Application for the Japan IMF Scholarship 2026 for Asia (JISPA) is now open

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) is more than just a scholarship — it’s a gateway to becoming a future leader in economic policy.

When is the Application Deadline:

• Master’s Track: October 20, 2025 (23:59 JST); reference letter submission by November 1, 2025 (23:59 JST)
• Ph.D. Track: June 1, 2026 (subject to change)

Tell Me About The Award:

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA), established in 1993, is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. It supports junior government officials from Asia and the Pacific in pursuing graduate studies in economics or related fields at leading Japanese universities. The program aims to build institutional capacity for economic policymaking, fostering sustainable growth and development. 

Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.

JISPA offers two tracks: a Master’s Track at partner universities and a Ph.D. Track at any leading Japanese university, equipping scholars to become future macroeconomic policymakers. Over 1,000 alumni have graduated, many holding senior roles like governors and ministers.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

• Master’s Track: Specialized programs in macroeconomics or public policy at partner universities:
  • National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS): Master of Public Policy or Master of Public Economics (1-year); Master of Arts in Public Economics (2-year)
  • Hitotsubashi University: Asian Public Policy Program, Master of Public Policy (Public Economics) (2-year)
  • International University of Japan (IUJ): Macroeconomic Policy Program, Master of Arts in Economics (2-year)
  • The University of Tokyo: Master of Public Policy, International Program (2-year)
• Ph.D. Track: Doctoral studies in macroeconomics or related fields (e.g., public economics, monetary economics, international economics, finance) at any leading Japanese university.

Type:
Fully-funded Master’s and Ph.D. scholarship

Who can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be a national of one of the eligible countries listed below.
• Be employed and nominated by a central bank, Ministry of Economy, Finance, planning/development, trade/Commerce, Tax Administration, National Statistics Bureau, financial regulatory agency, or similar government body impacting macroeconomic policy.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s Track) or a Master’s degree (Ph.D. Track) with at least 16 years of formal education.
• Be fluent in English (TOEFL: C626 – Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia; IELTS: JISPA recommended).
• For Ph.D. Track: Be admitted to or applying for a doctoral program in economics at a Japanese university.
• Priority for Master’s Track: Under 36 years old, no prior Master’s degree from outside their home country, and at least 2-3 years of public sector experience.

How are Applicants Selected?

• Applications are evaluated based on academic record, work experience, proficiency in mathematics and statistics (may include a math test), English language skills, and potential to contribute to macroeconomic and financial management in their home country.
• Personal qualities like commitment to public service, eagerness to learn, and openness to new ideas are considered.
• Selection ensures regional, agency, and gender balance.
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
• Ph.D. Track applicants must independently secure admission to a Japanese university doctoral program.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

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

Where will the Award be Taken?

Japan, at partner universities (GRIPS, Hitotsubashi, IUJ, University of Tokyo) for Master’s Track, or any leading Japanese university for Ph.D. Track.

How Many Awards?

Approximately 35 scholarships for the Master’s Track and a small number (not fixed) for the Ph.D. Track annually.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

• Full university admission and tuition fees
• Monthly stipend (including housing allowance)
• Medical/accident insurance
• One round-trip economy class airfare
• Pre-arrival allowance (visa, medical exam; Master’s Track only)
• Orientation program fees (Master’s Track only)
• Annual field trip fees (Master’s Track only)
• Computer/software allowance (Master’s Track only)
• Research-related fees, including field research and conference attendance (Ph.D. Track only)
  No expenses for accompanying family members are covered, and JISPA scholars cannot accept other scholarships.

How Long Will the Award Last?

• Master’s Track: 1-2 years, depending on the program (renewable for two-year programs based on academic performance and agency nomination).
• Ph.D. Track: Up to 3-4 years, covering the duration of the doctoral program.

How to Apply:

• Master’s Track:
  1. Apply online via the IMF’s application system (September 20–October 20, 2025) at JISPA Application.
  2. Submit:
     • Completed application form with a recent photo.
     • Original nomination letter from the sponsoring agency (signed, dated, with official seal).
     • Original letter of declaration signed by the applicant.
     • Two reference letters.
     • Research proposal for thesis/policy paper.
     • Official diploma/degree certificates.
     • TOEFL/IELTS score (optional but recommended).
  3. Select preferred partner universities in the application.
  4. Submit reference letters by November 1, 2025.
• Ph.D. Track:
  1. Secure admission to a doctoral program at a Japanese university independently.
  2. Apply online via the IMF’s system (May 1–June 1, 2026, subject to change).
  3. Submit similar documents as the Master’s Track, plus proof of university admission.
• Contact JISPA office (mailto:jispa@imf.org) for inquiries.

Visit the Award Webpage for Details:

Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)