Are you interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in economics, management, science, technology, or other development-related fields at a leading academic institution in Japan or other Asian and Pacific countries? If the answer is yes, consider applying for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP).

This scholarship, generously funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to foster human resources and capacity in ADB’s developing member countries.

The program covers full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance, books and instructional materials, medical insurance, travel expenses, and research subsidies.

 Annually, the ADB-JSP admits approximately 300 students across 29 academic institutions in 9 countries within the region. Scholars are anticipated to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries upon completing their study programs.

This blog article will provide guidance on the ADB-JSP application process and offer tips to enhance your chances of success.

To explore other scholarship opportunities, see this guide:  Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for all Students: All Expenses Covered.

Eligibility criteria

• To be eligible for the ADB-JSP, you must meet the following requirements:
• You must be a citizen of an ADB borrowing member country (except Japan) and have not resided in or worked in a developed country.
• You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution, with superior academic record.
• You must have at least two years of full-time professional work experience at the time of application.
• You must be proficient in oral and written English communication skills, as evidenced by a TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent score.
• You must be in good health and agree to return to your home country after completing your studies.

Read Also: University of Amsterdam Merit Scholarship 2024: Study in Netherlands (Step by Step)

The selection criteria for the ADB-JSP are based on the following factors:

• Your academic excellence, as demonstrated by your grades, awards, publications, and references.
• Your professional experience and potential, as expressed in your personal statement and CV.
• Your relevance and impact of your proposed study program, as related to the development needs and priorities of your home country and the region.
• Your financial need and availability of other scholarships or sponsorships.

Application process of ADB-JSP

The application process for the ADB-JSP consists of the following steps:

• First, you need to apply for admission to the academic institution of your choice through its own application system. You can find the list of participating institutions and their fields of study on the official website.

You can also find the deadlines and requirements for each institution on their respective websites. The normal month of intake is between July and September, depending on the institution.

• Second, you need to submit an application for the ADB-JSP to the same academic institution. 

You can find the application form and the required documents on the official website. The deadlines for the ADB-JSP differ per institution, but they are usually between December and April, depending on the institution.

• Third, you need to wait for the selection results, which will be announced by the end of July. You will receive an email from the academic institution informing you whether you have been awarded the ADB-JSP or not. If you have been selected, you will also receive a letter of acceptance and a scholarship contract.

To know all the requirements for application read this linked guide: How to Apply for a fully funded Scholarship to Study abroad: Tips and Tricks To Win Scholarships

Tips on how to make your application stand out from the crowd

Here are some tips on how to make your application stand out from the crowd:

• Do your research. Before you apply, make sure you have a clear idea of what the academic institution and the scholarship entail. Read the institution’s profile, the program description, the course catalogue, the faculty profile, and the scholarship regulations carefully. You can also contact the institution’s admissions office or the ADB-JSP coordinator if you have any questions or doubts.
• Tailor your application. Don’t use a generic or copy-pasted application for different institutions or scholarships. Instead, customize your application to match the specific requirements and expectations of the ADB-JSP and the academic institution you have chosen. Highlight your relevant skills, interests, and goals, and explain why you are a suitable candidate for both the institution and the scholarship.
• Be honest and realistic. Don’t exaggerate or lie about your achievements or qualifications. Instead, be truthful and modest, and provide evidence to back up your claims. Also, don’t overestimate or underestimate your financial need or availability of other scholarships or sponsorships. Instead, be realistic and transparent, and provide a detailed and realistic budget plan and supporting documents.
• Proofread and edit. Don’t submit your application without checking it for errors or inconsistencies. Instead, proofread and edit your application carefully, and ask someone else to review it as well. Make sure your application is clear, concise, coherent, and complete, and that it follows the format and guidelines of the ADB-JSP and the academic institution.

In summary, the ADB-JSP presents an excellent opportunity for students from developing nations in Asia and the Pacific who aspire to pursue studies at esteemed academic institutions in Japan or other countries in the region.

The scholarship comprehensively covers tuition fees, monthly subsistence allowance, books, instructional materials, medical insurance, travel expenses, and research subsidies.

To apply, ensure you meet eligibility criteria, follow the application process, and submit a robust application. ADB-JSP deadlines vary by institution, typically falling between December and April.

If interested, initiate your application promptly. Additional information and guidance can be found on the official website and the scholarship fund. For inquiries, reach out to your chosen academic institution or the ADB-JSP coordinator. I trust this article has proven helpful and informative. Best of luck with your application and studies.

Next Reading: