## 2027–28 ACADEMIC YEAR — JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA (JISPA) — MASTER’S TRACK

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [2027–28 ACADEMIC YEAR — JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA (JISPA) — MASTER’S TRACK](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/masters-track-poster.pdf)

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### Program purpose and overview
- The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) supports select government officials from Asia and the Pacific to pursue graduate-level studies in economics at Japanese universities, aiming to strengthen long-term analytical and research capacity of key economic agencies and empower officials to design and implement policies that foster economic and financial stability and sustainable growth.
- The Master’s Track is JISPA’s flagship program, offering a specially designed master’s degree in economics or public policy at partner Japanese universities.

### Partner universities
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
- Hitotsubashi University (HIT)
- International University of Japan (IUJ)
- The University of Tokyo (UTokyo)

### Orientation Program
- Newly accepted scholars join a two-and-a-half-month Orientation Program before commencing master’s studies.
- Orientation Program components:
  - Academic English
  - Mathematics
  - Introductory economics and econometrics
  - Introductory Japanese

### Eligibility criteria
- Being nationals 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
- Working for and endorsed by a key economic agency (e.g. central bank, ministry of finance/economy, financial regulatory agency, or any other related agencies involved in economic policy making)
- Holding a Bachelor’s degree
- Having Fluency in English
- At least two years of work experience
- Having no Master’s Degree from a university outside their home country
- Priority is given to applicants whose age is below 36 at the time of application; applicants satisfying the other eligibility criteria can apply notwithstanding the age.

### Benefits
- JISPA covers all reasonable expenses for scholars’ studies in Japan, including:
  - Full university tuition
  - A round-trip airfare
  - A monthly stipend to cover living expenses and health insurance premiums

### Application and enrollment timeline
- APPLICATION WINDOW: SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 20, 2026
- ENROLLMENT: JULY 2027

### Additional program notes
- JISPA offers both Master’s and Ph.D. track scholarships; information on the Ph.D. track is available from the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA).
- FUNDING FOR JISPA IS PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN.

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/oap/jispa/masters-track-poster.pdf_