Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)
JISPA offers a unique opportunity to join a small cohort of government officials dedicated to macroeconomic policymaking. With a selective annual intake of around 35 scholars, JISPA forms a close-knit international cohort and forms a “JISPA family” where participants can exchange policy ideas and build lifelong professional networks across Asia and the Pacific.
Partner universities deliver specialized programs, with all courses conducted in English. The tailored curriculum blends economic theory and applied policy skills in macroeconomics, public management and quantitative methods and
provide first class care for their scholars.
Before the master’s courses begin, scholars participate in an intensive Orientation Program that helps strengthen their foundations in English, mathematics, introductory economics and econometrics, and Japanese language. This early immersion not only prepares them academically but also helps build a strong sense of community among the new cohort.
Administered by the IMF’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, JISPA provides scholars with exclusive access to directly engage with IMF economists and senior management, including Managing Director and Deputy Managing Directors when opportunities arise. Scholars also gain access to IMF-led learning opportunities that deepen their understanding of the IMF’s analytical frameworks.
JISPA scholars gain first-hand understanding of Japan’s macroeconomic policies through seminars and field visits that involve direct engagement with the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan, providing valuable insights into fiscal reforms and policy innovations.
JISPA hosts a variety of events, ranging from welcome and farewell receptions, summer workshops, seminars, and thesis presentations, which connect scholars with peers, IMF experts, and Japanese policymakers. These experiences foster lasting professional relationships and regional cooperation.
With over 1000 scholarships awarded across 20+ countries, JISPA has a well-established reputation as a launching pad for economic leadership. Alumni stay connected with one another through an online platform and Continuing Education (CE) program that support career-long development and collaboration by inviting JISPA alumni to Japan for short-term training courses.
