The Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded master’s program for students from developing countries. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing support, health insurance, books, and travel. The scholarship focuses on development-related fields and is offered through selected universities across Asia, including Japan. It is competitive and aimed at students who plan to return home and contribute to national development.
Quick Facts
| Program Name | Annual Deadline | Stipend Amount | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) | Varies by university (usually Jan–Mar 2026) | Approx. ¥150,000–¥200,000 per month (country-based) | Asia (Japan, Philippines, Thailand, others) | Up to 2 years (Master’s) |
What is the Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026?
It’s a government-backed, fully funded scholarship run by the Asian Development Bank in partnership with the Government of Japan. The goal is simple: train future professionals from developing countries in fields that directly support economic and social development, then have them take that knowledge back home.
This is not an undergraduate award. It’s strictly for master’s degrees in approved programs at selected universities. Think economics, public policy, engineering, environment, public health, and development studies. If your academic path connects to national development, this scholarship is built for you.
Who is eligible for the ADB scholarship in 2026?
Eligibility is narrow by design. You must be a citizen of an ADB developing member country, hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record, and have professional work experience relevant to your field of study. Most successful applicants have at least two years of experience after graduation.
You also need to meet the admission requirements of the partner university. The scholarship does not waive academic standards. If the university would not admit you, ADB will not consider you either.
Who is not eligible for the Asian Development Bank Scholarship?
Some disqualifiers are absolute. If you already hold a master’s degree, are currently living or studying in a developed country, or are employed by ADB or closely related institutions, you are not eligible.
Age matters too. While there is no published hard cutoff, applicants are generally expected to be under 35 at the time of application. Military personnel and individuals planning permanent migration are also excluded. The program is strictly temporary study with return obligations.
What degrees and universities does the ADB scholarship cover?
Only selected universities and programs are included. You do not choose freely from all Asian universities. Each year, ADB publishes a list of partner institutions. In Japan, this often includes top public universities offering development-focused master’s programs.
Fields are intentionally practical. Development economics, public policy, environmental science, infrastructure planning, and similar areas dominate the list. Programs unrelated to development goals are rarely approved.
How much is the ADB Japan scholarship monthly stipend?
The stipend varies by country, but in Japan it usually falls between ¥150,000 and ¥200,000 per month. This amount is designed to cover basic living expenses, not luxury.
On top of that, the scholarship covers tuition in full, provides housing allowance, health insurance, book and research support, and round-trip airfare. You are not expected to self-fund major costs.
Is the ADB scholarship fully funded or partial?
It is fully funded. Tuition is paid directly to the university. Living costs are covered through a monthly stipend. Health insurance, books, and travel are included.
That said, “fully funded” does not mean unlimited spending. You must budget carefully, especially in high-cost cities like Tokyo. Entertainment, travel beyond basic needs, and dependents are not covered.
Is the ADB scholarship enough to live in Japan?
Yes, but with discipline. Students live modestly. Rent often takes the largest share, especially in major cities. Many scholars choose university housing or shared apartments to stay within budget.
You won’t struggle to survive, but you won’t live lavishly either. This is a student-level lifestyle, not a professional salary.
Is 300,000 yen a good monthly amount for students in Japan?
For a student, yes. ¥300,000 would be comfortable in most cities. The ADB stipend is usually lower than that, but still workable. Careful budgeting makes the difference.
Food, transport, and utilities are predictable. Rent varies widely. Location choices matter more than spending habits.
What GPA is needed for the Asian Development Bank Scholarship?
There is no published minimum GPA, but competitive applicants usually fall in the upper range of their class. A strong academic record matters because universities shortlist first.
That said, GPA alone does not win this scholarship. Relevant work experience, clarity of goals, and alignment with development priorities carry serious weight.
Can you study for free in Japan through ADB scholarship?
Effectively, yes. Tuition and core living costs are covered. You do not pay university fees out of pocket.
However, “free” does not mean cost-free life. Personal expenses still exist. Planning matters.
How competitive is the Asian Development Bank Scholarship?
