Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) for students seeking fully funded master’s study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa for the Fall 2027 academic year Applications are open for the.
The scholarship is administered through the East-West Center and is funded by the Government of Japan. It supports eligible citizens of Asian Development Bank developing member countries who want to pursue graduate study in approved fields such as economics, management, science, technology, public administration, environmental management and other development-related disciplines.
The 2026 application cycle opened on 18 August 2026 and will close on 1 December 2026.
Successful scholars receive substantial financial support including full tuition and fees, roundtrip travel to Honolulu, housing at the East-West Center, a monthly stipend, textbook funding, health insurance and J-1 visa sponsorship.
ADB-Japan Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program |
| Abbreviation | ADB-JSP |
| Host institution | University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa |
| Scholarship administrator | East-West Center |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Honolulu, Hawai‘i |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Intake | Fall 2027 |
| Application opening date | 18 August 2026 |
| Application deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Tuition | Full tuition and fees |
| Travel | Roundtrip travel from home country to Honolulu |
| Accommodation | East-West Center residence facilities |
| Living support | Monthly stipend |
| Books | Textbook funding |
| Health insurance | Included |
| Visa | J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsorship |
| Age limit | Not more than 35 at time of application |
| Work experience | At least 2 years full-time professional experience after university degree |
| Degree requirement | 4-year bachelor’s degree or accepted equivalent |
| Target applicants | Citizens and current residents of ADB developing member countries |
About the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan.
Its purpose is to strengthen human resource capacity in developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank.
The programme provides opportunities for qualified citizens of eligible countries to pursue graduate-level education in fields that can contribute to socioeconomic development.
The scholarship supports study in areas such as:
- Economics
- Management
- Science
- Technology
- Development-related fields
After completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and apply the knowledge and skills gained through their graduate education to support socioeconomic development.
ADB-JSP at the East-West Center
Through the East-West Center, the scholarship supports selected students studying eligible master’s programmes at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Recipients do more than complete an academic degree.
They also participate in the East-West Center’s:
- Educational programmes
- Residential programmes
- Leadership development activities
This creates an international graduate experience combining academic study with intercultural exchange and leadership development.
Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Open for 2027?
Yes.
The East-West Center states that its next ADB-JSP application cycle is open from August to December 2026 for the Fall 2027 academic year.
The official dates are:
Opening date: 18 August 2026
Closing date: 1 December 2026
Applicants interested in Fall 2027 study should therefore prepare both their scholarship and University of Hawai‘i applications well before December.
Is the ADB-JSP Fully Funded?
Yes.
For eligible master’s study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the scholarship provides a comprehensive financial support package.
Full Tuition and Fees
The ADB-JSP covers full tuition and fees for the approved master’s programme.
This removes one of the largest expenses associated with international graduate study in the United States.
Roundtrip International Travel
The scholarship provides roundtrip travel to Honolulu from the applicant’s home country.
This is especially significant for international students travelling from Asia and the Pacific region to Hawai‘i.
Housing
Recipients receive housing in East-West Center residence facilities.
This means accommodation is included within the scholarship support package rather than being entirely self-funded by the student.
Monthly Stipend
Scholars receive a monthly stipend.
The supplied East-West Center page does not state the exact monthly stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial figures unless they are confirmed through the current scholarship documentation.
Textbook Funding
The scholarship also provides funds for textbooks.
This can help reduce academic expenses throughout the graduate programme.
Health Insurance
Recipients receive health insurance as part of the scholarship support package.
US Visa Sponsorship
The scholarship provides sponsorship for a:
J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.
This helps eligible international scholars obtain the appropriate immigration status for their studies in the United States.
Who Can Apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship?
The East-West Center lists several basic eligibility requirements.
Applicants must satisfy all relevant conditions before applying.
Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must be citizens of a developing member country of the Asian Development Bank.
They must also currently reside in that country.
Candidates should verify whether their nationality appears on the current ADB list of eligible developing member countries before preparing an application.
Residency Requirement
Applicants must be current residents of their home developing member country.
This is an important requirement because candidates who are living or working outside their home country are not eligible under the East-West Center criteria.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
Not more than 35 years old at the time of application.
