Apply for the Asian Development Bank - Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2026 - a fully funded graduate scholarship financed by the Government of Japan through the Asian Development Bank for citizens of ADB developing member countries.
This page highlights the East-West Center (EWC) track for Master’s study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), including EWC residential and leadership programmes. ADB-JSP also supports study at other designated institutions across Asia and the Pacific (including many in Japan).
Quick Facts - ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | ADB - Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) |
| Featured track | East-West Center + University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (Master’s) |
| Funder | Government of Japan via Asian Development Bank |
| Level | Master’s / graduate studies in approved development-related fields |
| Funding | Fully funded (tuition, stipend, housing, travel, insurance, books - track-dependent) |
| EWC / UHM deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Other institutions | Deadlines vary by partner university - apply via each institution |
| Apply (EWC 2026) | East-West Center Submittable - ADB-JSP 2026 |
What the Scholarship Covers (EWC / UH Mānoa track)
- Full tuition and fees
- Round-trip travel to Honolulu from the applicant’s home country
- Housing in East-West Center residence facilities
- Monthly stipend
- Funds for textbooks
- Health insurance
- US visa sponsorship (J-1 Exchange Visitor)
Across the wider ADB-JSP, typical benefits also include full tuition, monthly subsistence (including housing), books/materials, medical insurance, and travel; thesis grants may be available for research scholars.
Eligible Fields (ADB-JSP)
- Science & technology - agriculture, engineering, environment, health, computer science, energy, and related fields
- Economics, business & management - economics, MBA/management, finance, entrepreneurship, and related fields
- Development studies - Asia-Pacific studies, development management/studies
- Law & public policy - public policy/administration, international law, political science, and related fields
Eligibility
- Citizen and current resident of an ADB borrowing / Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible developing member country
- Not more than 35 years old at the time of application (exceptions only with Government of Japan endorsement)
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record - EWC track expects a 4-year bachelor’s or reviewed equivalent
- At least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after a university degree
- English proficiency (EWC examples: TOEFL iBT ≈ 79 - 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 95, or listed paper/computer TOEFL minima; recent scores)
- Agree to return and work in your home country for at least two years after studies
- Not already enrolled in a graduate degree; not dual citizen of a developed country; other ADB staff/relative exclusions apply - confirm on the official ADB page
How to Apply
- EWC / UH Mānoa 2026 track: Apply via the official portal - ADB-JSP 2026 on East-West Center Submittable - before 1 December 2026. Also review EWC ADB-JSP information.
- Other ADB-JSP institutions: Choose a designated university from the ADB list of academic institutions, request admission + ADB-JSP consideration, and submit the institution application plus ADB-JSP information sheet (no separate direct application to ADB).
- Send complete documents well ahead of each institution’s intake (ADB advises roughly six months before study start).
Official Links
Apply - EWC ADB-JSP 2026 (Submittable)
East-West Center - ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
ADB - Japan Scholarship Program (official overview)
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FAQs - ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2026
What is the deadline for the East-West Center track?
1 December 2026 for the featured EWC / UH Mānoa ADB-JSP 2026 cycle.
Is there one global ADB-JSP deadline?
No. Most partner institutions set their own deadlines. Always confirm on the university’s admissions page and the ADB institutions list.
Is it fully funded?
Yes - ADB-JSP is designed as a fully funded graduate scholarship (tuition, living support, travel, insurance, and related benefits; exact package can vary by institution/track).
Do I apply directly to ADB?
No. You apply to a designated academic institution (and indicate ADB-JSP interest). Institutions endorse candidates; ADB makes the final scholarship selection.
Must I return home after the degree?
Yes - scholars are expected to return and work in their home country for at least two years after completing the programme.
