Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program

Applications are now open for the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program, a prestigious fully-funded scholarship designed for graduate students from developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank. This program is exclusively available to citizens of eligible ADB member countries and offers comprehensive financial support for Master’s degree studies across multiple disciplines.

There is no application fee required to apply. The scholarship covers all expenses including tuition, living costs, books, materials, and travel, making it an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking advanced education while maintaining a commitment to their home country’s development. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Host Country: Multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific (27 institutions total, including 17 in Japan)
• Program Duration: Typically 2 years (Master’s program)
• Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted to your chosen partner institution by their specified deadline
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Application Fee: No application fee required
• Open to All Nationalities: No, restricted to citizens of eligible ADB borrowing member countries

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Full coverage of all tuition fees at your designated institution
• Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses
• Complete coverage of books and instructional materials
• Full medical insurance protection during your studies
• Coverage of all travel expenses to and from Japan
• Special thesis grants for scholars engaged in research activities
• Coverage for preparatory language courses and computer literacy training (where applicable)
• Access to world-class educational facilities and resources at partner institutions
• Opportunity to build an international professional network
• Professional development through quality education from leading Asian and Pacific institutions
• Pathway to leadership roles in your home country’s development sector upon return

Eligibility Requirements:

General Requirements

• Be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country
• Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
• Have gained admission to an approved master’s course at a Designated Institution
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a superior academic record
• Have at least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience (acquired after your university degree) at the time of application
• Have proficiency in oral and written English communication skills
• Not be more than 35 years old at the time of application (unless waived in exceptional cases with the expressed endorsement of the Government of Japan)
• Be in good health
• Agree to return and work in your home country for at least two (2) years after completing your studies
• Not be an Executive Director, Alternate Director, management staff, consultant of ADB, or close relatives (spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or step-relations)
• Not be a staff member of ADB–Japan Scholarship Program Designated Institutions
• Not be living or working in a country other than your home country
• Not be already enrolled in graduate degree programs

Eligible Countries

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia
• Cook Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• Georgia
• India
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Kiribati
• Kyrgyz Republic
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Niue
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Sri Lanka
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Viet Nam

Programs and Fields Available:

Science and Technology

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

Economics, Business and Management

Development Studies

• Asia Pacific Studies
• Development Management
• Development Studies

Law and Public Policy

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

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
• Step 2: Identify Your Field and Preferred Institution
• Step 3: Request Application Materials
• Step 4: Secure University Admission
• Step 5: Receive Scholarship Application Instructions
• Step 6: University Nomination and ADB Selection
• Step 7: Prepare for Enrollment
• Step 8: Obtain Visa and Prepare for Departure