Candidates older than 35 would therefore not satisfy the basic East-West Center eligibility requirement for this scholarship route.
Academic Qualification Requirement
Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or the equivalent at the time of application.
The East-West Center provides examples of possible equivalents, including:
- A three-year bachelor’s degree plus a one-year master’s degree
- A two-year bachelor’s degree plus a two-year master’s degree
However, equivalent qualifications are subject to review.
Applicants with non-standard degree structures should therefore allow time for their academic background to be assessed.
Professional Work Experience Requirement
Applicants must have at least:
Two years of full-time professional work experience after completing a university degree.
This work experience must already have been obtained by the time of application.
The scholarship is therefore aimed primarily at applicants who already have some established professional experience rather than students moving immediately from undergraduate study into a master’s programme.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must take an accepted English proficiency examination unless another exemption is permitted under the relevant university requirements.
The East-West Center lists the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 |
| TOEFL computer-based | 213 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79–80 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
Test results must be from an exam taken within the past two years.
Applicants should also review the University of Hawai‘i graduate English proficiency requirements because programme-level conditions may apply.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Several groups are explicitly excluded from the ADB-JSP scholarship through the East-West Center.
Applicants Living or Working Outside Their Home Country
Candidates who are living or working in a country other than their home country are not eligible.
This makes current residency an important eligibility condition.
Applicants Who Previously Studied Abroad
Applicants who have previously studied abroad in a country outside ADB developing member countries are not eligible under the criteria stated by the East-West Center.
Applicants with previous international education should carefully compare their study history with the official rules.
Applicants Seeking a Second Master’s Degree
Students seeking a second master’s degree are not eligible.
The scholarship is therefore intended for candidates pursuing their first qualifying master’s degree under the programme.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The ADB-JSP supports a defined group of master’s programmes at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Applicants must apply for one of the funded programmes.
Business Administration Global MBA
The Global MBA in Business Administration is eligible.
Applicants must provide:
- TOEFL or IELTS for EWC and UHM
- GMAT for the University of Hawai‘i
Economics MA
The Master of Arts in Economics is eligible.
Applicants may need:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Geography MA
The MA in Geography is another eligible programme.
Required testing includes:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Natural Resources and Environmental Management MS
The MS in Natural Resources and Environmental Management qualifies for ADB-JSP support.
Required examinations include:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Ocean and Resources Engineering MS
Students can apply for the MS in Ocean and Resources Engineering.
Testing includes:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Oceanography MS
The MS in Oceanography is also funded.
Applicants may need:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Pacific Islands Studies MA
The MA in Pacific Islands Studies is eligible.
English testing includes:
- TOEFL
- Duolingo
- IELTS
The supplied list does not state a GRE requirement for this programme.
Public Administration MPA
The Master of Public Administration is eligible.
Applicants may submit accepted English proficiency results including TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS.
Sociology MA
The MA in Sociology qualifies for scholarship funding.
Applicants need:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences MS
The MS in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences is eligible.
Applicants may need:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Urban and Regional Planning MURP
Applicants can also pursue the Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
Accepted English proficiency tests include TOEFL, Duolingo and IELTS.
The complete eligible programme list and testing requirements are provided by the East-West Center.
Fields of Study Supported
The eligible programmes cover several important development-related sectors.
These include:
- Business and management
- Economics
- Geography
- Environmental management
- Ocean engineering
- Oceanography
- Pacific studies
- Public administration
- Sociology
- Agriculture
- Soil science
- Urban and regional planning
This broad selection reflects the scholarship’s development-focused mission.
Why Development-Related Fields Matter
The ADB-JSP was designed to strengthen capacity in developing member countries.
Its supported academic fields therefore relate closely to challenges such as:
- Economic development
- Environmental sustainability
- Governance
- Natural resource management
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Urbanisation
- Public administration
- Regional development
Recipients are expected to return home after completing their studies and use their expertise to contribute to socioeconomic progress.
Return-to-Home-Country Expectation
The scholarship programme is built around the expectation that scholars will return to their home countries after graduation.
