The fully funded Government of Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia 2026–2027 aims to empower young government professionals from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. This program, which is run by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and sponsored by the Government of Japan, aims to develop the next generation of leaders in financial management, public administration, and economic policy. Since its founding in 1993, it has given more than 1,000 officials from more than 20 nations outstanding academic and professional training, enabling them to become experts in macroeconomics and policy development while immersing themselves in Japan’s vibrant culture and innovative atmosphere.

Japan’s leading institutions partner with the Government of Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia to provide top-notch research and educational opportunities. The University of Tokyo (UTokyo), Hitotsubashi University, International University of Japan (IUJ), and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) are among the cooperating universities. Through this collaboration, scholars develop their leadership and scholarly abilities while simultaneously creating global networks that support policy reform and sustainable economic growth in their native nations.

Country: Japan
Provider: Government of Japan and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Funded by: Government of Japan
Study Level: Master’s
Benefits: Fully Funded
Deadline: 20 October 2025

Advantages:-

Tuition and full entrance fees
A monthly allowance for living costs
One round-trip ticket in economy
Pre-arrival compensation (medical examination and immigration fees)
Insurance and dorm package
Fees for the Orientation Program
fees for the field trip (organized by partner universities)

Eligibility Criteria:-

• Be a citizen of one of the aforementioned qualifying nations.
• Under 36 years old at the time of application.
• possess a bachelor’s degree after completing 16 years of formal schooling.
• possess a minimum of two years of public sector job experience.
• be engaged and designated by a government organization, such as the central bank, trade, economy, or finance ministry.
• Demonstrate fluency in English (TOEFL iBT 79–80 or IELTS 6.0).
• Candidates from the Philippines, India, and a few Pacific Island nations are not required to apply.
• promise to return home after the program is over in order to support the growth of their country.

Required Documents:-

• Filled-out online application
• Form for government agency certification and nomination
• Purpose statement and study proposal
• Degree certificates and official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Results of an English proficiency test (if relevant)

 Subjects:-

• Macroeconomic Policy
• Public Economics
• Public Policy
• Development Economics
• Finance and Economic Management

Eligible Nationalities:-

Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, and Pacific Island Countries.

How to Apply?

Examine the program’s requirements, such as those related to education, work experience, and nationality, to make sure you qualify.
Assemble all required paperwork, including two reference letters, an employer nomination letter, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, proof of English proficiency, academic transcripts, and degree certificates.
Make early contact with your references to give them ample time to draft and turn in their recommendation letters before the due date.
Fill out the online application via the official JISPA portal, making sure that all uploaded files and personal information are correct and formatted correctly.
Before submitting, carefully review your application because once it is submitted, it cannot be edited.

To prevent disqualification, submit your application prior to the official deadline.
Await the selecting committee’s notification. Candidates that get the short list might be asked to participate in interviews or additional testing.

Official link