Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) — Ph.D. Track

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Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA) — Ph.D. Track

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Program overview

• The Ph.D. track offers government officials the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at any accredited university in Japan.
• Designed for scholars who seek to advance research skills for roles as economic policymakers and institutional leaders committed to addressing complex challenges in their home countries.
• Applicants must secure admission to a doctoral program in Japan independently; the IMF does not manage university applications.
• The JISPA Ph.D. Track is highly selective; applications are assessed on academic excellence, research potential, commitment to public service, relevance of proposed studies to economic policymaking, leadership potential, and prospective contribution to the applicant’s home country. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

Financial support and benefits

• Scholarship covers tuition-related costs and most living expenses for the scholar herself/himself.[1]
• Benefits include:
  • Admission and tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend
  • One round-trip economy-class airfare
  • Field research and international conference attendance support (subject to applicable conditions)
  • Scholars are required to enroll in the insurance package designated by the university and should cover the insurance premium from their stipend.
  • No expenses incurred by accompanying family members of the scholar are covered.
  • JISPA scholars are not allowed to concurrently receive another scholarship.
• [1] Disbursement of scholarships is made through the university in which scholars enroll.

Eligibility criteria

• Nationality: Must be a national of one of the following countries:
  • 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:
  • Officials currently employed and nominated by one of the following or related government agencies:
  • 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.
  • Other government areas that significantly influence macroeconomic policy formulation or implementation may also be considered.
  • A nomination from the applicant’s government agency is required via a signed nomination and certification form confirming support for participation and assurance of reinstatement upon completion.
  • Restriction: Officials who are (will be) on leave or out of duty for more than one consecutive month, within the 12-month period leading up to September 1, 2027, are not eligible to apply (due to the long-term study leave requirement of JISPA). This restriction does not apply to applicants on study leave who will directly advance from a master’s program to a Ph.D. program with the approval and support of their nominating agency.
• Academic qualifications:
  • Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent and demonstrate strong academic record, with at least 17 years of formal education.
  • Names of schools and dates of attendance for the most recent three schools must be listed in the application.
  • In some cases, 16 years of formal education may be accepted if there is an official explanation (for example, a country’s educational system or other exceptional circumstances).
• English proficiency:
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to official iBT score of 79-80 or higher, or an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0.
• Commitment requirement:
  • Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to the development of their home country and are required to return to their agency upon completion of their studies.

Priority applicants

• Priority is given to applicants who meet the following:
  • Under 38 years old
  • Have a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the public sector at the time of application

Scholar activities and research support

• Scholars participate in JISPA events including welcome and farewell receptions with officials from the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Japan, and embassies.
• Opportunities include:
  • Seminars such as townhall meetings with IMF Management
  • Policy dialogues with Japanese policymakers and IMF economists
  • Opportunity to present the dissertation during the JISPA Thesis Presentation
• Research support:
  • JISPA may provide financial assistance for field research and participation in international academic conferences, subject to applicable conditions.

Application timing and materials

• Application Window: May 1- June 1 (Deadline: June 1, 2027, 23:59, JST)
• For admission in September/October 2027 or April 2028.
• The Application Guidelines for AY2027-28 will be posted by early March, 2027. AY2026–27 materials are available for reference only.
• Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Application Guidelines and the Sample Application Form and to prepare all necessary materials and information well in advance of the application window.

Content in this bundle

• 2027–28 ACADEMIC YEAR — JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA (JISPA) — PH.D. TRACK
  • 2027–28 ACADEMIC YEAR — JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA (JISPA) — PH.D. TRACK (Markdown version)
  • 2027–28 ACADEMIC YEAR — JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ASIA (JISPA) — PH.D. TRACK (PDF)

References

• JISPA