Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s & Ph.D. Study in Japan

Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s & Ph.D. Study in Japan: Overview

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) is a prestigious, fully funded initiative established in 1993 and funded by the Government of Japan in partnership with the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

It is designed to train junior government officials from Asia and the Pacific in economics and public policy, equipping them with advanced tools to design and implement sustainable growth strategies.

More than 1,000 alumni have gone on to become senior policymakers, governors, and ministers across the region.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a national of one of the following countries:
  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.

• Be a junior official employed by:

  • Central banks

  • Ministries of economy, finance, planning/development, trade/commerce

  • Tax administrations, national statistics bureaus, financial regulatory agencies

  • Or other agencies significantly influencing macroeconomic policy.

• Hold:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (for the Master’s Track).

  • A Master’s degree (for the Ph.D. Track).

• Be fluent in English (TOEFL/IELTS recommended).

• Be under 36 years old, with at least 2 years of public sector work experience (priority).

Benefits

The scholarship provides:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Round-trip airfare (economy class)

• Orientation and pre-arrival allowance (Master’s Track)

• Field-trip fees (Master’s Track)

• Research-related fees (Ph.D. Track)

• Visa, dormitory, and health insurance support (via partner universities)

Fellowship/Program Components

🔹 Master’s Track (Flagship)

Specialized Master’s in Macroeconomics / Public Policy at one of four partner universities:

• GRIPS – Macroeconomic Policy Programs (1–2 years)

• Hitotsubashi University (HIT) – Asian Public Policy Program (2 years)

• International University of Japan (IUJ) – Macroeconomic Policy Program (2 years)

• University of Tokyo (UTokyo) – Public Policy International Program (2 years)

🔹 Ph.D. Track

• Open to officials pursuing doctoral studies in economics/public policy at any university in Japan.

• Applicants must secure admission independently.

Application Requirements

• Online JISPA application form

• Academic transcripts & certificates

• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS recommended)

• Employment verification and nomination letter from government agency

• Statement of purpose outlining career goals and impact on policymaking

• Math/Statistics proficiency test (for Master’s Track)

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on:

• Strong academic record

• Relevant work experience in government

• Quantitative & analytical skills (math/statistics)

• English proficiency

• Leadership potential & commitment to public service

• Regional, agency, and gender balance for diverse representation

Application Process

• Step 1: Confirm eligibility.

• Step 2: Submit application form & required documents online.

• Step 3: Sit for math/statistics test (Master’s Track).

• Step 4: Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.

• Step 5: Successful candidates receive offer through JISPA and must then proceed with university enrollment.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s & Ph.D. Study in Japan