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.
Benefit | Coverage / Amount |
Tuition fees | Fully covered (paid directly to HKU) |
Monthly living allowance | Covers accommodation, food, and other living expenses. (Exact monthly amount: ADB confirms it includes a subsistence allowance.) |
Travel cost | Round-trip airfare between home country and Hong Kong |
Health insurance | Fully covered during scholarship period |
Books & study materials | Covered by ADB grant |
Thesis/research allowance | Provided where applicable |
Additional grants | Computer purchase allowance (where justified and approved by ADB) |
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:
Stage | Expected Period |
HKU Admissions open | September 2025 |
Scholarship application opens | October 2025 |
HKU application deadline for ADB-JSP consideration | December 2025–January 2026 (exact date varies by program) |
ADB final review | Feb–March 2026 |
Announcement of ADB scholars | April–May 2026 |
Program start at HKU (in Hong Kong) | August–September 2026 |
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:
Academic excellence
Professional experience
Commitment to development goals in home country
Leadership and impact potential
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.






