National 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.
Officials employed and nominated by one of the following or related government agencies
• 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. This must be submitted as part of the application through a signed nomination and certification form, confirming the agency’s support for the applicant’s participation in the program and assurance of reinstatement upon completion.
Education
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with 16 years of formal education.
English Proficiency
• Equivalent TOEFL iBT 79-80 or IELTS Overall 6.0
• 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, they are required to return to their agency upon completion of their studies to utilize the knowledge and skills gained through the JISPA for their country’s development.
Priority Candidates
Priority is given to the following types of 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.
• 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
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 the following documents in preparation for the application:
• Application Guidelines
• Sample Application
• Agency Nomination and Certification Form
• AY2027-28 e-Brochure
| Schedule | Date |
| Application Window | September 15 - October 20, 2026 |
| November 1, 2026: Submission Due Date for Reference Letters | |
| Math test given to all eligible applicants Sample Math Test | 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 |
1 HIT-JISPA scholars move to the university earlier, due to Hitotsubashi’s academic schedule.
2 IUJ-JISPA scholars will remain at the IUJ.
