A fully funded Master’s opportunity in Japan for government officials from India and other Asian-Pacific countries — with tuition, airfare, living support, visa-related costs and other study expenses covered. Applications open today.
Overview
The Japan–IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the International Monetary Fund.
The programme is designed for young government officials working in economic-policy-related agencies across Asia and the Pacific. Selected scholars pursue an English-taught Master’s degree in economics or public policy at one of four Japanese partner universities.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity type: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
- Host: International Monetary Fund / Government of Japan
- Programme: Japan–IMF Scholarship Program for Asia
- Location: Japan
- Study mode: Full-time, in person
- Degree level: Master’s
- Fields: Economics, public policy, macroeconomic policy and related areas
- Funding status: Fully funded
- Participant cost: None
- Tuition: Covered
- Airfare: One round-trip economy airfare covered
- Monthly stipend: Covered
- Visa fees: Pre-arrival allowance includes visa fees
- Medical examination: Covered through pre-arrival allowance
- Orientation: Covered
- Field trips: Covered where arranged by the partner university
- Insurance: Partner universities provide insurance-package assistance; the scholarship materials state health-insurance premiums are supported
- Age: Priority is given to applicants under 36; candidates meeting the other criteria may apply regardless of age
- Nationality: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pacific Island Countries, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
- Degree requirement: Bachelor’s degree
- Work experience: At least 2 years for the Master’s Track
- Target applicants: Government officials working in economic-policy-related agencies
- Application fee: None
- Application opens: 15 September 2026
- Application deadline: 20 October 2026, 23:59 JST
- Programme start: 2027
The IMF’s official JISPA materials state that the scholarship covers admission and tuition fees, orientation fees, a monthly stipend, one round-trip economy airfare, pre-arrival costs including visa fees and medical examination, and field-trip fees; partner universities provide assistance for visa application, dormitory and insurance.
What Is Covered?
The official JISPA brochure lists:
- University admission and tuition fees
- Orientation Programme fees
- Monthly stipend
- One round-trip economy airfare
- Pre-arrival allowance for visa fees and medical examination
- Field-trip fees arranged by the partner university
The partner universities also provide assistance with:
- Visa application
- Dormitory
- Insurance package
The IMF also describes JISPA as a scholarship funded by the Government of Japan for young government officials in Asia who wish to pursue graduate-level economics and public-policy study in Japan.
Partner Universities
Applicants can select among the JISPA partner institutions:
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
- Hitotsubashi University
- International University of Japan
- The University of Tokyo
Eligibility
Applicants for the Master’s Track must be:
- Nationals of an eligible country.
- Currently employed and nominated by an eligible government agency.
- Working in or connected to economic-policy formulation or implementation.
- Holders of a Bachelor’s degree.
- Able to demonstrate English proficiency.
- Applicants with at least two years of work experience are eligible under the published Master’s Track criteria.
- Committed to contributing to their home country’s development after the programme.
Eligible government agencies include central banks, ministries of economy, finance, planning/development, trade/commerce, tax administrations, national statistics offices, financial regulators and related agencies.
Eligible Countries
The IMF lists:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Lao P.D.R.
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Pacific Island Countries
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Application Process
- Confirm that your nationality and employment situation meet the JISPA requirements.
- Obtain formal nomination/support from your government agency.
- Review the four partner universities and available Master’s programmes.
- Prepare academic documents, employment information and references.
- Complete the online JISPA application.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Complete the selection process, including the required assessment stages.
- Successful scholars begin the programme in 2027.
Important Notes
- This is not a general scholarship for all applicants. It is specifically aimed at government officials working in relevant economic-policy areas.
- Government-agency endorsement is mandatory.
- JISPA scholars are expected to return to their home agencies after completing their studies.
- The IMF states that JISPA is highly selective, with an annual intake of around 35 scholars.
- The scholarship covers expenses for the scholar; additional expenses for accompanying family members are not covered.
Exact Deadline
20 October 2026, 23:59 JST
Official Application
Japan–IMF Scholarship Program for Asia
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