Fully Funded Verified against official source Applications open

Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program

Offered by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Japan

A fully funded master's scholarship for eligible citizens of ADB developing member countries, including Pakistan, at designated universities across Asia and the Pacific. Deadlines vary by institution.

Current status

Applications open

ADB–JSP is active. Application deadlines are set by each participating academic institution, so there is no single worldwide closing date.

Last verified: 21 September 2026

Next review: 15 December 2026

Quick facts

Current statusApplications open
Study destinationSee official details
Degree levelMaster's
FundingFully Funded
DeadlineVaries by course/country
DurationUp to 2 years for a master's programme
Study subjectsAgriculture & Forestry, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Education, Engineering & Technology, Environment & Earth Sciences, Health & Medicine, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
Pakistan eligibleYes
Last checked21 September 2026

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Is ADB–JSP open now?

Yes, the programme is active, but there is no single application deadline. Applicants apply through participating universities, each of which sets its own admission and scholarship schedule.

What does ADB–JSP cover?

ADB lists full tuition, monthly subsistence including housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance and travel expenses. A thesis-preparation grant may also be available for research scholars.

Can Pakistani students apply?

Yes. Pakistan is included in ADB’s current eligible-country list, subject to the other academic, age, experience and admission conditions.

What is the biggest application mistake?

Applying directly to ADB. The correct route is through an approved master’s programme at a designated institution. The institution screens candidates and sends its scholarship nominations to ADB.

What does this scholarship actually cover?

ADB–JSP is a fully funded master's scholarship at designated institutions. It covers tuition, living/housing support, books, medical insurance and travel, with possible thesis support for research scholars.

TuitionFull
Living stipendNot confirmed
AccommodationFull
TravelFull
Health insuranceFull
Research allowanceA special grant may be available for thesis preparation.

Other verified benefits

Full tuition, monthly subsistence including housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance and travel expenses.

Costs not confirmed or not covered

ADB states that family expenses, extra-curricular training, extra travel, field trips, workshops, seminars, internships and equipment such as computers are not covered unless specifically approved.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be citizens of an eligible ADB borrowing member country, hold a bachelor's degree with a strong academic record, have admission to an approved master's course, have at least two years of post-degree full-time professional experience, and normally be age 35 or younger.

Applicants must not hold dual citizenship of a developed country, must generally live and work in their home country, and must agree to return home for at least two years after completing the programme.

Prior educationBachelor's degree or equivalent
Minimum gradeSuperior academic record
ExperienceAt least 2 years of full-time professional experience after university degree
Age ruleNormally 35 or younger
Gender requirementNo restriction; ADB states preference is given to women candidates in selection
IELTSDepends on host/course
Host institution requiredYes
Supervisor approvalNo
Admission before applicationYes

Eligible countries

ADB borrowing member countries that are also Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible; the official current list includes Pakistan.

Language requirements

Applicants must have sufficient oral and written English for graduate study and meet the institution's language requirements.

Which documents should you prepare?

  • Degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts

Which documents may be required conditionally?

  • English test certificate
  • CV or résumé
  • Admission/offer letter

How do you apply?

  1. Choose an ADB–JSP designated institution and approved master's programme.
  2. Apply for admission and indicate that you want ADB–JSP consideration.
  3. Submit the ADB–JSP information sheet and the institution's required documents.
  4. Include income evidence requested by ADB–JSP.
  5. Apply at least six months before your intended study start where possible.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program fully funded?

Yes. ADB states that ADB–JSP covers full tuition, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, books and instructional materials, medical insurance and travel expenses. A special thesis-preparation grant may also be available for scholars engaged in research.

Can Pakistani students apply for ADB–JSP?

Yes. Pakistan appears on ADB's current eligible-country list. Pakistani applicants must still meet the academic, age and professional-experience rules and first gain admission to an approved master's course at a designated ADB–JSP institution.