## Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/application)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/application/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/application/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/application/bundle-manifest.json)

---

### 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**
  - [Agency Nomination and Certification Form (Markdown version)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/agency-nomination-and-certification.docx.md){rel="alternate" type="text/markdown"}
  - [Agency Nomination and Certification Form (DOCX)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/agency-nomination-and-certification.docx){rel="external" type="application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"}
- **Application Guidelines for Master’S Track Ay2027-28**
  - [Application Guidelines for Master’S Track Ay2027-28 (Markdown version)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/ay-2027-application-guidelines-for-masters-track.pdf.md){rel="alternate" type="text/markdown"}
  - [Application Guidelines for Master’S Track Ay2027-28 (PDF)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/ay-2027-application-guidelines-for-masters-track.pdf){rel="external" type="application/pdf"}
- **JISPA e-Brochure for Master's Track**
  - [JISPA e-Brochure for Master's Track (Markdown version)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/jispa-e-brochure.pdf.md){rel="alternate" type="text/markdown"}
  - [JISPA e-Brochure for Master's Track (PDF)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/jispa-e-brochure.pdf){rel="external" type="application/pdf"}
- **Japan-Imf Scholarship Program for Asia — Master’S Track Only**
  - [Japan-Imf Scholarship Program for Asia — Master’S Track Only (Markdown version)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/sampleapp.pdf.md){rel="alternate" type="text/markdown"}
  - [Japan-Imf Scholarship Program for Asia — Master’S Track Only (PDF)](/-/media/files/oap/jispa/sampleapp.pdf){rel="external" type="application/pdf"}

---

## References

- [JISPA](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home)
- [Master's Track Overview](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/master-track)
- [Why JISPA](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/why-jispa)
- [Partner Universities](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/pertner-univ)
- [Orientation Program](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/orientation-program)
- [Activities for Scholars](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/activities-for-scholars)
- [Funding and Benefits](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/funding-and-benefits)
- [Important Notes](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/important-notes)
- [Math Test](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/math-test)
- [Online Briefing Session on the Master's Track](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/briefing-session)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/application_