Very competitive. Thousands apply. Only a few hundred are selected globally each year. Many strong candidates are rejected simply due to limited seats.
The biggest mistake applicants make is treating it like a merit-only award. ADB selects future development leaders, not just top students.
How do you apply for the ADB scholarship step by step?
You apply through the university, not directly to ADB. First, secure admission to an eligible program. Then submit the ADB-specific scholarship forms through the same university.
Required documents usually include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, two reference letters submitted via the portal, and an abstract of your proposed master’s thesis. Universities nominate candidates to ADB. Final selection comes later.
How can you improve your chances of getting selected?
Focus on alignment. Your academic goals, work experience, and future plans must clearly connect to development outcomes in your home country.
Be specific. Vague ambitions weaken applications. Show how your degree solves real problems back home. Strong references that speak to impact, not just grades, matter more than most realize.
Is the Asian Development Bank Scholarship right for you?
This scholarship suits students who are serious about public impact and willing to return home after graduation. If your goal is migration, private sector work abroad, or lifestyle upgrade, this is not the right path.
If you want a fully funded, respected master’s degree and a clear development mission, few programs match the ADB Scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the ADB scholarship in 2026?
Applicants must be citizens of an ADB developing member country, hold a bachelor’s degree, and have strong academic results plus relevant work experience. They must meet the admission requirements of a participating university and commit to returning to their home country after completing the degree.
Who is not eligible for the Asian Development Bank Scholarship?
Applicants are not eligible if they already hold a master’s degree, are currently living in a developed country, work for ADB or related institutions, or plan permanent migration. Military personnel and applicants exceeding typical age expectations are also usually excluded.
How much is the ADB Japan scholarship monthly stipend?
The monthly stipend in Japan generally ranges between ¥150,000 and ¥200,000. The exact amount depends on location and university costs. This stipend is intended to cover basic living expenses, not a high-cost lifestyle.
What are the main benefits of the ADB scholarship?
The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing allowance, health insurance, books, research costs, and round-trip airfare. It is considered fully funded, but personal expenses and dependents are not covered.
Is the Asian Development Bank Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the ADB Scholarship is fully funded for approved costs. Tuition and core living expenses are covered. However, students must still manage personal spending carefully, especially in high-cost cities like Tokyo.
What GPA is needed for a Japan scholarship like ADB?
There is no official minimum GPA, but successful candidates usually have above-average academic records. GPA is important, yet it is evaluated alongside work experience, field relevance, and commitment to development goals.
How competitive is the Asian Development Bank Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive. Thousands of students apply each year, and only a limited number are selected. Strong academics alone are not enough; applicants must show clear development impact and relevant professional experience.
Can I study for free in Japan with the ADB scholarship?
Yes, core study costs are covered. Tuition, stipend, and essential expenses are funded. However, students should not expect a luxury lifestyle and must budget carefully for personal and optional expenses.
Is 300,000 yen a good monthly amount for students in Japan?
Yes, ¥300,000 per month is generally considered comfortable for a student. The ADB stipend is usually lower but still sufficient for basic living if housing and daily expenses are managed wisely.
Is 280,000 yen enough to live in Japan as a student?
Yes, ¥280,000 can cover basic student living costs in many cities. Rent choices and lifestyle decisions matter more than the exact amount. Large cities require stricter budgeting.
Is 10,000 yen a lot of money in Japan?
No, ¥10,000 is a small everyday amount in Japan. It may cover a few meals or basic transport but does not go far for rent or monthly expenses.
Is a $5,000 scholarship considered good?
It depends on context. A $5,000 scholarship helps with partial costs, but it is not enough for full study abroad expenses. Compared to ADB, which is fully funded, it is limited support.
How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in Japan?
You need a fully funded program like the ADB Scholarship or similar government-funded schemes. Strong academics, relevant work experience, and clear study goals aligned with national development significantly improve your chances.
Andrew Wiles, Higher education expert with 15+ years guiding students in PhD, postgraduate, and research scholarships. Andrew simplifies visas, interviews, and application planning.