Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP) Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia
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Latest Versions of JISPA Scholar Guidelines and Code of Conduct
- One-Year Program
- Two-Year Program
AY2026-27 Ph.D. Track Application (Deadline: June 1, 2026)
Application Window: May 1-June 1, 2026
For admission in September/October 2026 or April 2027
Please see Application Section for further information, including application guidelines.
Online Application is now available.
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JISPA Continuing Education Program (JISPA-CE)
Date: March 30 - April 10, 2026
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JISPA Scholars Engage in Dialogue with IMF Economists
Date: February 16, 2026
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JISPA Alumni Gathering in Colombo
Date January 30, 2026
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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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Click the logo to view the 30th Anniversary siteThe 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.
Many students and graduates of the scholarship program call their experience in Japan exceptional and unforgettable.
Urangoo Erdenebileg
Partnership Track: 2022-24
Bank of Mongolia
Saidul Islam
Open Track: 2021-24
Bangladesh Bank
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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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)
The selection process may involve an interview. Only those who are shortlisted will be invited for the interview.
AY2026-27 Ph.D. Track Application
For admission in September/October 2026 or April 2027
Application Window: May 1-June 1, 2026
(Deadline: June 1, 2026, 23:59, JST)
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Application Guidelines and the Sample Application Form and to prepare all necessary materials and information well in advance of the application window.
Application Guidelines
Sample Application Form
Online Application
