## JAPAN-IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA 2026-27 — Master’s Track, One-Year Program: Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [JAPAN-IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA 2026-27 — Master’s Track, One-Year Program: Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-one-year-program.pdf)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-one-year-program.pdf.md)
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### Purpose and overarching expectations
- The document stipulates the official guidelines and code of conduct under the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA).
- As a scholar representing your institution and supported by the Government of Japan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), you are expected to:
  - conduct yourself in a professional manner;
  - observe the highest standards of ethical conduct, consistent with the values of integrity, respect and inclusion, which form part of the IMF’s core values;
  - abide by all the guidelines governing student and academic behavior at your university, including Provisions 2 and 3 stipulated below, as well as by the laws of Japan and other applicable national laws, including those of your home country.
- Scholars are responsible for understanding the standards of behavior expected of them and have a responsibility to maintain the reputation of the Government of Japan and the IMF for upholding the highest standards of conduct.
- The university reserves the right to revoke or rescind admission, whether prior to or after enrollment, as well as to suspend, expel, or discipline scholars, following its guidelines.
- In case of an investigation by the university, scholars have a duty to fully cooperate; failure to cooperate with a misconduct investigation may constitute misconduct in itself and may result in termination of the scholarship.

### Academic integrity and conduct (Provisions 2–3)
- Plagiarism, academic dishonesty and any other form of misrepresentation of academic work are strictly prohibited.
  - Violations may result in disciplinary action by the university and termination of the scholarship.
- Scholars must treat one another and any person with whom they interact during the JISPA scholarship program in a professional manner with courtesy and respect.
  - Any form of harassment, including, but not limited to, physical, verbal, or sexual harassment, and any form of discrimination are strictly prohibited.
  - Scholars are governed by, and must fully adhere to, their university’s policies on anti-harassment and non-discrimination.
  - Differences in cultural norms do not justify breaches of university policies or disregard for the core values of integrity, respect and inclusion.
  - Scholars should avoid behavior that may be perceived as creating an atmosphere of hostility, intimidation, or abuse, including times when they are not on university premises.
  - All forms of harassment or discrimination may constitute misconduct and could result in disciplinary action by the university and termination of the scholarship.

### Study commitment and restrictions (Provisions 4–6)
- Main priority: full-time pursuit of academic work.
  - Scholars must show full commitment to their studies and a serious intention to work closely with their university and the IMF to find solutions to any problems.
  - Notify your university and the IMF as soon as any problems which may affect your studies arise.
- Employment restriction:
  - Any form of work, whether part-time or full-time or paid or unpaid, is not permitted during the JISPA study period.
  - Scholars are expected to devote full attention to academic work and are supported under the program on the basis of their status as a government official representing their country.
- Health requirement:
  - Scholars are expected to be in good physical and mental health when commencing their studies and must make an effort to maintain their health to be engaged full-time in academic work.
  - Notify your university and the IMF immediately if there are any health issues which may affect your studies.

### Reporting obligations and post-program commitments (Provisions 7–8)
- Personal and professional changes:
  - Scholars are responsible for communicating any significant changes in personal and professional circumstances to their university and the IMF.
  - Scholars were accepted based on information in their application and must notify the program of any changes, such as employment status or changes prior to or during studies.
  - Significant changes that affect eligibility may result in revocation of the scholarship.
- Return-to-service obligation:
  - Scholars are expected to comply with any or all pledges made with the government of their country.
  - Upon completion of the program, scholars are required to return to their sponsoring agency in order to utilize acquired knowledge and skills for at least two years or the period stipulated by the sponsoring agency, if longer.
  - For monitoring purposes, scholars are requested to inform their university and the IMF beforehand if they plan to leave their sponsoring agency.

### Data sharing and participation requirements (Provisions 9–10)
- Data sharing authorization:
  - Scholars authorize the Universities, the Orientation Program host institution, the Government of Japan, the IMF and its designated agencies to share personal information among these institutions, including application information, academic records, and future career progress, for the purpose of implementing the scholarship program.
- Participation in IMF-sponsored activities:
  - To foster JISPA’s collaborative spirit and strengthen bonds among scholars, attendance at all JISPA-related activities organized or designated by the IMF is required in a punctual manner, except when such events conflict with academic activities.

### Financial provisions and prohibitions (Provision 11)
- JISPA financial support:
  - Financial support is limited to those listed in the “Arrangements for Scholars” document.
  - Scholars are responsible for all other expenses incurred beyond those covered by JISPA, including any resulting personal financial obligations in Japan, and accept responsibility for payment of any debts incurred in Japan.
  - Scholars are prohibited from receiving any other scholarships during the JISPA study period.

### Enforcement, remedies, and termination (Provisions 12–13 and pledge)
- IMF actions and communications:
  - The IMF may communicate with the scholar’s agency and reserve the right to take further actions, including, but not limited to, reduction of stipend, etc., if any issues affecting studies or any breach of the guidelines arise, including disciplinary actions applied by the university and absences from JISPA related activities.
- Scholarship suspension or termination:
  - The scholarship, including the scholarship offer, may be suspended, terminated, or withdrawn unilaterally by the IMF, in consultation with the university, if scholars do not adhere to these guidelines and code of conduct.
- Scholar pledge:
  - I have read and understand the “Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct” and “Arrangements for Scholars” document and promise to adhere to them.
  - I understand that any misrepresentation or omission of facts will justify a rejection or revocation of the scholarship award.

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/3-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026-one-year-program.pdf_