The goal is for recipients to apply and share their new skills and knowledge to support development in their countries.
Applicants should therefore understand that the programme is not primarily designed as a pathway for permanent relocation to the United States.
How to Apply for the ADB-Japan Scholarship
Applicants must complete two separate application processes.
This is one of the most important parts of the process.
Students must apply both:
- For the ADB-JSP scholarship through the East-West Center
- For admission to an eligible master’s degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Submitting only one of these applications is not sufficient.
Step 1 — Check ADB-JSP Eligibility
Before applying, review the full eligibility requirements.
Confirm that you meet requirements relating to:
- Nationality
- Current residence
- Age
- Degree
- Work experience
- Previous study abroad
- Master’s history
- English proficiency
Applicants should also review the Asian Development Bank’s official scholarship requirements and selection criteria.
Step 2 — Select an Eligible Master’s Programme
Choose one of the University of Hawai‘i programmes supported by ADB-JSP.
Confirm the admission requirements for that specific programme.
Different programmes may require different standardised tests such as:
- GRE
- GMAT
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo
Step 3 — Apply for the ADB-JSP Through the East-West Center
Submit the scholarship application through the East-West Center’s official application portal.
Apply for the ADB-JSP Scholarship
Applicants should complete this process before the 1 December 2026 deadline.
Step 4 — Apply Separately to the University of Hawai‘i
Applicants must also submit a separate admission application to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
The admission application must include all supporting documents required by the selected academic programme.
Step 5 — Follow the Correct Application Route for Business
Applicants seeking admission to the Global MBA should not use the general UHM Graduate Division application route identified for the other programmes.
The East-West Center directs Global MBA applicants to the programme’s dedicated business application process.
Step 6 — Complete Required Standardised Tests
Applicants should schedule English-language tests, GRE or GMAT exams early if their programme requires them.
Because English test results must be from within the past two years, candidates should verify the validity period of existing scores.
Step 7 — Submit Everything Before the Deadline
Complete both the scholarship and university admission processes within the applicable deadlines.
Applicants should not wait until the final days because different academic departments may require additional materials or processing time.
ADB-JSP Application Deadline for Fall 2027
The East-West Center scholarship deadline is:
1 December 2026.
The application cycle opened on:
18 August 2026.
This cycle is specifically for students seeking admission for the:
Fall 2027 academic year.
Why Applicants Should Start Early
The application involves more than simply completing a scholarship form.
Students may need to prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree documents
- Professional experience records
- English proficiency results
- GRE or GMAT scores
- University admission materials
- Scholarship application documents
Processing standardised tests alone can require significant preparation time.
Applicants should therefore begin well before December.
How Competitive Is the ADB-JSP?
The supplied East-West Center page does not state the number of scholarships available for the Fall 2027 cycle or the number of applications expected.
Applicants should therefore not rely on unofficial acceptance-rate estimates.
However, the scholarship targets well-qualified citizens of eligible ADB developing member countries and includes extensive financial support, so applicants should expect a selective process.
How to Strengthen an ADB-JSP Application
Applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness, professional experience and a clear development-oriented career plan.
Connect Your Degree to Development Goals
Explain how your chosen master’s programme relates to challenges facing your country.
For example, an applicant studying environmental management might connect the degree to:
- Climate resilience
- Natural resource management
- Sustainable agriculture
- Environmental policy
A public administration applicant might focus on:
- Governance
- Public-sector reform
- Service delivery
- Institutional capacity
Demonstrate Relevant Professional Experience
Applicants are required to have at least two years of professional experience.
Rather than simply listing job titles, strong applicants should clearly show what they have accomplished and how that experience relates to their intended graduate study.
Show How You Will Use the Degree at Home
The programme expects scholars to return to their home countries.
Applicants should therefore articulate a credible plan for applying their graduate education after returning home.
Demonstrate Academic Readiness
Graduate study at the University of Hawai‘i can be demanding.
Strong academic performance, relevant undergraduate preparation and suitable standardised test scores can strengthen an applicant’s profile.
Prepare for English Proficiency Testing
Candidates who still need IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo results should schedule testing early.
