ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) provides graduate study opportunities for qualified citizens of eligible developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program is financed by the Government of Japan and supports master’s-level study in areas related to economic and social development.

For eligible applicants, including Afghan citizens, the scholarship can provide full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance including housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses.

Unlike scholarships with one central annual deadline, ADB-JSP applications are submitted through participating academic institutions, and the deadline depends on the university and program. ADB advises applicants to apply at least six months before the planned start of studies.

If you are looking for a master’s opportunity connected to development, economics, business, technology, environment, public policy, health, or related fields, this program may be worth considering.

Opportunity Overview

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
Funding Country	Japan
Program Provider	Asian Development Bank
Study Level	Master’s / Graduate Study
Eligible Applicants	Citizens of eligible ADB borrowing member countries and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible countries
Fields	Economics, business, science and technology, development studies, law, public policy and related areas
Funding Type	Fully funded scholarship package
Tuition	Covered
Living Allowance	Provided, including housing
Books & Materials	Covered
Medical Insurance	Covered
Travel	Covered
Deadline	Varies by participating institution and program

The ADB-JSP currently works with designated academic institutions across Asia and the Pacific. ADB’s latest August 2026 brochure describes the program as operating at selected institutions across the region, including institutions in Japan.

What Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program was established in 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan. Its purpose is to give qualified citizens from developing ADB member countries an opportunity to pursue graduate education in fields that can contribute to economic and social development in their home countries.

The program is not a scholarship that applicants submit directly to ADB through one general online application. Instead, applicants normally choose an eligible participating institution, apply for admission and indicate that they wish to be considered for the ADB-JSP scholarship.

After the institution evaluates and ranks eligible candidates, it submits its recommendations to ADB for the final selection process.

Who Is This Scholarship For?

The program is particularly relevant to applicants who:

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
• Have professional work experience after graduation.
• Want to pursue a master’s degree.
• Are citizens of an eligible developing ADB member country.
• Plan to use their education to contribute to development in their home country.
• Meet the admission requirements of a participating institution.

Afghanistan is explicitly included among the eligible countries listed by ADB.

Benefits and Funding

The ADB-JSP provides a comprehensive scholarship package.

1. Full Tuition Fees

The scholarship covers the tuition fees associated with the approved master’s program.

2. Monthly Subsistence Allowance

Scholars receive a monthly subsistence allowance that includes housing support.

3. Books and Instructional Materials

The scholarship provides support for books and other instructional materials required for study.

4. Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is included in the scholarship package.

5. Travel Expenses

The program provides travel support for eligible scholars.

6. Additional Support

For scholars conducting research, a special grant may be available for thesis preparation. In certain circumstances, support may also be available for computer literacy, preparatory language training and similar courses.

Important: The exact implementation of benefits can depend on the scholarship rules, institution and individual circumstances. Applicants should check the current information provided by their selected institution before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements.

Citizenship

You must be a citizen of an eligible ADB borrowing member country and a Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country.

Afghanistan is included in ADB’s current list of eligible countries.

Other listed countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam and other eligible economies in the region.

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a strong academic record.

Professional Experience

Applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional work experience acquired after obtaining a university degree at the time of application.

This is an important requirement for recent bachelor’s graduates because university study alone does not replace the required professional experience.

English Proficiency

Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English to successfully pursue their graduate studies.

The exact English-language evidence required can depend on the selected university and program. Therefore, applicants should check the admission requirements of their chosen institution.

Age Requirement

Applicants should normally be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.

In exceptional circumstances, the age limit may be waived with the expressed endorsement of the Government of Japan.

Return to Home Country

Successful scholars must agree to return to their home country after completing their studies and work there for at least two years under the program in order to contribute to national development.

Other Conditions

Applicants must also:

• Be in good health.
• Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
• Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
• Not be living or working in a country other than their home country.
• Not be staff members of the ADB-JSP designated institutions.
• Not be ADB Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management, staff or consultants, or qualifying close relatives of those individuals.

