ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Fully funded graduate scholarships offered annually by the Asian Development Bank and financed by the Government of Japan for citizens of ADB borrowing member countries to pursue master's degrees in designated educational institutions across Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.
Quick Facts
Status
Funding
Fully FundedDeadline
Varies by partner institution, ranging from November through April of the preceding year.
Country
JapanAll Japan guidesEvery Japan scholarship in one place→About the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan, the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) provides approximately 130 to 135 graduate scholarships each year. The program gives citizens from developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank the opportunity to pursue master's level studies in economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-related fields.
Scholars undertake their studies at 27 selected partner educational institutions located across 9 countries and regions within Asia and the Pacific, including 17 institutions in Japan, as well as universities in Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Upon completing their academic programs, recipients are bound to return to their home countries to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills toward promoting socioeconomic development.
The scholarship covers all major financial requirements for the duration of the program, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their academic and professional development without financial strain. Eligible fields span a wide range of disciplines, including agriculture, computer science, engineering, environmental studies, business administration, economics, international law, public policy, and public administration.
Applicants must coordinate directly with their chosen partner institution to secure admission and apply for the scholarship simultaneously. General eligibility requires a relevant bachelor's degree with a superior academic record, at least two years of full-time professional working experience acquired after graduation, proficiency in English, and an age limit of 35 years or younger at the time of application.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Provides complete financial backing covering tuition, living expenses, medical insurance, and travel costs.
Offers access to 27 prestigious universities located across 9 countries in Asia, the Pacific, and the United States.
Connects recipients with an established alumni network through the Japan-ADB Scholars Alumni Association.
Builds specialized expertise in critical development fields such as economics, engineering, public policy, and environmental management.
Facilitates direct professional re-entry into home country development sectors through a mandatory return policy.
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Japan
The scholarship supports studies across multiple countries, with the largest concentration of partner institutions located in Japan.
Eligibility Requirements
13 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Review the list of 27 designated partner academic institutions and select a preferred university and approved field of study.
Request information and application forms directly from the chosen partner institution.
Complete the university's admission application along with the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program information sheet and required supporting documents.
Submit the complete application package directly to the partner institution by their specified deadline.
Wait for the partner institution to evaluate, assess, and shortlist applicants.
The ADB makes the final selection of scholars based on selection criteria applied by the Japanese executive director.
Application Timeline
Varies by institution (November to April)
University Application and Scholarship Request
Applicants apply directly to the designated partner institution for admission and request the scholarship.
Following university deadlines
Institution Shortlisting
Partner institutions assess applications and shortlist candidates based on academic and professional merit.
Prior to intake term
Final ADB Selection
ADB selects final scholars based on recommendations and criteria applied by the Japanese executive director.
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Check the specific application deadlines for your chosen university early, as deadlines vary widely from November to April depending on the institution.
Ensure you meet the strict two-year post-degree professional work experience requirement before submitting your application.
Apply for university admission and the ADB-Japan Scholarship simultaneously through the specific partner institution's admissions office.
Target study programs that directly align with the development needs of your home country to strengthen your candidacy.
Prepare certified English translations for all academic transcripts and documents if they are not originally issued in English.
Verify whether your chosen department at the partner university actively participates in the scholarship program, as some departments exclude master's applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions - click any to expand
Yes, Pakistan is listed as an eligible ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country for this program.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance including housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses.
Yes, applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional working experience acquired after completing their university degree at the time of application.
You must apply directly to one of the 27 designated partner academic institutions for admission into an approved master's program and submit the ADB-Japan Scholarship information sheet along with your application.
Applicants must not be more than 35 years old at the time of application, unless an exception is granted with the endorsement of the Government of Japan.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around Varies by partner institution. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
More Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Japan · Government of Japan - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Fully funded scholarship by the Government of Japan (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) for international students - including Pakistani applicants - to pursue Master's, PhD, and Research degrees at top Japanese universities. Two application pathways: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation. Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and preparatory Japanese language training.
📅Deadline: Embassy Recommendation: 26 May 2026 | Univ…
JICA Development Studies Program (DSP)
Japan · Japan International Cooperation Agency
Funds Master's and PhD study in Japan for government and public-sector professionals from partner countries, applied for through your own government's nomination process rather than a general open application.
📅Deadline: Country-specific - check your local JICA o…
JDS Scholarship (Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development)
Japan · JICA/JICE, in partnership with home governments
Funds a two-year Master's in Japan for current government employees, with a set number of seats allocated per partner country each year. Restricted to public-sector employees nominated by their own ministry.
📅Deadline: Country-specific, typically a call between…
Reopens: Varies by partner institution