Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes1 Feb, 2026

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Government of Japan. The scholarship covers full tuition for the two-year MSc program. Scholars receive a monthly subsistence allowance, including housing support. Additional allowances cover educational materials and insurance. The scholarship also provides economy-class airfare to and from Tokyo, Japan. These benefits remove financial barriers and allow scholars to focus fully on their studies and research.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Sustainability

GPA / Grade

GPA 2.8

Languages

IELTS 7, TOEFL iBT 100

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

JPY 130,000/month

Travel Allowance

JPY 260,000

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountJPY 130,000/month
Deadline1 Feb, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionUnited Nations University
CountryJapan
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the Government of Japan. It supports outstanding graduate students from developing member countries. The scholarship enables students to pursue development-focused studies that contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. At UNU‑IAS, ADB–JSP provides a limited number of awards to students admitted to the MSc in Sustainability program.

Background and Purpose

ADB–JSP aims to develop future leaders who can drive sustainable development in the Asia‑Pacific region. The program targets candidates with strong academic records, professional work experience, and leadership potential. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries and apply their skills to national development. By combining education and practical impact, the scholarship promotes capacity building, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth.

Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program Benefits

The scholarship covers full tuition for the two-year MSc program. Scholars receive a monthly subsistence allowance, including housing support. Additional allowances cover educational materials and insurance. The scholarship also provides economy-class airfare to and from Tokyo, Japan. These benefits remove financial barriers and allow scholars to focus fully on their studies and research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be admitted to the UNU‑IAS MSc in Sustainability program. They must be nationals of ADB developing member countries. Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence, professional experience, and leadership potential. The scholarship favors applicants who plan to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries after graduation.

Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program Application Process

There is no separate initial application for ADB–JSP. Eligible students apply after receiving admission to the MSc program. Applicants submit additional materials, including educational records, proof of professional experience, and financial documentation. UNU‑IAS and ADB review candidates, and final selection is competitive.

Opportunities for Scholars

ADB–JSP scholars gain full financial support and international recognition. They participate in UNU‑IAS academic activities and engage in research projects. Scholars develop professional skills, leadership capacity, and networks. The program prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development in their home countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be nationals of an ADB borrowing member and Japanese ODA‑eligible country with a bachelor’s degree, superior academic record, and at least two years of full‑time professional work experience.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, applicants must generally be under 35 years old, though exceptions may be possible in specific cases

Must I return to my home country after graduation?

Yes, scholars must agree to return and work in their home country for at least two years after completing studies.

Is there a separate scholarship application?

No, consideration for ADB–JSP is part of the UNU‑IAS MSc admissions process for eligible candidates.

Are current graduate students eligible?

No, applicants must not be already enrolled in another graduate degree program to qualify.