ADB–Japan Scholarship Program 2026–2027 (Fully Funded Master’s in USA, Japan & Asia-Pacific)

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB) & The Government of Japan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international financial development institution committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. Established in April 1988 with full funding from the Government of Japan, the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) supports human resource development across ADB developing member countries—with Cambodia holding full borrowing-member eligibility.

Degree Levels, Institutions & Geographic Destinations

The scholarship awards approximately 130 to 250 fully funded master's scholarships annually across 27 designated premier academic institutions in 9 regional economies:

• United States: East-West Center / University of Hawaii at Manoa.
• Japan (17 World-Class Universities): University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Hitotsubashi University, Keio University, Kobe University, Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Tech), Kyushu University, Nagoya University, and Ritsumeikan APU.
• Singapore: National University of Singapore (NUS - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy).
• Hong Kong SAR: The University of Hong Kong (HKU).
• Thailand: Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Thammasat University.
• Philippines & India: Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and IIT Delhi.

100% Fully Funded Comprehensive Coverage

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of all compulsory academic tuition, registration, and laboratory fees.
• Monthly Subsistence & Housing Allowance: Substantial monthly stipend covering accommodation, food, and daily living costs.
• Travel & Airfare: Full roundtrip international economy-class airfare from Phnom Penh to the designated host country and back upon graduation.
• Books & Study Materials: Annual instructional textbook and supplies allowance.
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive student medical and accident insurance throughout the degree duration.
• Research & Thesis Grant: Dedicated grant for fieldwork, research data collection, and master's thesis preparation.

Approved Academic Disciplines

• Science, Technology & Engineering: Computer Science, AI, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Energy Technology, Agriculture, Forestry, and Public Health.
• Economics, Business & Management: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Economics, Public Finance, Taxation, and International Commerce.
• Public Policy & Development: Public Policy, International Development, Urban Planning, and Environmental Law.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

• Nationality: National of an eligible ADB borrowing member country — Cambodian citizens are fully eligible. (Applicants must not hold dual citizenship in any developed country).
• Academic Standing: Completed Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a superior academic record (high GPA).
• Work Experience: Minimum of at least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience acquired after university graduation.
• Age Limit: Not more than 35 years old at the time of application.
• Language Skills: Excellent oral and written English proficiency (valid IELTS or TOEFL score matching the host university's requirements).
• Home Country Commitment: Must formally agree to return and work in Cambodia for at least two (2) years after completing the Master's degree to contribute to national development.

Application Procedure & Direct Portals

Applications are submitted directly to the Designated Partner Institution of your choice (not to ADB headquarters). Deadlines vary by partner university (typically between November and February for Fall intakes):

• Apply for admission directly to your selected Master's course at a designated partner university.
• Indicate on the university application form that you wish to be nominated for the ADB–Japan Scholarship Program.
• Submit the official ADB-JSP Information Sheet along with employment certificates, family income tax records, and academic transcripts.
• Official Direct ADB Information Portal: adb.org/japan-scholarship-program
• List of Partner Universities & Guidelines: adb.org/institutions-list