Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)
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Master's Track Overview
- Program: Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) — Master's Track.
- Components referenced: Orientation Program, Activities for Scholars, Math Test, JISPA e-Brochure for Master's Track.
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Nationals of 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 Nomination:
- Applicants must be employed by a central bank, ministry of economy, ministry of finance, ministry of planning/development, ministry of trade/commerce, tax administration, national statistics bureau, financial regulatory agencies, or similar government bodies.
- Officials working in other government areas that significantly influence macroeconomic policy formulation or implementation may also be considered.
- A strong nomination from the applicant’s government agency is required, submitted through a signed nomination and certification form confirming the agency’s support and assurance of reinstatement upon completion.
- Education: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with 16 years of formal education.
- English Proficiency:
- Required: Equivalent TOEFL iBT 79-80 or IELTS Overall 6.0.
- Exemptions: Candidates from India, the Philippines, select Pacific Island Countries are exempt from submitting proof of language ability.
- Commitment to National Development:
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.
- If selected, applicants are required to return to their agency upon completion of their studies to utilize the knowledge and skills gained through JISPA.
- Priority Candidates:
1. Under 36 years old 2. Have not obtained a Master’s Degree from outside their own country 3. Have a minimum of 2 years work experience in the public sector
Application Materials
- Required materials:
- Online Application Form
- Nomination and Certification Form from the Agency
- Statement of Purpose and Research Proposal
- Official Transcripts and Certified Copies of Diplomas/Degree Certificates
- Two Letters of Reference
- TOEFL/IELTS certificate if available
AY2027-28 Application Information
- Application Window: September 15–October 20, 2026.
- Online Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, 23:59 JST.
- Reference Letter Submission Deadline: November 1, 2026, 23:59 JST.
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to review: Application Guidelines, Sample Application, Agency Nomination and Certification Form, AY2027-28 e-Brochure.
- Recording: Online Briefing Session on the Master's Track.
- Instruction: Prospective applicants are directed to access the Online Application.
Important Dates and Schedule (AY2027-28)
- Application Window: September 15 - October 20, 2026
- Submission Due Date for Reference Letters: November 1, 2026
- Math test (given to all eligible applicants): December 3, 2026
- Interviews with selected applicants: Late-January to Late-February 2027
- Notifications to selected and reserved candidates: March 11, 2027
- Deadline to accept the scholarship: March 18, 2027
- Reserve or stand-by applicants are called, if necessary: March 19, 2027
- Visa application process: March-June 2027
- JISPA Program Commences: July 2027
- Arrival in Japan for Orientation Program: July 7-8, 2027
- Orientation Program (OP) at the International University of Japan: July 9 to September 22, 2027
- Moving to the University from the OP:
- GRIPS: September 23, 2027
- Hitotsubashi: Early-September, 20271
- IUJ: September 23, 20272
- UTokyo: September 23, 2027
- Master’s Programs begin:
- GRIPS: October 1, 2027
- Hitotsubashi: Mid-September, 2027
- IUJ: October 1, 2027
- UTokyo: Late-September, 2027
- Notes:
- HIT-JISPA scholars move to the university earlier, due to Hitotsubashi’s academic schedule.
- IUJ-JISPA scholars will remain at the IUJ.
- These dates are indicative, and subject to change.
Content in this bundle
- Agency Nomination and Certification Form
- Application Guidelines for Master’S Track Ay2027-28
- JISPA e-Brochure for Master's Track
- Japan-Imf Scholarship Program for Asia — Master’S Track Only