Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)

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.

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) is a scholarship initiative aimed at developing future leaders in economic policymaking across Asia and the Pacific. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the program enables junior government officials from the region to pursue graduate studies in Japan. By equipping officials with advanced policy tools and knowledge, JISPA strengthens institutional capacity across the region, enabling their officials to design and execute economic policies that support sustainable growth and development

Since its inception in 1993, over 1,000 officials have been awarded the scholarship and many alumni serve in senior roles—such as governors, vice ministers, and other high-level policymakers—helping shape economic policy in their home countries.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship awards are based on several key criteria, including the candidate’s academic record, work experience, proficiency in mathematics and statistics, English language skills, and potential to contribute to macroeconomic and financial management as well as economic development in their home countries. The assessment also considers personal qualities such as commitment to public service, eagerness to learn, and openness to new ideas. Additionally, the final selection takes into account regional, agency and gender balance to ensure diverse representation.

Follow-up Activities for JISPA Alumni

Since its inception in 1993, the JISPA scholarship has been awarded to over 1,000 officials. Graduates are invited to alumni gatherings held in various countries and encouraged to stay connected through an online alumni networking platform that fosters both friendship and professional dialogue. OAP also manages the JISPA Continuing Education (CE) program, which invites alumni with at least four years of work experience after graduation to return to Japan for a two-week course designed to enhance their analytical skills and policymaking expertise. In addition to these initiatives, JISPA regularly organizes alumni events in target countries and maintains an active online network to support ongoing collaboration among its alumni community.