ADB - Japan Scholarship for Developing Countries: Postgraduate Profile & Application Guide
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)01 Oct 2025, 16:40 Z
TL;DR
The ADB - Japan Scholarship finances masters study for citizens of ADB borrowing members. Secure admission to a participating programme, prove your development impact, and organise documents early because the fund supports only approved universities.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Annual intake; partner universities publish their own deadlines (last checked 2025-10-03)
- Official Listing: ADB Japan Scholarship Program
- Who It Targets: Postgraduate applicants from ADB borrowing member countries pursuing economics, business, management, science, or technology
- Eligibility: Non-Singapore citizens (other nationals) with confirmed admission to an approved participating university
- Tenable Institutions: Participating universities across Asia and the Pacific as listed in the ADB-JSP partner directory
- Bond: No formal bond, but scholars typically return to contribute to their home country's development agenda
Award Components
- Full tuition fees at an approved partner university
- Monthly living allowance calibrated to the local cost of living
- Support for study materials and medical insurance
- Round-trip travel between home country and host university
- One-time research or thesis allowance to close the programme
Eligibility Highlights
- Must hold citizenship in an ADB borrowing member country and reside there at the time of application.
- Possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record and at least two years of professional experience.
- Be no older than 35 years when applying (some programmes extend to 45 for senior roles; confirm with the host university).
- Have secured admission to an eligible masters programme before seeking scholarship endorsement.
- Commit to returning home after studies to contribute to social or economic development.
Application Roadmap
- Study the latest ADB - JSP partner list and shortlist programmes aligned with your development theme.
- Prepare admission materials (CV, academic transcripts, referees, research intent) and apply directly to the participating university.
- Once you receive a conditional offer, complete the ADB - JSP scholarship application provided by the partner institution.
- Gather supporting documents: proof of citizenship, income statements, employment verification, and a statement of purpose highlighting development impact.
- Submit both admission and scholarship forms before the host university's deadline; timelines differ by partner, so double-check.
- Track application status through the university; if selected, coordinate visa, travel, and pre-departure briefings under ADB guidelines.
Preparation Playbook
- Anchor your study plan around your country's priority sectors (e.g., infrastructure, climate resilience, inclusive finance).
- Engage employers or government agencies for endorsement letters that demonstrate post-study deployment.
- Map cost-of-living scenarios to complement the allowance and plan contingency funds for dependants (if allowed).
- Refresh quantitative, research, or language skills required by your target masters programme before departure.
- Develop a re-entry roadmap outlining how you will apply programme learnings within 1-2 years of graduation.
