By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: November 2, 2025

Overview

The ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is a fully funded scholarship initiative financed by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Through this programme, citizens of ADB’s developing member countries are able to undertake postgraduate (master’s) studies in development-related fields at designated institutions — including the University of Tokyo in Japan.
At the University of Tokyo, the scholarship is specifically available via the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) and other designated departments. The purpose of the scholarship is to build human resources who will contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

Benefits / Funding

The ADB-JSP is a fully funded scholarship. According to ADB’s programme page: it covers tuition fees, subsistence (including housing allowance), book allowance, medical insurance, travel and research-related support. (ADB)
At the University of Tokyo, more specific benefits include (from the School of International Health application guide):

• Tuition and admission fees covered. (sih.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

• Monthly subsistence allowance of ¥147,000. (sih.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

• Economy‐class round-trip airfare. (sih.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

• Medical/accident insurance. (gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp)

• Book / instructional material allowance (specified at some institutions) ~ ¥100,000 / year and thesis allowance ~¥50,000 (at Tokyo Tech example). (titech.ac.jp)
  Note: While many benefits apply broadly, exact amounts may vary by host department and year.

The typical duration for the master’s programme is up to two years, if the institution allows extension to the second year. (titech.ac.jp)
The scholarship does not cover dependents/spouses. For example GSFS states: "The ADB-JSP scholarship covers the scholar only." (k.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

Eligibility

Citizenship / resid­ency

• You must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country. (ADB)

• Applicants from countries which are no longer borrowing from ADB may not be eligible. (st.keio.ac.jp)

• The official programme rules state candidates should not hold dual citizenship of any developed country (in many cases). (Masters Portal)

Academic level & field

• The scholarship is for master’s programmes only (doctoral courses are generally not eligible under ADB-JSP at the University of Tokyo). For example, GSFS says “only master course applicants are eligible.” (k.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

• You must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a superior academic record. (gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp)

• Fields: At the University of Tokyo, eligible departments include:

  • Department of Natural Environmental Studies

  • Department of Ocean Technology, Policy and Environment

  • Department of Environment Systems

  • Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies

  • Department of Socio-cultural Environment Studies

  • Department of International Studies

  • Graduate Program in Sustainability Science (GSFS) (k.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

Work experience / age / other conditions

• At many institutions, at least two years of full-time professional (post-graduate) work experience is required.

• At the University of Tokyo GSFS page: over-35 years old candidates cannot be recommended. So age limit is typically under 35 years at time of application.

• You must agree to return to your home country after completing your studies and contribute to development.

• Applicants cannot already be enrolled in another graduate degree at the time of application.

Ineligibilities

• Staff, consultants, management of ADB or their close relatives are ineligible.

• Applicants enrolled in doctoral programmes (or wanting a second master’s) may not be eligible under some institutional guidelines.

• For some institutions: You may not be eligible if you are residing/working outside your home country at time of application. (gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp)

Timeline & Deadlines

Because each host institution sets its own internal deadlines for the ADB-JSP nomination, you must check the relevant department. For the University of Tokyo GSFS page:

• The guideline says for Fall 2026 (October enrollment) the application deadline is December 10 (at least for GSFS). (k.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

• Example: At the School of International Health the deadline was extended to July 15 2024 for one year. (sih.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp)

• The ADB general procedures indicate that institutions must forward nominations to ADB for final selection after their internal selection process. (ADB)

Typical timeline steps

1. Pre-application / internal such as contacting supervisor (varies)

2. Submit application materials to host institution by institution-specific deadline (e.g., December 10)

3. Host institution short-lists and forwards list to ADB (often around February–March)

4. ADB confirms final awardees (typically around May)

5. Student begins studies (in many cases late September or October)

Important: Always check the department’s most current schedule. The official ADB site lists a generic “mid-January to mid-April” window for some institutions.

How to Apply (Step‐by‐Step)

1. Check eligibility: Visit ADB’s official page for ADB-JSP eligibility requirements.

2. Choose/identify the host institution and eligible department: For example the University of Tokyo GSFS or other designated departments.

3. Find a potential academic supervisor: Contact a faculty member in your chosen department, discuss your research plan and obtain their provisional consent (strongly recommended).

4. Apply for admission to the University of Tokyo (or designated department) through the department’s admission procedure. Indicate on the application that you also wish to be considered for the ADB-JSP scholarship.