Eligible Fields of Study

The ADB-JSP supports graduate studies in a range of fields connected to economic and social development.

Examples include:

Science and Technology

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Biological Science
• Energy
• Environment
• Forestry
• Genetics
• Health

Economics, Business and Management

• Economics
• Finance
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Management
• Commerce
• Entrepreneurship
• E-Business
• International Cooperation
• Social Sciences

Development Studies

• Development Studies
• Development Management
• Asia Pacific Studies

Law and Public Policy

• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Policy Studies
• International Business Law
• International Environmental Law

The exact programs available depend on the participating institution. Applicants should therefore confirm that their intended master’s program appears on the ADB-JSP list for the institution they want to attend.

Participating Universities and Institutions

ADB-JSP is offered through designated academic institutions rather than one central university.

Participating institutions include universities and graduate schools in countries such as Japan, India, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States, among others.

Examples of participating institutions in Japan include:

• Hitotsubashi University
• International University of Japan
• Keio University
• Kobe University
• Kyoto University
• Kyushu University
• Nagoya University
• National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
• Tohoku University
• The University of Tokyo
• University of Tsukuba
• Nagasaki University

The list and approved programs can change, so applicants should consult the current ADB list before choosing a university. ADB reported new partnership agreements with Nagasaki University and Tohoku University in 2025.

Required Documents

The exact documents depend on the selected university, but applicants should be prepared to provide documents such as:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Evidence of professional work experience
• English-language evidence where required by the institution
• University application form
• ADB-JSP application sheet
• Personal or academic statements required by the university
• Identification/passport documents
• Income tax return or certification of annual/monthly salary, where applicable
• Certification of family income

ADB’s application procedures specifically state that applicants should submit their latest income tax return or available salary certification and a certification of family income.

Practical advice: Prepare academic transcripts, employment certificates, passport documents and financial documents early. Some university deadlines can arrive several months before the intended intake.

How to Apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship

The application process is different from many centralized scholarship programs.

Step 1: Choose a Participating Institution

Start by reviewing the official ADB list of designated academic institutions and identify universities offering a master’s program relevant to your academic and career goals.

Check:

• Approved field of study
• Degree program
• Admission requirements
• Intake period
• University deadline
• ADB-JSP requirements

ADB provides the current list of participating institutions and their application deadlines.

Step 2: Request Information and Application Forms

Contact the selected academic institution and obtain its admission information and application forms.

ADB encourages applicants to review university websites, handbooks and available information sessions before deciding on an institution and course.

Step 3: Apply for Admission and ADB-JSP

Tell the institution that you are applying for admission and would like to be considered for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program.

Submit the university’s required documents together with the ADB-JSP application materials.

Step 4: Submit Complete and Accurate Documents

Make sure every document is complete and accurate.

ADB warns that inaccurate or false information can result in an application not being processed or, in some circumstances, termination of an award.

Step 5: University Evaluation

The participating academic institution screens and ranks applicants using its own selection process while considering ADB-JSP eligibility and selection requirements.

The institution may contact applicants if additional information is needed.

Step 6: Final Selection

The academic institution submits its ranked candidates to ADB. ADB then conducts the final scholarship selection process.

Application Deadline

There is no single ADB-JSP deadline that applies to every university.

ADB states that applicants should submit scholarship applications at least six months before the planned start of their studies. Applicants must also follow the specific deadline established by their selected participating institution.

For example, the official ADB institution list currently shows different deadlines for different programs, including deadlines in January, April, June, November, December and other months.

Therefore, do not use one general date as the ADB-JSP deadline. Check the deadline of your chosen university and intake.

Can Afghan Students Apply?

Yes.

Afghanistan is explicitly included in the citizenship list published on the official ADB-Japan Scholarship Program page.

