sites.
🎓 Alumni Engagement
Over 1,000 alumni serve in leadership roles across Asia.
Continuing Education (CE) courses in Japan for mid-career alumni.
Alumni networking platforms and regional gatherings to foster collaboration.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition and admission fees
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Round-trip airfare (economy)
Pre-arrival allowance (visa fees, medical exams)
Insurance package and assistance with dormitory housing
Field trips and cultural immersion activities
Research-related expenses (for Ph.D. Track)
Note: Expenses for accompanying family members are not covered.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be nationals of one of the following: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pacific Island Countries, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
Be employed and nominated by their government agency, typically in a:
Central bank, Ministry of Finance, Economy, Trade/Commerce, Planning/Development, National Statistics Bureau, Tax Administration, or Financial Regulatory Agency.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s Track) or a Master’s degree (Ph.D. Track).
Be fluent in English (TOEFL iBT 79–80 / IELTS 6.0 or equivalent; some country exemptions apply).
Demonstrate a commitment to return to their agency and contribute to national development.
💡 Priority candidates:
Under 36 years of age
With at least 2 years of public sector experience
Who have not obtained a Master’s degree abroad
📝 Application Procedure
Online Application Form (available from August 2025 on IMF JISPA site)
Nomination & Certification Form from the applicant’s agency (mandatory) - Download here
Statement of Purpose & Research Proposal
Official Transcripts & Certified Copies of Degrees
Two Reference Letters (submission deadline: November 1, 2025)
TOEFL/IELTS certificate (if applicable)
📂 Application Resources
📆 Selection Process Timeline
October 20, 2025: Application deadline
December 2025: Math test for eligible candidates
Jan–Feb 2026: Interviews with shortlisted applicants
March 2026: Notification of results and final selection
July 2026: Orientation Program begins in Japan
Sept–Oct 2026: Start of Master’s/Ph.D. programs (depending on university)
👀 Why Apply for JISPA?
Tailored graduate training in economics & policy at Japan’s top universities.
Exclusive access to IMF expertise and Japanese policymakers.
A vibrant, close-knit community of future economic leaders.
Over 30 years of proven success in nurturing Asia’s senior policymakers.
