By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: November 06, 2025

1. Overview

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is a major fully funded international scholarship funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

At The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the scholarship allows outstanding applicants from ADB member developing countries to pursue selected full-time postgraduate master’s degrees.

Purpose:
According to the Asian Development Bank, the aim of the program is:

“to provide opportunities for well-qualified citizens of developing member countries to pursue graduate studies…”

HKU is one of the very few universities in the world selected to host ADB-JSP scholars.

2. Benefits / Funding (Fully Funded)

All benefit details below are taken directly from ADB official scholarship policy and HKU’s ADB scholarship web pages.

Source:
ADB official policy page — ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Link: https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program

Duration:

• 1 year or maximum 2 years, depending on the master’s program.

Not covered:

• ADB clearly states that family expenses, dependents, and visa extension beyond the scholarship period are not covered.

3. Eligible Study Programs at HKU (ADB-JSP approved)

According to HKU’s official scholarship page (HKU Taught Postgraduate Admissions Scholarships – ADB-JSP):
https://admissions.hku.hk/financial-support/postgraduate-scholarships/adb-jsp

Eligible master’s programs typically include (HKU may update yearly):

• Master of Urban Design

• Master of Environmental Science

• Master of Public Administration

• Master of International Public Affairs

• Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning

Programs are confirmed every application cycle on HKU’s official ADB scholarship page. Always check before selecting your program.

4. Eligibility

Eligibility rules are defined by Asian Development Bank and HKU:

Must be a national of an ADB member developing country
Confirmed list: https://www.adb.org/who-we-are/members

Must have a bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance
(Equivalent to a 4-year degree recognized by HKU)

At least 2 years of full-time professional work experience
(Source: ADB-JSP Program Guidelines PDF)

Must be admitted to an eligible master’s program at HKU

Age: preferably under 35
ADB states:

“In exceptional cases, for programs for senior officials and managers, the age limit is 45.”
(Source: ADB Scholarship Program Guidelines PDF)

Not eligible if:

• You are already enrolled in a graduate program.

• You are living/working outside your home country.

• You are an Executive Director, Alternate Director, staff/consultant of ADB, or a close relative of such personnel.

• You have already received a previous ADB-JSP scholarship.

5. Timeline & Deadlines (For 2026 Intake)

HKU opens ADB applications about September–October each year.

The following timeline is derived from HKU + ADB official calendars:

HKU emphasizes: You must apply to the degree program first.
ADB only considers applicants with an HKU admission offer.

6. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Apply for admission to HKU
Visit the HKU official Taught Postgraduate application portal:
HKU Admissions Portal (https://admissions.hku.hk/tpg)

Choose an eligible master’s program and complete the application.

Step 2: Indicate ADB-JSP scholarship interest
Upload documents required by HKU and select ADB-JSP in the scholarship section (if applicable).

Step 3: Prepare ADB Scholarship documents
ADB requires its own form + documents (see checklist below).

Step 4: Submit ADB-JSP Scholarship Application Form
ADB Official Application Form
https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program

Step 5: HKU shortlisting
HKU forwards shortlisted applicants to ADB.

Step 6: ADB Final Selection
ADB finalizes awardees and notifies HKU and applicants.

7. Required Documents Checklist

From HKU + ADB official guidelines:

• Completed ADB-JSP application form

• HKU master’s program admission application

• Academic transcripts and degree certificate

• CV / Resume

• Proof of at least 2 years of work experience

• Statement of Purpose / Motivation letter

• English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL) — if applicable

• Passport / National ID copy

• ADB’s medical report form (if requested in later stage)

• Employer confirmation that applicant will return to home country after study

ADB will not process incomplete applications.

8. Selection Criteria

ADB and HKU jointly evaluate:

1. Academic excellence

2. Professional experience

3. Commitment to development goals in home country

4. Leadership and impact potential

5. Clear intention to return home after graduation

ADB states clearly:

“Scholars are expected to return to their home countries to contribute to its economic and social development.”
(Source: ADB Scholarship Program)

9. Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Early application increases chances — many programs close before ADB deadline.
Tailor your motivation letter to development impact: show how your master’s degree benefits your home country.
Quantify your work achievements in your CV.
Demonstrate leadership roles (projects, community, workplace).
Get professional recommendation letters from supervisors.

Avoid mistakes that cause rejection:

• Submitting incomplete documents

• Applying without strong alignment to ADB’s development goals

• Weak motivation statement

10. Official Links & Apply Now

Official ADB Scholarship Program Page (Funding rules, eligibility):
ADB – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
(https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program)

HKU ADB Scholarship Information Page:
HKU – ADB-JSP Scholarship Page
(https://admissions.hku.hk/financial-support/postgraduate-scholarships/adb-jsp)

HKU Admissions Portal (required to apply first):
Apply to HKU Taught Postgraduate Programs
(https://admissions.hku.hk/tpg)

ADB Application Form (PDF + instructions):
ADB-JSP Application Form
(https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program)

Call to Action:
Apply to HKU first using the admissions portal, then submit your ADB scholarship form:
https://admissions.hku.hk/tpg

11. FAQ

Q1: Can I apply without work experience?
No. ADB requires at least 2 years of full-time work experience.

Q2: Is there an age limit?
ADB prefers applicants under 35 (or under 45 for senior officials).

Q3: Can I bring family members on this scholarship?
No. ADB clearly states that family/dependent expenses are not covered.

Q4: What if I do not return to my country after graduation?
ADB requires scholars to return home and contribute to development work.

Q5: Can I apply to multiple universities under ADB-JSP?
Yes, but you must follow each university’s application process separately.

Disclaimer

Dates, programs, and policies may change each year. Always confirm details directly on the official HKU and ADB pages before submitting.