## phd-track-scholar-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026 ## Source details **Canonical URL:** [phd-track-scholar-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/phd-track-scholar-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026.pdf) ## Other formats - [Markdown version](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/phd-track-scholar-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026.pdf.md) - [Structured JSON version](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/phd-track-scholar-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026.pdf.json) --- ### Purpose and scope - The document stipulates the official guidelines and code of conduct under the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA). - Applicability: Scholars representing their institution and supported by the Government of Japan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to study at their university. - Requirement: Scholars are required to review and agree to the most current version of the scholars’ guidelines and code of conduct. ### Core expectations and professional conduct - Scholars are expected to: - Conduct themselves in a professional manner, and 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 their university, including Provisions 2 and 3, as well as by the laws of Japan and other applicable national laws, including those of their home country. - Understand the standards of behavior expected and maintain the reputations of the Government of Japan and the IMF. - Cooperate fully with any university investigation; failure to cooperate may constitute misconduct and may result in termination of the scholarship. - University authority: 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 university guidelines. ### Academic integrity and misconduct (Provision 2) - 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. ### Harassment, discrimination, and interpersonal conduct (Provision 3) - 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 a breach of such policies or disregard for integrity, respect and inclusion. - Scholars should avoid behavior that may be perceived as creating an atmosphere of hostility, intimidation, or abuse, including off-campus conduct. - All forms of harassment or discrimination may constitute misconduct and could result in disciplinary action by the university and termination of the scholarship. ### Academic commitment, work restrictions, and health - Full-time pursuit: Primary priority is the full-time pursuit of academic work. - Notification obligation: Notify the university and the IMF as soon as any problems which may affect studies arise; work with the university and the IMF to find solutions. - Employment restrictions (Provision 5): Any form of work, whether part-time or full-time or paid or unpaid, is not permitted during the JISPA study period. - Rationale: 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 expectations (Provision 6): Scholars are expected to be in good physical and mental health when commencing studies and to make an effort to maintain health to remain engaged in full-time academic work. - Requirement: Notify the university and the IMF immediately if there are any health issues which may affect studies. ### Personal and professional changes; post-program obligations - Notification of changes (Provision 7): Scholars are responsible for communicating any significant changes in personal and professional circumstances to the university and the IMF. - Acceptance into the program is based on application information; misrepresentation or omission of facts may justify rejection or revocation of the scholarship award. - Significant changes that affect eligibility may result in revocation of the scholarship. - Post-completion pledge (Provision 8): Upon completion of the program, scholars are required to return to their sponsoring agency in order to utilize knowledge and skills acquired through the program for at least five years or the period stipulated by the sponsoring agency, if longer. - Monitoring: Scholars are requested to inform the university and the IMF beforehand if planning to leave their sponsoring agency. - Non-compliance: Scholars who do not comply with this condition will be asked to repay the scholarship costs. ### Information sharing and attendance obligations - Information sharing (Provision 9): Scholars authorize the university, 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. - Attendance (Provision 10): Scholars are required to attend all JISPA-related activities in a punctual manner organized or designated by the IMF, except when such events conflict with academic activities. ### Financial support, other scholarships, and liabilities - JISPA coverage (Provision 11): JISPA financial support is limited to those listed in the designated “Annual Budget” form. - Scholars are responsible for all other expenses incurred beyond those covered by JISPA, including any resulting personal financial obligations in Japan. - Scholars accept responsibility for payment of any debts incurred in Japan. - Under JISPA, scholars are prohibited from receiving any other scholarships during the JISPA study period. ### Monitoring, sanctions, renewal, and termination - IMF actions (Provision 12): 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, if issues affecting studies or any breach of the guidelines arise, including disciplinary actions by the university and absences from JISPA related activities. - Renewal (Provision 13): The scholarship is awarded for an initial period of one year and may be renewed annually up to the period specified in the scholarship award letter, upon: - Certification by the university of appropriate performance; - The university’s recommendation for renewal; and - Verification of continued employment by the scholar’s agency. - Termination and withdrawal (Provision 14): The scholarship, including the scholarship offer, may be suspended, terminated, or withdrawn unilaterally by the IMF, in consultation with the university, if the scholar does not adhere to these guidelines and code of conduct. ### Scholar declaration - Scholar must sign the following attestations: - "I have read and understand the “Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct” 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." - Signature block present for Name, Signature, and Date. --- _Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/2026/phd-track-scholar-guidelines-and-code-of-conduct-2026.pdf_