However, Afghan applicants must still meet all other eligibility requirements, including the academic, professional experience, age, English proficiency, health and residence requirements.

Being an Afghan citizen alone does not guarantee eligibility or selection.

Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Fully Funded?

The scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package that includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly subsistence allowance, including housing
• Books and instructional materials
• Medical insurance
• Travel expenses

Additional support may be available for certain thesis preparation, preparatory language or similar courses in special circumstances.

For this reason, the program can reasonably be described as a fully funded scholarship package, although applicants should always review the current conditions and coverage applicable to their institution and program.

Important Tips for Applicants

Choose the University Before Preparing the Application

The ADB-JSP process is institution-based. Do not start with the assumption that there is one universal ADB application portal.

Check the Master’s Program Carefully

A university may participate in ADB-JSP while only specific master’s programs are approved. Confirm your exact program on the official ADB institution list.

Start Early

Because ADB recommends applying at least six months before the planned study start date, waiting until the final weeks can create unnecessary problems.

Prepare Work Experience Evidence

The two-year professional experience requirement is important. Make sure your employment documents clearly establish your relevant work history after your university degree.

Check English Requirements Separately

ADB requires sufficient English proficiency, but the university may have its own requirements concerning IELTS, TOEFL or other evidence. Always check the selected institution’s current admission rules.

Verify Financial Documents

ADB specifically mentions salary/income documentation and family income certification in its application procedures. Prepare these documents before the university deadline.

Do Not Wait for a General ADB Deadline

Your university’s deadline is the critical date for your application. ADB’s official institution list should be checked for the relevant intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship fully funded?

The ADB-JSP provides full tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance including housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance and travel expenses.

Can Afghan students apply for the ADB-JSP?

Yes. Afghanistan is listed by ADB among the eligible countries and areas. Applicants must also satisfy all other program requirements.

What degree level does the ADB-JSP support?

The program supports graduate study, primarily master’s-level programs at designated academic institutions.

Do I need work experience?

Yes. Applicants generally need at least two years of full-time professional work experience acquired after a university degree at the time of application.

Is there one application deadline for all ADB-JSP applicants?

No. Deadlines differ by participating institution and academic program. ADB advises applicants to submit applications at least six months before the planned study start date.

Is IELTS required?

ADB requires applicants to have sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English. The exact proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or another accepted test, depends on the requirements of the selected university and program.

Can I apply to more than one participating institution?

Yes. ADB’s FAQ states that applicants may apply to more than one participating institution simultaneously, but they should mention this in the application form.

Do I apply directly to ADB?

The normal process begins with the participating academic institution. Applicants request information and forms from their chosen institution, apply for admission and indicate that they want to be considered for ADB-JSP. The institution evaluates and ranks candidates before recommendations are submitted to ADB.

Final Thoughts

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program is a strong graduate scholarship opportunity for eligible citizens of developing ADB member countries, including Afghanistan. It is particularly relevant to applicants interested in development-related fields such as economics, business, computer science, engineering, environmental studies, public policy, health and related disciplines.

The most important point to remember is that ADB-JSP does not have one universal application deadline. You first need to identify an approved master’s program at a designated institution and then follow that institution’s admission and scholarship deadline.

Applicants should begin early, verify their eligibility, prepare their academic and professional documents, and carefully follow both the university’s requirements and ADB-JSP rules.

For more scholarship opportunities, applicants can explore the [scholarship opportunities available on Global Scholarships Hub] or browse opportunities by country.

Official Application

Applicants should begin with the official ADB-Japan Scholarship Program information and the current list of participating academic institutions:

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program — Official ADB Page

ADB-JSP Participating Academic Institutions

Applicants should then follow the application procedure of their chosen participating institution.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

1. Asian Development Bank — ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
2. ADB-JSP — List of Academic Institutions
3. ADB-JSP — Procedures for Applying
4. ADB-JSP — Frequently Asked Questions
5. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Brochure — August 2026