Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP) Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia

AY2026-27 JISPA Application for Master's Track

Applications for the AY2026-27 JISPA Master's Track are now open.
Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 Closed

 

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News and Events

Second Round of AY2025-26 Open-track Application for April 2026 Admission (Deadline: December 1, 2025) closed
Please refer to the Open-Track part of the Application Section.

JISPA Alumni Engagement in Peer-to-Peer Learning Event
Date: November 7, 2025
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Mr. Tolibzoda’s Journey from GRIPS to Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan
Date: October 31, 2025
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JISPA Alumni in Tokyo
Date: October 24, 2025
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JISPA Alumni Connections in Bangladesh
Date: October 9, 2025
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JISPA Welcome Event
Date: September 26, 2025
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JISPA Summer Workshop
Date: September 8-11, 2025
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Philippines Treasurer Almanza, JISPA alumna, speaks at Japan-funded scholarships alumni reunion 
Date: June 26, 2025
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JISPA Townhall Meeting with Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the IMF
Date: June 24, 2025
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What is JISPA?

JISPA 30th Anniversary Logo  Click the logo to view the 30th Anniversary site

The Japan - IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) is more than just a scholarship — it’s a gateway to becoming a future leader in economic policy. Designed for junior government officials from key economic agencies across Asia and the Pacific, the program offers the opportunity to pursue graduate-level degrees in economics at leading Japanese universities. JISPA aims to strengthen institutional capacity throughout the region by equipping government officials with advanced knowledge and skills in macroeconomic policymaking. JISPA graduates are expected to return to their home countries as future policymakers, playing a vital role in shaping sound economic strategies and driving national development.

JISPA is comprised of two tracks: (1) Master's Track, where scholarship recipients pursue a master’s degree at one of several IMF partner universities; and (2) Ph.D. Track, where they select a Ph.D. course at any leading Japanese university.

The scholarship recipients are offered opportunities to join various JISPA exclusive events and IMF-related activities, including seminars and conferences, receptions and round-table discussions with Japanese officials and IMF economists.

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Voices of Scholars

Many students and graduates of the scholarship program call their experience in Japan exceptional and unforgettable.

Graphic: IMF

Urangoo Erdenebileg
Partnership Track: 2022-24
Bank of Mongolia

Graphic: IMF

Saidul Islam
Open Track: 2021-24
Bangladesh Bank

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Special Programs

IMF offers special training opportunities for the JISPA scholarship recipients throughout the program and beyond to support their academic endeavor and career advancement.  

Orientation Program (for new entrants)

An extended orientation program is one of the highlights for the scholarship recipients under the Master's Track. New entrants are invited to attend the 10-week orientation sessions, spanning from academic English to mathematics for economics to cultural understanding, at the International University of Japan in Niigata prior to the commencement of the academic course. This is an opportunity to build a strong tie among the scholars.

Summer Workshop (for current scholars)

An exclusive workshop is offered during the summer break for those who have completed their first-year studies. The three-day workshop provides the scholars with opportunities to gain deeper understanding and broader perspectives of IMF engagement with its member countries in the region.

Date: September 9-10, 12-13, 2024
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Continuing Education Program (for alumni)

The JISPA support is extended even after the scholar’s graduation. In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the JISPA offers a Continuing Education Program (JISPA-CE) for alumni serving as mid-level officials in their respective countries. It is part of career-long capacity development for JISPA alumni, aimed at strengthening their analytical skills that may help their policy making for their respective agencies and facilitate their policy dialogues at international fora.               

Date: April 7-18, 2025
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NEWS REPORT

Application

Those who are interested in the scholarship program must submit an application form with supporting documents during the set application periods. 

Master's Track: September 20 - October 20 (subject to change)

Applicants for the Master's Track are required to state their choice of preferred universities in the application. Please read the JISPA e-brochure for detailed information on the partner university programs, eligibility and application procedures. 

The selection process may involve an interview and a mathematics test. Only those who are shortlisted will be invited for the interview.  

Sample Math Test

Ph.D. Track: May 1-June 1 (subject to change) 

Open Track

The second round of application for the AY2025-26 open-track: April 2026 admission only  closed

Application Window:  Nov 1- Dec 1, 2025

This track targets officials from key economic agencies in the Asia and Pacific region who wish to pursue graduate-level studies, primary Ph.D. studies, at universities in Japan. Please review the AY2025-26 e-brochure to confirm the eligibility criteria and application guidelines, as well as the sample application form and prepare necessary materials before proceeding with the online application.

[Note] The above-mentioned round of applications with the deadline of December 1, 2025, does NOT apply to those intending to commence their Ph.D. studies in September/October 2026 under AY2026-27. The application guidelines for 2026 Fall Admission will be posted by April 2026, with the application window set for May 1 – Jun 1, 2026.

Contact:

JISPA Secretariat 

c/o IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP)
21F, Fukoku Seimei Bldg.,
2-2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011
Japan

Email: jispa@imf.org

Please include your name, country, organization, department, and title in your inquiry.