DESCRIPTION

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is a prestigious scholarship program established in 1988 by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with financial support from the Government of Japan. The program aims to provide individuals from ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in fields related to economics, business and management, science and technology, and other development-focused disciplines. Administered by ADB and over 20 designated partner institutions across Asia and the Pacific, the ADB-JSP seeks to cultivate a pool of well-qualified professionals equipped to contribute to sustainable economic and social development in their home countries.

Objectives and Purpose of the ADB-JSP

The ADB-JSP was created with several key objectives:

1. Human Resource Development: The program seeks to train and equip professionals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for fostering socioeconomic development in ADB’s DMCs.
2. Promoting Regional Cooperation: By supporting students from developing countries, the program enhances regional cooperation and understanding, with the broader aim of creating networks of professionals dedicated to sustainable development.
3. Improving Institutional Capacity: Through scholarships focused on fields related to economics, public policy, science, and technology, the program contributes to strengthening the institutional capacity of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Coverage and Benefits

The ADB-JSP offers a comprehensive financial package, providing a significant level of support to successful applicants:

1. Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers full tuition fees for up to two years of study, relieving students of the financial burden associated with advanced education.
2. Monthly Subsistence and Housing Allowance: To support students’ living expenses, the program provides a monthly stipend which varies depending on the host country’s cost of living.
3. Book and Material Allowance: A lump sum is provided to cover the cost of essential learning materials.
4. Medical and Health Insurance: Students receive health insurance coverage to ensure their medical needs are met during the course of their study.
5. Travel Expenses: Round-trip airfare from the recipient’s home country to the host institution is also covered, along with travel allowances for settling in.

This scholarship package allows recipients to focus on their studies and professional development without worrying about financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants interested in the ADB-JSP must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of an ADB developing member country. Japan, as the sponsor country, is not eligible.
• Academic Background: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required, along with a strong academic record in a field relevant to the intended area of study.
• Work Experience: At least two years of professional work experience after graduation is required, reflecting a commitment to professional development and relevance to the program.
• Age Limit: Applicants should be 35 years of age or younger. Exceptions may apply to senior officials and managers, who may be up to 45 years old.
• Health Status: Candidates must be in good health to ensure they can fully participate in the program.
• Commitment to Return: Upon completion of their studies, recipients are required to return to their home country to apply their new knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Fields of Study and Partner Institutions

The ADB-JSP emphasizes fields that directly contribute to economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. Scholars can choose from disciplines such as:

• Economics and Public Policy: Covering areas like public finance, policy analysis, development economics, and regional planning.
• Business and Management: Programs in business administration, finance, and project management aimed at developing leaders for the public and private sectors.
• Science and Technology: Engineering, agriculture, environmental sciences, and information technology programs, focused on enhancing technological advancement in developing countries.

Partner institutions for the ADB-JSP include top universities in Asia and the Pacific. Some notable institutions include:

• University of Tokyo (Japan)
• Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand)
• International Rice Research Institute (Philippines)
• National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) (Japan)
• University of Hong Kong

Each institution has specific eligible programs under the ADB-JSP, and applicants must choose from the programs designated by ADB for scholarship eligibility.

Application Process

The ADB-JSP application process is managed by the partner institutions, and applicants must apply directly to the universities or institutions where they wish to study. The key steps in the application process include:

1. Selection of Institution and Program: Candidates must first identify a suitable program at an ADB-JSP partner institution and ensure that it aligns with the scholarship’s eligible fields of study.
2. Submission of Application: Applicants should submit their scholarship application directly to the partner institution, adhering to that institution’s specific guidelines and deadlines.
3. Supporting Documents: Required documents typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, work experience certificates, a study plan or statement of purpose, and proof of nationality.
4. Institutional Nomination: The institution reviews the applications and nominates candidates to ADB for final selection.
5. ADB Final Selection: ADB reviews nominated candidates, evaluates their academic and professional backgrounds, and awards scholarships based on merit and alignment with the program’s objectives.

Deadlines vary by institution, so applicants are encouraged to consult each partner university’s specific deadlines and requirements for the ADB-JSP.

Obligations for Scholarship Recipients

The ADB-JSP has several requirements to ensure that the scholarship program’s goals are met:

• Return to Home Country: Upon completion of the study program, scholars are obligated to return to their home country to contribute to its development for a minimum of two years.
• Degree Completion: Scholars are expected to complete their programs within the stipulated duration, maintaining satisfactory academic performance throughout.
• No Additional Employment: Scholars are not permitted to take up additional employment during their studies, as the program’s financial support is sufficient to meet their needs.

Career Development and Alumni Network

The ADB-JSP supports career development by equipping graduates with skills essential for their professional growth and their home countries’ development. The alumni network spans multiple sectors, including government agencies, private corporations, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Graduates from the program are often involved in projects and initiatives that promote sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and economic reform.

Impact of the ADB-JSP

Since its inception, the ADB-JSP has had a positive impact on many developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. By training leaders in fields critical to economic and social development, the scholarship helps develop human capital that can drive policy reform, economic growth, and technology adoption. The program has cultivated a growing community of professionals who work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to regional stability, economic prosperity, and social welfare.

Conclusion

The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) represents a valuable opportunity for individuals from developing Asian countries to receive world-class education and training. By investing in future leaders, the ADB-JSP helps create a network of skilled professionals dedicated to advancing development objectives in their countries and regions.