Applications are open for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa through the East-West Center. The award covers full tuition and fees, roundtrip travel, housing, a monthly stipend, textbooks, health insurance and J-1 visa sponsorship.
Applications are open for the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) 2027 through the East-West Center for eligible master’s degree study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
The current application cycle opened on August 18, 2026 and closes on:
December 1, 2026
The scholarship supports eligible citizens of Asian Development Bank developing member countries who want to pursue approved master’s degrees in areas such as economics, management, science, technology and other development-related fields.
The funding package is substantial. It includes:
- Full tuition and fees
- Roundtrip travel from the applicant’s home country to Honolulu
- Housing in East-West Center residence facilities
- Monthly stipend
- Textbook funding
- Health insurance
- U.S. visa sponsorship under the J-1 Exchange Visitor category
This makes the ADB-JSP one of the more comprehensive master’s funding opportunities currently available for eligible applicants from developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific.
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program |
| Short Name | ADB-JSP |
| Host Institution | University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa |
| Partner Institution | East-West Center |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Opening Date | August 18, 2026 |
| Closing Date | December 1, 2026 |
| Academic Year | Fall 2027 |
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Travel | Roundtrip travel to Honolulu |
| Housing | East-West Center residence facilities |
| Living Support | Monthly stipend |
| Books | Funds provided |
| Health Insurance | Included |
| Visa Support | J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsorship |
| Work Experience | At least 2 years full-time after university degree |
| Age Limit | Not more than 35 at time of application |
| Citizenship | Citizen of an ADB developing member country |
| Residence | Must currently reside in an ADB developing member country |
| Application Frequency | East-West Center accepts applications every other year |
What Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?
The ADB-JSP was established in April 1988 with funding from the Government of Japan.
Its purpose is to strengthen human-resource capacity in Asian Development Bank developing member countries by enabling well-qualified citizens to pursue graduate study in development-related fields at participating institutions.
The programme specifically aims to support study in fields such as:
- Economics
- Management
- Science
- Technology
- Other development-related areas
After completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and apply their knowledge and skills toward socioeconomic development.
Is the 2027 ADB-JSP Open?
Yes.
The East-West Center states that the current cycle is for the:
Fall 2027 academic year
and that applications are open from:
August 18, 2026 to December 1, 2026.
The programme page also notes that the East-West Center accepts ADB-JSP applications every other year.
Who Can Apply?
The programme has several important basic eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an ADB developing member country
- Be currently resident in an ADB developing member country
- Be no more than 35 years old at the time of application
- Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree or accepted equivalent
- Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after a university degree
- Meet the English-language requirement
These are baseline conditions for the East-West Center route.
Citizenship and Residence Requirement
Applicants must satisfy both citizenship and current-residence conditions.
The source states that candidates must be:
A citizen and current resident of a developing member country of the Asian Development Bank.
This means citizenship alone is not enough.
Applicants living or working outside their home country are specifically listed as ineligible.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
Not more than 35 years old at the time of application.
Candidates should calculate their age based on the date they submit their application.
Academic Qualification Requirement
Applicants need:
A four-year bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree.
The source gives examples of possible equivalents, including:
- Three-year bachelor’s degree plus one-year master’s degree
- Two-year bachelor’s degree plus two-year master’s degree
However, equivalent qualifications are subject to review.
Professional Experience Requirement
Applicants must have at least:
Two years of full-time professional work experience
after completing a university degree.
This is a significant eligibility requirement.
A candidate who has the required degree but does not yet have two years of post-degree full-time professional experience would not meet the stated basic criteria.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must take an accepted English proficiency test.
The minimum scores listed by the East-West Center are:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 |
| TOEFL computer-based | 213 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79–80 |
| Duolingo | 95 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
Test results must be from an exam taken within the previous two years.
Applicants should also verify any additional language conditions imposed by their chosen University of Hawai‘i programme.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The East-West Center lists several situations that make applicants ineligible.
You are not eligible if:
- You are living or working in a country other than your home country
- You have previously studied abroad in a country outside ADB developing member countries
- You are seeking a second master’s degree
These restrictions are especially important for applicants with previous international study experience.
Can Applicants Who Have Studied Abroad Apply?
Not in all cases.
The source states that applicants who have previously studied abroad in a country outside ADB developing member countries are not eligible.
Applicants with international academic histories should therefore review the full ADB eligibility criteria carefully.
Can You Apply for a Second Master’s Degree?
No.
The source specifically states that applicants seeking a:
Second master’s degree
are not eligible.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The ADB-JSP package for study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa includes:
Full Tuition and Fees
The scholarship covers full tuition and fees.
