The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP): A Complete Guide

Is the ADB-JSP Open to Indian and UAE-Based Applicants?

India is eligible. The UAE is not. India is a long-standing developing member country of the Asian Development Bank, and ADB-JSP eligibility is explicitly tied to citizenship of an ADB borrowing member country that's also Japanese ODA-eligible. The UAE is not an ADB member country at all, ADB's membership structure centres on the Asia-Pacific region, and I found no version of the eligible countries list that includes it. If you're a UAE national, this scholarship isn't available to you.

What Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?

Unlike scholarships you apply for directly through a central body, ADB-JSP works entirely through its designated institutions. You never apply to ADB itself, you apply for admission to a Master's program at one of the participating universities, indicate on that application that you'd like to be considered for ADB-JSP funding, and if the institution admits and nominates you, it forwards your file to ADB for final approval. Scholars are explicitly expected to return home after their studies to apply their new skills toward their country's development.

Who Is Eligible for the ADB-JSP?

According to ADB's own official eligibility guidance:

• A national of an ADB borrowing member country that's also Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible
• Not holding dual citizenship of any developed country
• Currently living and working in your home country, not already residing or working abroad at the time of application
• Admitted to an approved Master's course at a designated institution
• A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent, with a superior academic record
• At least two years of full-time professional work experience, acquired after completing your university degree
• Proficiency in oral and written English communication
• Not more than 35 years old at the time of application, though this can be waived in exceptional cases with the explicit endorsement of the Government of Japan, some flexibility has also been noted for women applicants and applicants from Pacific developing member countries
• In good health, generally confirmed through a medical certificate before the award is finalised
• Not already enrolled in another graduate degree program
• Not a staff member of ADB or an ADB-JSP designated institution
• A clear commitment to return home for at least two years after completing your studies

What Does the ADB-JSP Cover?

• Full tuition and admission fees
• A monthly subsistence allowance, including housing costs, set at a level appropriate to your specific host city
• A book allowance
• Medical insurance
• Round-trip economy airfare, with return travel paid upon successful completion of your studies
• A one-time establishment allowance, to help cover initial setup costs when you arrive
• A research or thesis preparation grant, for scholars engaged in research-based programs
• In special circumstances, preparatory courses such as English proficiency or computer literacy, undertaken within the host institution

The scholarship does not cover expenses for a spouse or other dependents, and it supplements rather than duplicates other funding, if you hold another scholarship or fellowship, you're required to disclose it, and your ADB-JSP stipend may be reduced or withdrawn if undisclosed additional support is found.

Where Can I Study Under ADB-JSP?

Funding is available only at ADB's designated institutions across the Asia-Pacific region, and only within each institution's specific "Approved Fields of Study," not every program at a participating university qualifies. In Japan, participating institutions have included the University of Tokyo, Saitama University, the University of Tsukuba, Hitotsubashi University, Hiroshima University, the International University of Japan, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, and Kobe University, each hosting the scholarship in a specific subset of development, policy, or international cooperation programs. Outside Japan, other participating institutions across the Asia-Pacific region are also included, always confirm the current designated institution list and each one's specific approved programs directly on ADB's official site before applying.

How Do I Apply for the ADB-JSP?

1. Review the current list of designated institutions and their approved Master's programs, choosing one that matches both your academic background and career goals
2. Request admission and scholarship information directly from your chosen institution, since application forms, requirements, and deadlines are set individually by each one, not centrally by ADB
3. Indicate clearly on your university application that you wish to be considered for ADB-JSP funding
4. Submit the completed institution application form alongside the ADB-JSP Information Sheet and required supporting documents, including transcripts, degree certificates, a CV documenting your work experience, recommendation letters, proof of employment, and a passport copy
5. You may apply to more than one institution simultaneously, but you must disclose this within each application
6. The institution screens applicants and recommends eligible candidates to ADB, with the final selection made by ADB based on criteria applied by the Japanese Executive Director
7. Apply well ahead of your intended start date. Deadlines vary considerably by institution, generally advisable to apply at least six months before your planned start of studies

FAQs About the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

Are Indian citizens eligible for ADB-JSP?

Yes. India is a developing member country of the Asian Development Bank, meeting the core citizenship requirement.

Are UAE citizens eligible?

No. The UAE is not an ADB member country, so it doesn't meet the program's basic eligibility requirement.

Do I apply to ADB directly?

No. You apply for admission to a Master's program at one of ADB's designated institutions and indicate your interest in ADB-JSP funding there. The institution then nominates eligible candidates to ADB.

Does ADB-JSP fund undergraduate study?

No. It funds graduate (Master's level) study only, not undergraduate degrees, distance learning, short-term training, or standalone research projects.

How long does the scholarship last?

One to two years, with the maximum duration for MA, MS, and MBA programs capped at two years, consistent with the Government of Japan's funding limits across its development assistance programs.

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Sources: Official Asian Development Bank website (adb.org), including its Japan Scholarship Program overview and FAQ pages, cross-referenced with designated institution pages from the East-West Center/University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.