If you’ve been waiting for a chance to study abroad on a fully funded scholarship, the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is one of the best opportunities available in Asia. The program supports talented students from ADB’s developing member countries and offers a complete package: tuition, housing, monthly living allowance, airfare, health insurance, and research support.
For the August 2026 intake, applications are open until 31 March 2026. Here’s everything you need to know before applying.
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What Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?
The ADB-JSP is a long-running initiative funded by the Government of Japan and managed by the Asian Development Bank. It supports Master’s-level studies in fields connected to development, including:
- Economics
- Business and management
- Engineering
- Science and technology
- Environmental and sustainability studies
- Policy and development fields
Scholars study at top institutions in Asia and the Pacific, including the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, one of the program’s key partners.
Also Check: ADB-JSP Scholarship 2026 at University of Hong Kong
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible if you meet these conditions:
- You’re a citizen of an ADB borrowing member country.
- You hold a Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance.
- You have at least two years of full-time work experience after graduation.
- You’re 35 years old or younger (45 for senior-level programs).
- You can demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550 / AIT EET ≥ 6.0).
- You’re in good health.
- You agree to return to your home country after completing the degree.
The program does not accept:
- Applicants already studying in a graduate program
- Applicants living or working outside their home country
- ADB staff and their relatives
- AIT staff
- Applicants applying to AIT from the same home country
- Applicants seeking distance learning or short-term training
Also Check: KOICA Scholarship 2026 for Master’s and PhD Opportunities in South Korea
Selection Criteria
Your application is evaluated based on:
- Academic performance
- Work experience (minimum two years)
- Priority for female candidates
- Priority for candidates with limited financial resources
- Applicants who have not studied abroad before
- Applicants not applying for a second Master’s
- Relevance of the study plan to ADB’s Strategy 2030 focus areas
- Country diversity at each institution
Financial background matters:
- Annual family income must be below USD 50,000
- Personal income must be below USD 25,000
Also Check: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 for Commonwealth Students
What the Scholarship Covers
This is a truly fully funded scholarship. It includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Housing or housing allowance
- Monthly living allowance
- Medical and accident insurance
- Round-trip airfare (economy)
- Visa and travel-related expenses
- Book allowance
- Research/Thesis allowance
- Up to 20 kg excess baggage on return
- Support for English or computer training when necessary
Not covered: family expenses, personal travel, workshops, or equipment like laptops.
Also Check: KI Global Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Sweden
Required Documents
Prepare these before applying:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- English test results
- Work experience certificate
- Income statement (personal and spouse/parent)
- Income tax return or salary certificate
- ADB-JSP Information Sheet
How to Apply for the ADB-JSP (Step by Step)
- Choose your institution, such as Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
- Request admission details and scholarship forms.
- Complete the AIT admission form and indicate that you want to be considered for the ADB-JSP.
- Submit all documents directly to AIT before the deadline.
- AIT screens and ranks applicants and sends shortlisted names to ADB.
- ADB reviews the list and selects the final awardees.
- AIT informs successful candidates and provides enrollment guidance.
- Awardees sign the acceptance form and commit to returning to their home country after graduation.
Why the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Stands Out
This scholarship is unique because it doesn’t just support your education—it prepares you for leadership roles in development. Scholars get access to strong academic programs, industry networks, and international exposure. After graduation, most scholars return to their countries and take up roles in government, NGOs, international organizations, and private companies.
If your long-term goal is to contribute to development, sustainability, infrastructure, or public policy, ADB-JSP is a perfect fit.
Deadline for August 2026 Intake
31 March 2026
Don’t wait until the last week. AIT requires complete documents before ranking applicants.
Where to Get Help
For AIT admissions support, contact:
Admissions and Scholarships Unit
Asian Institute of Technology
Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Email: admissions@ait.ac.th
Phone: +66 2 524 5024