Roundtrip Travel
It provides roundtrip travel from the applicant’s home country to Honolulu.
Housing
Scholars receive housing in East-West Center residence facilities.
Monthly Stipend
A monthly living stipend is included.
Textbook Funding
The scholarship provides funds for textbooks.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is included.
U.S. Visa Sponsorship
The programme provides sponsorship for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.
Is the ADB-JSP Fully Funded?
The source provides clear support for describing this specific East-West Center award as a comprehensive funded scholarship because it covers:
- Full tuition and fees
- Travel
- Housing
- Monthly living support
- Textbooks
- Health insurance
- J-1 visa sponsorship
However, applicants should still review the formal award terms for any personal expenses or incidental costs not expressly listed.
Does the Scholarship Include Airfare?
Yes.
The funding includes:
Roundtrip travel to Honolulu from the applicant’s home country.
Does the Scholarship Include Accommodation?
Yes.
The scholarship includes:
Housing in East-West Center residence facilities.
This is stronger than programmes that only provide assistance finding housing.
Is There a Monthly Stipend?
Yes.
The programme explicitly includes a:
Monthly stipend.
The supplied page does not state the stipend amount.
Therefore, no specific monthly dollar figure should be invented.
Does the Scholarship Pay for Books?
Yes.
The scholarship includes:
Funds for textbooks.
Is Health Insurance Included?
Yes.
Health insurance is part of the scholarship package.
Is Visa Sponsorship Included?
Yes.
The scholarship provides:
U.S. visa sponsorship under the J-1 Exchange Visitor category.
This is especially important for international scholars who need lawful status to study in Hawai‘i.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The source lists 11 approved master’s programmes funded through the East-West Center route.
These are:
- Business Administration – Global MBA
- Economics – MA
- Geography – MA
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management – MS
- Ocean and Resources Engineering – MS
- Oceanography – MS
- Pacific Islands Studies – MA
- Public Administration – MPA
- Sociology – MA
- Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences – MS
- Urban and Regional Planning – MURP
Applicants should apply to one of the approved programmes.
Business Administration Global MBA
The Global MBA is listed as an eligible programme.
Applicants need:
- TOEFL or IELTS for EWC and UHM
- GMAT for UHM
Economics MA
The Economics MA is eligible.
The source lists:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE required by UHM
Geography MA
Applicants to Geography may need:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Natural Resources and Environmental Management MS
This programme is also eligible and lists:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Ocean and Resources Engineering MS
The programme is eligible and lists:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Oceanography MS
Oceanography is another approved area.
The listed tests are:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Pacific Islands Studies MA
This programme requires an English-language test from the listed accepted options, but the supplied table does not list the GRE for this programme.
Public Administration MPA
The Public Administration MPA is also supported.
The source lists:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
Sociology MA
The Sociology MA lists:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences MS
This programme is eligible and lists:
- TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS
- GRE for UHM
Urban and Regional Planning MURP
The Urban and Regional Planning programme is also supported and lists an accepted English proficiency test.
Do You Need to Apply Separately to the University?
Yes.
This is one of the most important application requirements.
Candidates must submit:
- An ADB-JSP scholarship application to the East-West Center
- A separate master’s admission application to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
The university application must include all required supporting documents.
Applying for the scholarship alone does not constitute an application for university admission.
How to Apply
A practical application sequence is:
Step 1 — Confirm Your ADB-JSP Eligibility
Check:
- Citizenship
- Current residence
- Age
- Degree qualification
- Work experience
- English test
- Previous study history
- Whether you are seeking a first or second master’s degree
Step 2 — Choose an Approved Programme
Select one of the eligible University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa master’s programmes.
Step 3 — Check Programme-Specific Tests
Some programmes require GRE or GMAT in addition to the English-language requirement.
Step 4 — Submit the ADB-JSP Scholarship Application
Apply through the East-West Center.
Step 5 — Apply Separately to UHM
Submit a separate graduate admission application to the relevant University of Hawai‘i programme.
The East-West Center expressly requires both application processes.
Important Exception for Business Applicants
Applicants seeking admission to the business programme should not use the regular UHM Graduate Division route described for most programmes.
The source directs Global MBA applicants to the relevant business programme application route instead.
Why the Scholarship Is Highly Attractive
Several aspects make this award particularly valuable.
Comprehensive Financial Support
The package covers both academic and major living-related costs.
International Study Experience
Scholars study in Honolulu at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
East-West Center Participation
The programme includes educational, residential and leadership-development activities through the East-West Center.
