Before You Browse
Institution choice is strategy, not just preference
Applying to multiple institutions simultaneously is not just allowed — it's the standard approach. Most serious candidates target two or three institutions. Your priority should be finding programs where your academic background and work experience are genuinely competitive for the institution's own ADB-JSP ranking, not simply chasing the most prestigious name.
Each institution has its own admission process and sets its own deadline independently. ADB's website will not tell you those deadlines — you must visit each institution's admissions page directly. Start 6 months before your intended study date at minimum.
Japan
17 institutionsThe majority of ADB-JSP placements are in Japan. The stipend for Japan-based programs is approximately JPY 147,000/month, covering living costs and housing. Tokyo-based programs carry significantly higher living costs than programs in Osaka, Nagoya, or Kyushu.
Hitotsubashi University
Tokyo • Public Policy, Public Economics
Strong in economics and public policy with a practical focus on governance and fiscal policy. A good fit for government economists and public finance professionals.
Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Tech)
Tokyo • 18 science and engineering programs
The most program-diverse institution on the list, with 18 ADB-JSP eligible programs ranging from environmental science and civil engineering to urban planning and materials science. Best suited for applicants with strong STEM backgrounds and engineering or infrastructure-related work experience.
International University of Japan (IUJ)
Niigata • International Relations, Development Economics, Public Management, MBA, Digital Management
One of the most internationally focused institutions on the list. Programs are entirely taught in English. Located in rural Niigata — lower living costs than Tokyo, stronger cohort community. Popular with development practitioners from South and Southeast Asia.
Keio University
Tokyo • Economics, Business, Science & Technology, System Design, Taxation
One of Japan's top private universities. Business and economics programs here are highly competitive for ADB-JSP slots. The MBA and economics tracks attract applicants from the private sector and central banking backgrounds.
Kobe University
Kobe • Economics, International Studies, Laws, Political Science
Strong in international trade, law, and political economy. Kobe's location as Japan's historic port city gives it a practical orientation toward international economic relations. Lower living costs than Tokyo.
Kyoto University
Kyoto • Environmental Management, Agriculture, Engineering, Economics, Business Management
Japan's most research-intensive university alongside Tokyo. Particularly strong in environmental science and agriculture — fields closely aligned with ADB Strategy 2030. The Graduate School of Management occasionally conducts optional online interviews for ADB-JSP applicants.
Kyushu University
Fukuoka • Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Law, Agricultural Sciences
Located in Fukuoka — historically Japan's gateway to Asia. Strong agricultural sciences and bioresource programs. Worth considering for applicants with food security, agricultural development, or natural resource management backgrounds.
Nagasaki University
Nagasaki • Tropical Medicine, Medical Science, International Health
The go-to institution for health professionals. Nagasaki has a long history in tropical medicine research and is an excellent choice for medical officers, public health practitioners, and health policy professionals from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Nagoya University
Nagoya • International Development
The Graduate School of International Development (GSID) is one of Japan's most respected programs specifically oriented toward international development practice. Strong connections to Southeast Asian development research.
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
Tokyo • Public Policy (1-year and 2-year programs)
A government-run graduate school for public policy with a strong Asia focus. Most students are mid-career public servants. English-language programs available. The 1-year program is particularly popular with government officials who can only manage shorter absences. GRIPS has one of the higher rates of ADB-JSP placement among returning government professionals.
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Beppu • Asia Pacific Studies, International Cooperation
One of the most internationally diverse campuses in Japan. Located in Beppu, Oita — lower costs than Tokyo. Programs taught in both English and Japanese. Known for a very strong peer network among Asia-Pacific professionals and alumni.
Ritsumeikan University
Kyoto/Osaka • Economics
Graduate economics programs with a policy application emphasis. The Kansai region location keeps costs moderate relative to Tokyo.
Saitama University
Saitama • Civil and Environmental Engineering
Focused specifically on civil and environmental engineering. Best suited for infrastructure professionals — road, water, sanitation, or urban systems engineers who want to deepen technical expertise with a Japanese engineering perspective.
