Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program

About the opportunity

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the Asian Development Bank. It aims to provide citizens of ADB member countries with opportunities to pursue graduate-level studies. At the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS), The University of Tokyo, ADB-JSP scholars are accepted across nine departments and one program covering Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Studies, International Studies, and Sustainability Science. Enrollment is available only for the Autumn Semester commencing October 1.

Funding and benefits

• Full scholarship support covering graduate study costs for the scholar (dependents are not covered)
• Reimbursement of the entrance examination fee for enrolled scholars who took Entrance Examination Schedule B

Who can apply?

• Must be a citizen of an Asian Development Bank (ADB) member country
• Must meet all standard eligibility requirements specified by the ADB-JSP
• Must be 35 years old or younger (GSFS cannot recommend candidates over 35 years of age)
• Must hold an undergraduate degree and have related post-graduation professional work experience (undergraduate research assistantships do not qualify)
• Must intend to enroll in an eligible Master's program (doctoral course applicants are not eligible)

Required documents

• Application Form (designated form)
• Field of Study and Research Plan (designated form)
• Letter of Recommendation (designated form)
• Additional admission documents required by the specific GSFS department guidelines

When to apply

• Department of Integrated Biosciences (Entrance Examination Schedule B): Application period is in November
• All other eligible departments and the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science: Application deadline is December 10, 2026
• Preliminary university screening results announced: Mid-February 2027
• University nomination of candidates to ADB-JSP: Mid-March 2027
• Final ADB-JSP screening results communicated: Around May 2027
• Entry into Japan: By late September 2027
• Enrollment date: October 1, 2027

How to apply

• Confirm eligibility against ADB-JSP criteria and GSFS age requirements
• Identify a prospective academic supervisor in your target department or program and follow departmental contact instructions
• If applying to Integrated Biosciences, register for and take Entrance Examination Schedule B in November; upon receiving admission notification in early February, contact the International Liaison Office promptly
• If applying to other departments or the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science, submit the completed application form, research plan, and recommendation letter by December 10
• If passed through preliminary screening in mid-February, complete the formal ADB-JSP scholarship application procedures
• Following final award notification from ADB around May, complete Autumn Semester enrollment procedures, obtain a visa, and arrive in Japan before October 1

Additional information

• Eligible departments include Materials Science, Advanced Energy, Integrated Biosciences, Natural Environmental Studies, Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment, Environment Systems, Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Socio-Cultural Environment Studies, International Studies, and the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science
• Direct applications to ADB-JSP are not accepted; applicants must be nominated by GSFS
• Applicants passing Entrance Examination Schedule B may enroll regardless of scholarship selection, whereas applicants to other departments only proceed with Autumn enrollment if confirmed for the ADB-JSP award