5. Submit required application materials by the department’s deadline. For GSFS it may be December 10 for an October intake.

6. If shortlisted, the institution nominates you to ADB and you may be required to submit additional documents (e.g., originals of income certificates, nomination forms) by a later deadline.

7. Wait for selection: ADB reviews nominated candidates and makes final award decisions.

8. Upon award, complete visa/immigration and enrollment procedures to begin studies in Japan.

Required Documents Checklist

While exact documents may vary by department, typical checklist includes:

• Application form for admission (University of Tokyo department)

• ADB-JSP Information Sheet (if required)

• Study Field & Research Plan / Statement of Purpose

• Official transcripts and certificate of graduation (bachelor’s)

• Two (or more) reference letters (often academic)

• Proof of language proficiency (English) if required by department (some institutions accept other proof)

• Work experience certificate(s) showing full‐time employment after graduation (2 years or more)

• Income certificate(s) of applicant and/or family/spouse (for ADB-JSP income eligibility)

• Passport or national identification copy

• (After nomination) Originals of above and other documents as needed for final scholarship award.

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

• Academic merit: strong bachelor’s record, capacity for graduate‐level study

• Professional work experience & relevance: 2 or more years of full‐time work in a relevant field

• Commitment to development: clear motivation to return home and contribute to home country’s development (key to ADB mission)

• Research proposal alignment: topic should be in a development-related field and fit the host institution’s department

• Supervisor support: an identified potential supervisor strengthens your case

• Financial need (in some institutions): some departments give preference to candidates with lower income background.

• English proficiency and readiness for full-time study

• Eligibility compliance: age, citizenship, not holding dual developed country citizenship etc.

Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

• Contact potential supervisors early. A good supervisor match shows you are prepared and serious.

• Tailor your research plan to align with the department’s strengths (e.g., sustainability science at GSFS) and demonstrate how your study benefits your home country.

• Highlight professional/work experience clearly: describe responsibilities, outcomes, relevance to your intended study.

• Show strong motivation for returning to your country and contributing there. Use concrete examples.

• Pay attention to deadlines and document details (especially translations, certified income proof, formatting).

• Make sure all documents are error-free: transcripts, reference letters, research plan should be polished and clear.

• If English or Japanese proficiency is required, ensure you meet or exceed requirements before applying.

• Keep backup copies of submitted documents and originals, especially for after nomination.

• Demonstrate leadership or community involvement if possible—this can add weight to your profile.

• Use the fact that the scholarship is competitive to present a coherent narrative: academic + work + future impact.

Official Links & Apply Now

• ADB–JSP official programme page (Asian Development Bank): ADB – Japan Scholarship Program (https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program)

• University of Tokyo GSFS ADB-JSP specific page: University of Tokyo – ADB-JSP (https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/exam/master/foreign_research_students/adb_jsp/)

• Application portal: You must apply via the University of Tokyo’s department admission system; the exact login link depends on the department and year (check GSFS / department admissions page).
  Call to action: Visit the official ADB scholarship page above and the University of Tokyo ADB-JSP page now to begin your application preparation.

FAQ

Q1: Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
A: Generally no. The ADB–JSP is designed for first‐master’s programmes in participating institutions. Some host institutions specifically state that applicants already enrolled in a graduate degree are ineligible.

Q2: Can I combine this scholarship with another scholarship (e.g., government or university)?
A: The policy varies by institution, but since ADB covers full tuition and living expenses, using another major scholarship may not be allowed or may require coordination. You should check with the specific department.

Q3: Must I speak Japanese to apply?
A: Not necessarily. At the University of Tokyo GSFS and other designated departments, programmes are often in English and proficiency in Japanese is not required.

Q4: What if I am older than 35 years or don’t have two years of work experience?
A: Most host institutions require age under 35 and at least 2 years of professional work experience. Some may allow exceptions only with special endorsement, but you must check your specific department’s guidelines.

Q5: After finishing the scholarship, am I required to return to my home country?
A: Yes. One of the conditions of ADB-JSP is that scholars agree to return to their home country and work there for a period after completing the studies.

Disclaimer: Please double-check all dates, deadlines, benefits and eligibility criteria on the official programme page(s) of ADB and the University of Tokyo before applying, as requirements may change.