Development Focus
The programme is designed for applicants who can apply their studies to socioeconomic development in their home countries.
Visa Sponsorship
J-1 visa sponsorship is included.
What Happens After Graduation?
The ADB-JSP expects scholars to:
Return to their home countries
after completing their studies and use their new knowledge and skills to promote socioeconomic development.
Applicants should therefore have a credible plan for how their graduate education relates to development needs in their home country.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Demonstrate Development Relevance
Explain how your intended degree connects to development priorities in your country.
Show Professional Experience Clearly
Because at least two years of full-time work experience is mandatory, describe your responsibilities and achievements carefully.
Connect Your Career Goals to Your Home Country
The programme expects scholars to return home, so your long-term plan should reflect that.
Choose the Right Degree
Your proposed master’s programme should align logically with:
- Your prior education
- Professional experience
- Development goals
Prepare Test Scores Early
Do not wait until the deadline to arrange English-language testing, GRE or GMAT where required.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying While Living Abroad
Applicants living or working outside their home country are listed as ineligible.
Ignoring the Two-Year Work Requirement
The scholarship requires at least two years of full-time professional experience after a university degree.
Applying for a Second Master’s
The programme excludes applicants seeking a second master’s degree.
Assuming Every UHM Master’s Is Funded
Only approved programmes listed under ADB-JSP are supported.
Applying Only to the East-West Center
You must also submit a separate University of Hawai‘i application.
Missing Standardized Test Requirements
Some programmes require GRE or GMAT in addition to English-language testing.
Inventing a Monthly Stipend Amount
The programme confirms a stipend but does not state its monetary value on the supplied page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program open for 2027?
Yes. The current cycle is open for Fall 2027.
What is the deadline?
December 1, 2026.
When did applications open?
August 18, 2026.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship covers full tuition and fees, roundtrip travel, housing, a monthly stipend, textbook funds, health insurance and J-1 visa sponsorship.
Does it cover tuition?
Yes. Full tuition and fees are covered.
Does it cover flights?
Yes. Roundtrip travel from the applicant’s home country to Honolulu is included.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. Housing in East-West Center residence facilities is included.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. A monthly stipend is provided.
Is health insurance covered?
Yes.
Is visa sponsorship included?
Yes. The programme includes J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be no more than 35 years old at the time of application.
How much work experience is required?
At least two years of full-time professional work experience after a university degree.
Can applicants living outside their home country apply?
No, according to the supplied eligibility rules.
Can I apply for a second master’s degree?
No. Applicants seeking a second master’s are not eligible.
Is IELTS accepted?
Yes. The listed minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
Is TOEFL accepted?
Yes. The source lists minimum scores of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based and 79–80 for TOEFL iBT.
Is Duolingo accepted?
Yes. The listed minimum is 95.
Do I need to apply separately to UHM?
Yes. A separate master’s admission application is mandatory.
Final Thoughts
The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2027 through the East-West Center offers a particularly strong funding package for eligible applicants seeking master’s study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Applications opened on August 18, 2026 and close on:
December 1, 2026
Eligible applicants must be citizens and current residents of ADB developing member countries, be no more than 35 years old, hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree, and have at least two years of full-time professional experience after university. English-language requirements also apply.
For successful applicants, the package includes full tuition and fees, roundtrip travel to Honolulu, East-West Center housing, a monthly stipend, textbook funding, health insurance and J-1 visa sponsorship.
Candidates should remember that the process involves two separate applications: one for the ADB-JSP through the East-West Center and another for admission to an eligible master’s programme at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements should begin early, particularly if their chosen programme requires GRE or GMAT scores in addition to English-language testing.
SEO Keywords
ADB Japan Scholarship Program 2027, ADB-JSP 2027, Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship, fully funded master’s scholarship 2027, University of Hawaii scholarships 2027, East-West Center scholarship 2027, scholarships in USA for international students 2027, ADB scholarship deadline 2026, ADB-JSP December 1 2026 deadline, full tuition scholarship USA, master’s scholarships for developing countries, ADB developing member country scholarship, East-West Center ADB scholarship, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa scholarship, scholarship with airfare and accommodation, scholarship with monthly stipend, scholarship with visa sponsorship, J-1 visa scholarship USA, development studies scholarships 2027, economics scholarships 2027, MBA scholarships 2027, public administration scholarships 2027, environmental management scholarships, oceanography scholarships 2027, sociology scholarships 2027, urban planning scholarships 2027, international master’s funding 2027, ADB Japan scholarship eligibility, ADB-JSP application 2026, fully funded scholarships closing December 2026