A last-minute test could create problems if results are delayed or if the applicant needs to retake the exam.
Why the ADB-Japan Scholarship Is Worth Considering
The ADB-JSP at the East-West Center is one of the more comprehensive graduate funding opportunities available to eligible applicants from Asian Development Bank developing member countries.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition and fees
- Roundtrip international travel
- Housing
- Monthly stipend
- Textbook support
- Health insurance
- J-1 visa sponsorship
The combination of academic study at the University of Hawai‘i and participation in East-West Center leadership and residential programmes also provides opportunities for international networking and professional development.
Studying at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Scholarship recipients pursue their academic degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in Honolulu.
The location can be especially relevant for students studying topics connected to:
- Asia-Pacific development
- Ocean sciences
- Environmental sustainability
- Pacific studies
- Natural resources
- International development
The East-West Center’s location alongside the university also gives scholars access to its educational and leadership community.
Living at the East-West Center
The scholarship includes housing in East-West Center residence facilities.
This residential element is an important part of the overall programme because scholars can live alongside students and professionals from different countries and backgrounds.
The East-West Center’s model combines academic learning with cross-cultural engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?
The ADB-JSP is a scholarship programme funded by the Government of Japan to support graduate education for eligible citizens of Asian Development Bank developing member countries.
Is the ADB-JSP open for 2027?
Yes. The East-West Center application cycle opened on 18 August 2026 for Fall 2027 study.
When is the deadline?
The scholarship application deadline is 1 December 2026.
Is the ADB-JSP fully funded?
Yes. The East-West Center scholarship includes full tuition and fees, travel, housing, a monthly stipend, textbook funding, health insurance and J-1 visa sponsorship.
Does the scholarship pay for flights?
Yes. It provides roundtrip travel to Honolulu from the applicant’s home country.
Does it cover accommodation?
Yes. Housing in East-West Center residence facilities is included.
Does the scholarship provide a monthly stipend?
Yes. A monthly stipend is included, although the supplied page does not state the exact amount.
Does it cover health insurance?
Yes.
Does it provide visa support?
Yes. J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship is included.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be not more than 35 years old at the time of application.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants need at least two years of full-time professional work experience after a university degree.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Candidates need a four-year bachelor’s degree or an accepted equivalent.
Can I apply while living outside my home country?
No. The East-West Center states that applicants living or working in a country other than their home country are not eligible.
Can I apply for a second master’s degree?
No. Candidates seeking a second master’s degree are not eligible under the stated criteria.
Can someone who previously studied abroad apply?
Applicants who previously studied abroad in a country outside ADB developing member countries are not eligible according to the East-West Center criteria.
What IELTS score is required?
The listed minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
What TOEFL iBT score is required?
The listed minimum is 79–80.
Is Duolingo accepted?
Yes. The listed minimum Duolingo English Test score is 95.
What programmes are covered?
Eligible programmes include Global MBA, Economics, Geography, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Ocean and Resources Engineering, Oceanography, Pacific Islands Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, and Urban and Regional Planning.
Do I need to apply separately to the University of Hawai‘i?
Yes. Applicants must submit both an ADB-JSP application through the East-West Center and a separate university admission application.
What happens after completing the degree?
Scholars are expected to return to their home countries and use their knowledge and skills to contribute to socioeconomic development.
Final Thoughts
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program 2027 offers an exceptional fully funded opportunity for eligible professionals from ADB developing member countries to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
The scholarship provides extensive financial support, including full tuition and fees, roundtrip travel to Honolulu, East-West Center housing, a monthly stipend, textbook funding, health insurance and J-1 visa sponsorship.
Applicants must generally be 35 years old or younger, hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of full-time professional experience, satisfy English-language requirements and be both a citizen and current resident of an eligible ADB developing member country.
Students should also remember that applying for the scholarship is not enough on its own. A separate University of Hawai‘i master’s admission application must also be completed.
The current application cycle opened on 18 August 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026 for Fall 2027 study.
Prospective applicants who meet the eligibility requirements should begin preparing their academic documents, professional experience information, English test results and university application as early as possible.
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