## 2027–28 ACADEMIC YEAR — JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA (JISPA) — PH.D. TRACK

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

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### Overview
- The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) supports select government officials from Asia and the Pacific to pursue doctoral studies in economics and public policy at Japanese universities.
- Objective: strengthen long-term analytical and research capacity of key economic agencies across the region and empower officials to design and implement policies that foster economic and financial stability and sustainable growth.
- Target group: highly motivated government officials committed to contributing to their country’s development and policy formulation.

### Ph.D. Track — program design and admissions
- The Ph.D. Track offers opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at any accredited university in Japan.
- Designed for scholars who seek to further advance research skills required for future roles as economic policymakers and institutional leaders.
- Applicants must independently secure admission to a Ph.D. program in Japan; the IMF does not manage university applications.
- The Ph.D. Track may offer an additional application round from November–December 2027 for admission in April 2028 (deadline: December 1), subject to availability.

### Eligibility
- Nationality requirement: 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.
- Employment and endorsement: 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).
- Academic requirement: holding a Master’s degree with an excellent academic record.
- Language requirement: having Fluency in English.
- Work experience: at least two years of work experience.
- Application status: applicants must be admitted to, or be applying for, a Ph.D. program in economics in Japan.
- Age consideration: priority is given to applicants whose age is below 38 at the time of application; applicants satisfying the other eligibility criteria could 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, research related fees and health insurance premiums.

### Application timeline and enrollment
- APPLICATION WINDOW: MAY 1 - JUNE 1 2027
- ENROLLMENT: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2027 and/or APRIL 2028
- Note: The Ph.D. Track may offer an additional application round from November–December 2027 for admission in April 2028 (deadline: December 1), subject to availability.

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

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