Tohoku University
Sendai • Human Security, Environmental Studies
Strong in disaster risk reduction and human security — areas directly relevant to climate-vulnerable Pacific Island and South Asian applicants. Sendai's role in post-2011 reconstruction makes this program especially compelling for disaster management professionals.
United Nations University (UNU-IAS)
Tokyo • Sustainability Science
A genuinely unique institution — UNU-IAS operates inside the UN system. The sustainability program attracts professionals from environment ministries, multilateral organizations, and climate-focused NGOs. Strong research connections to global sustainability policy processes.
University of Tokyo
Tokyo • Civil Engineering, Urban Engineering, Environmental Studies, Health Science, Public Policy
Japan's most prestigious university. ADB-JSP slots here are the most competitive. Strong across engineering, environment, and public policy. Tokyo's cost of living is the highest on the list — the JPY 147,000/month stipend is noticeably tighter here than elsewhere in Japan.
University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba (near Tokyo) • International Public Policy
A well-regarded public policy program in Japan's science city. The campus is purpose-built and relatively self-contained — a different experience from urban campus life in Tokyo or Osaka, with somewhat lower costs.
Outside Japan
Ten institutions across eight other countries. These cover very different cost environments, fields, and academic cultures — and are worth serious consideration if Japan-based study isn't your priority.
Singapore
National University of Singapore (NUS)
MBA, Sustainable Finance, Economics, Environmental Management
Asia's top-ranked university and the most globally recognized institution on this list. The MBA and sustainable finance programs are particularly strong for applicants from the financial sector. Singapore's cost of living is very high — ADB stipends cover less here than in most other locations.
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (NUS)
Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration
The LKY School is widely regarded as Asia's premier public policy school. Extremely competitive for ADB-JSP slots. Strong fit for senior civil servants and policy professionals. Alumni network in government institutions across the Asia-Pacific is extensive.
Philippines
Asian Institute of Management (AIM)
Manila • International MBA, Development Management
Southeast Asia's oldest independent graduate business school. AIM is notable for combining management education with a development lens — the Development Management program is specifically designed for public sector and NGO professionals. Manila-based, with relatively affordable living costs.
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) via UPLB
Los Baños • Agriculture, Crop Science
A highly specialized option for agriculture and food security professionals. The IRRI connection provides access to world-class agricultural research infrastructure. Best suited for applicants working in crop science, food security, or agricultural development in rice-dependent economies.
Thailand
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Pathum Thani • Engineering, Technology, Management, Environment
One of the most popular non-Japan options for ADB-JSP. AIT offers a wide range of programs in English and has decades of experience placing ADB-JSP scholars. Applicants submit directly through AIT's admissions portal. Deadline typically March 31 for August intakes. Lower cost of living than Singapore and similar to Manila.
Thammasat University
Bangkok • Engineering, Economics
Thailand's second-oldest university, with strong economics and engineering programs. Bangkok-based. The international programs are conducted in English. A solid option for applicants from neighboring Mekong countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar) who prefer a regional setting.
India
IIT Delhi
New Delhi • M.Tech in Science & Technology
India's most prestigious engineering institution. The ADB-JSP slot at IIT Delhi is specifically for applicants in science and technology fields. Highly competitive — IIT Delhi's own admissions process is rigorous. Deadline typically December for January intakes.
Pakistan
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
Lahore • MBA
Pakistan's top business school. The MBA program here is primarily aimed at Pakistani applicants given the location, though other eligible country nationals can apply. Strong in entrepreneurship and management consulting.
Hong Kong, China
University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Hong Kong • Urban Planning, Urban Design
The sole institution for urban planning specialists. Relevant for applicants working in city planning, urban infrastructure, or housing policy in rapidly urbanizing countries. Hong Kong's cost of living is among the highest on the list.
United States
East-West Center, Honolulu
Hawaii • Business, Economics, Education, Public Administration, and 7 more
Important: East-West Center only accepts ADB-JSP applications every other year. The next open cycle runs August–December 2026 for Fall 2027 entry. If you're planning around this institution, confirm the current cycle status before doing anything else. Many applicants discover this timing issue after building their entire plan around it.