Deadline:
October 20, 2025
Location(s)
Japan
Various universities
Overview
The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) offers scholarships to junior government officials from emerging and developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region to pursue graduate studies in economics and public policy in Japan.
Details
The Master’s Track1 provides opportunities to study at one of the four partner universities:
-
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
-
Hitotsubashi University (HIT)
-
International University of Japan (IUJ)
-
The University of Tokyo (UTokyo)
The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) was first introduced in 1993. It is funded by the Government of Japan, administered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and conducted at various graduate schools in Japan. Its objective is to contribute to institutional capacity building in economic policymaking to promote the sustainable growth of emerging and developing economies in Asia and the Pacific.
By training future macroeconomic managers in these countries, the JISPA aims to enable them to better formulate sound economic and financial stability policies needed for sustainable growth and development.
The JISPA targets highly motivated government officials who may serve as future macroeconomic policy makers with the capacity and vision to contribute effectively to the economic development of their countries.
Scholarship awards are made on the basis of the candidate’s academic record and work background, mathematical and statistics skills, English language proficiency, and potential for contributing to the macroeconomic and financial management and economic development of their country. The assessment also includes qualities such as the candidate’s commitment to public service, willingness to learn, and openness to new ideas.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
1. 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 and Vietnam.
2. Officials currently employed and nominated by one of the following or related government agencies
-
Central bank, ministry of economy, ministry of finance, ministry of planning/development, ministry of trade/commerce, tax administration, national statistics bureau, financial regulatory agencies, or similar government bodies.
-
Other government areas that significantly influence macroeconomic policy formulation or implementation may also be considered.
A strong nomination from the applicant’s government agency is required. This must be submitted as part of the application through a signed nomination and certification form, confirming the agency’s support for the applicant’s participation in the program and assurance of reinstatement upon completion.
NOTE: Officials who are (will be) on leave or out of duty for a cumulative total of more than three months, within the 12-month period leading up to July 1, 2026, are not eligible to apply (due to the long-term study leave requirement of JISPA).
3. Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 16 years of formal education.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with at least 16 years of formal education. Names of schools and dates of attendance for the most recent three schools must be listed in the application. In some cases, 15 years of formal education may be accepted if there is an official explanation (a country’s educational system or other exceptional circumstances).
4. English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate have English language proficiency, equivalent to official iBT score of 79-80 or higher, or an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0.
5. Commitment to National Development
Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home country. If selected, they are required to return to their agency upon completion of their studies to utilize the knowledge and skills gained through the JISPA for their country’s development.
[Priority Applicants]
Priority is given to the following applicants:
-
Under 36 years old
-
Have not obtained a Master’s Degree from outside their own country
-
Have a minimum of 2 years work experience in the public sector at the time of application.
Dates
Deadline: October 20, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
The scholarship covers tuition-related costs and most living expenses for the scholar herself/himself.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
