Asian Development Bank (ADB) Japan Scholarship Program

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) provides a prestigious opportunity for individuals from ADB's developing member countries, including Pakistan, to pursue fully supported postgraduate studies at premier universities in the Asia-Pacific region. This program, generously funded by the Japanese government, aspires to create future leaders who will make substantial contributions to their nations' economic and social development. For Pakistani nationals who want to further their education and contribute to national development, the ADB-JSP provides an unmatched opportunity.

The ADB-JSP was founded in April 1988 to encourage human resource development in the Asia-Pacific region. Every year, it assists between 135 and 300 graduate students in various development-related professions. The primary goal is to provide brilliant individuals with advanced knowledge and skills, allowing them to have a concrete influence when they return to their home countries.

Programs Offered

The ADB-JSP helps with postgraduate studies, like Master's degrees, in various development fields. The exact programs depend on the school, but you’ll often see areas of study such as:

• Economics, Business, and Management: This covers subjects like Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, E-Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Cooperation, and Social Sciences.
• Science and Technology: This includes Agriculture, Biological Science, Computer Science, Energy, Engineering, Environment, Forestry, Genetics, and Health.
• Development Studies: This includes Asia Pacific Studies, Development Management, and Development Studies.
• Law and Public Policy: This includes international business law, international environmental law, policy studies, political science, public administration, and public policy.

Benefits

The ADB-JSP is a complete, fully financed fellowship that covers all necessary expenses, allowing scholars to concentrate solely on their academic endeavors. Typically, Pakistani intellectuals profit from:

• Full Tuition: Paid straight to the host university.
• Monthly Subsistence Allowance: This amount covers your accommodation and living expenses in the host nation.
• Books and Instructional Materials Allowance: To purchase required study materials.
• Travel expenses include economy class airline tickets to and from the host country.
• Medical insurance covers health and medical requirements.
• Special Research Grant: May be available for scholars engaged in research for thesis preparation.
• Additional potential coverage: Courses such as computer literacy and language preparation may be covered in exceptional instances.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ADB Japan Scholarship Programme, Pakistani citizens must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: You must be a national of an ADB borrowing member country and an eligible country for Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) scholarships. Pakistan is a borrowing member of the Asian Development Bank.
• Citizenship: Must not possess dual citizenship in any developed country.
  Admission: Enrolled in an approved Master's program at a designated academic institution that participates in the ADB-JSP.
• Academic Qualification: Possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with an excellent academic record.
• Work Experience: At the time of application, you should have at least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience (earned after completing your university degree).
• English Proficiency: In order to properly pursue your studies, you must be proficient in both oral and written English communication.
• Age Requirements: Must be under 35 years old at the time of application. In extreme situations, for programs designed for senior officials and managers, the age limit may be raised to 45.
• Health: Maintain good health.
• Return to Home Country: Agree to return to Pakistan after completing their education in order to contribute to its economic and social growth.
• Ineligibility:

• ADB's Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management and staff, consultants, and close relatives are ineligible.
• Staff from ADB-JSP-designated institutions are not eligible.
• Applicants who live or work outside of their own country are normally ineligible.
• Applicants who are already enrolled in graduate degree programs are often not supported.
• The scholarship excludes undergraduate studies, distant learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, and research projects.
• Applicants with little financial resources and those who have never studied abroad for a graduate degree are given preference.

How to Apply

Applying for the ADB-JSP is a bit different from your usual scholarship process since you don't apply directly to ADB. Instead, you go through the admission process of the universities that offer the program. Here's a simple guide for Pakistani citizens:

• Choose University & Program: Check out the list of approved universities and their Master's programs under the ADB-JSP. You can find this on the official ADB website. Think about your background, career goals, and what each school has to offer.
• Get Application Materials: Reach out to the universities you're interested in and ask for the information and application forms for their Master's programs.
• Mention ADB-JSP Interest: When you fill out your application to the university, make sure to state that you're applying for admission and want to be considered for the ADB-JSP Scholarship.
• Fill Out the University Application: Complete the university's application form carefully and gather any required documents. This usually includes:
  • The university application form.
  • ADB-JSP Information Sheet (provided by the university).
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas (from your Bachelor's degree and any other relevant qualifications).
  • Proof of income, like your latest tax return or salary certification.
  • Family income statement to show financial need (like parents' earnings).
  • A study plan outlining your academic and career goals.
  • Letters of recommendation, if the university asks for them.
  • English language test scores (like TOEFL or IELTS), if required.
  • A CV or resume that details your work experience.
• Send Your Application to the University: Once your application is ready, submit it along with all required documents directly to the university. Be sure to get everything in well before their deadline, ideally at least six months ahead of when you want to start.
• University Screening and Nomination: The school will review and rank applications based on their admission criteria, while keeping the ADB-JSP requirements in mind. They'll then send a list of qualified candidates to ADB.
• ADB Review and Approval: ADB will check out the nominees from the universities and recommend the selected candidates for final approval.
• Notification:  The University will let all applicants know the results of the selection process. Only those who get the scholarship will be notified.
• Acceptance and Commitment: If you receive the scholarship, you’ll need to sign an acceptance form, agreeing to return to Pakistan after your studies to help with the country's development. There’s usually a two-year work restriction at the ADB Group after you finish your program.

FAQs

1. Do I need to apply separately to the ADB for the scholarship? 

Nope, you don’t need to apply separately. The scholarship application is part of your admission application to the school.

2. Can I get a PhD with the ADB-JSP? 

The ADB-JSP mostly covers Master's programs. Some universities might offer options for PhDs, but that's not very common. It's a good idea to check with the specific schools.

3. Does the scholarship help with my family's expenses? 

No, the ADB-JSP only gives funding for the person receiving the scholarship. It doesn’t cover costs for family members.

4. What if I don’t keep up my grades? 

This scholarship is usually for one year and can be extended for another year if you keep your grades up, as decided by your school.

5. Is there an application fee for the ADB-JSP? 

There isn't a separate application fee for the ADB-JSP. But some universities might charge a fee for their own application process.

6. When do I need to submit my application? 

Deadlines can vary a lot between schools and academic years, so check the specific dates at your university. It’s best to apply at least six months before you want to start.

7. Can I apply if I’m already in a graduate program? 

No, the ADB-JSP generally doesn’t accept applicants who are already enrolled in graduate programs.

8. What if I have citizenship in a developed country too? 

If you have dual citizenship in a developed country, you won't be eligible for the ADB-JSP.

9. What kind of work experience do I need? 

You need at least two years of full-time work experience after finishing your degree. This experience should relate to your field of study and what your country needs.

10. Do I have to come back to Pakistan after the scholarship? 

Yes, you need to return to Pakistan after your studies and help out with its development. There's usually a two-year work limit at the ADB Group after finishing your program.