The University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship supports eligible students from Asian Development Bank developing member countries who want to pursue approved master’s study in Hawai‘i. The scholarship is administered through the East-West Center for study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. It covers major education and living costs for selected scholars. Deadline: 1 December 2026 for the Fall 2027 cycle.
The University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship is part of the broader ADB-Japan Scholarship Program financed by the Government of Japan. ADB states that the program supports graduate study in economics, business and management, science and technology, development studies, law and public policy. Applicants need a strong academic record and professional experience after their first degree. Scholars must also commit to returning to their home country after study.
University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship Details
ADB provides around 130 graduate scholarships annually across designated institutions in Asia and the Pacific. At the University of Hawai‘i, the East-West Center coordinates the scholarship route and related residential and educational programming.
Applicants must satisfy both the scholarship rules and the admission requirements of an approved master’s program. The institutional deadline is especially important because applications are handled through the participating institution rather than submitted directly to ADB.
Host university | University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa |
|---|---|
Administrator | East-West Center / ADB-JSP |
Study level | Master’s |
Location | Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA |
Funding | Full tuition, living support, books, insurance and travel |
Work experience | At least 2 years full-time after degree |
Age | Normally not more than 35 |
Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
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Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance that includes housing support, books and instructional materials, medical insurance and travel expenses. The East-West Center route also includes housing in its residence facilities and J-1 visa sponsorship for selected scholars.
ADB may provide a special research grant for thesis preparation, and certain preparatory courses can be covered in special circumstances. Applicants should budget for any personal costs not explicitly included in their award notice.
- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly subsistence support
- Housing support or East-West Center residence
- Books and instructional materials
- Medical insurance
- Roundtrip travel
- J-1 visa sponsorship through the East-West Center
Also Check: Applicants comparing major UK funding can review the Commonwealth Graduate Scholarships for another competitive graduate scholarship route.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be nationals of an eligible ADB borrowing member and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a strong academic record and have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after graduation.
Candidates must be proficient in written and spoken English, be in good health and normally be no more than 35 years old. They cannot be living or working outside their home country, already enrolled in a graduate degree, or fall within ADB’s listed staff and close-relative exclusions.
- Eligible ADB developing-member citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- At least two years of post-degree full-time work experience
- English proficiency
- Normally age 35 or below
- Agreement to return home for at least two years after study
Documents to Prepare
The source lists the ADB-JSP information sheet, academic transcripts and degree certificates, employment and income evidence, passport copy and English-language evidence among the application materials. Program-specific admission documents may also be required by the University of Hawai‘i.
Applicants should follow the East-West Center checklist for the current cycle because testing requirements differ by academic program. Do not assume one English test or graduate admission test applies to every eligible master’s field.
- ADB-JSP Information Sheet
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Employment certificate
- Income and family-income documentation where requested
- Passport copy
- English-language test and program-specific admission documents
How to Apply
Applicants first choose an approved master’s program and follow the East-West Center and University of Hawai‘i admission process. ADB explains that scholarship documents are submitted to the partner institution, which assesses and shortlists candidates before final selection by ADB.
Submit well before the institutional deadline so missing documents or testing requirements can be resolved. Applicants should not send an unsupported application directly to ADB when the designated institution requires its own process.
- Review eligible University of Hawai‘i master’s programs
- Check East-West Center ADB-JSP instructions
- Prepare admission and scholarship documents
- Submit through the designated institutional process
- Monitor requests for additional information
Deadline and Selection
The University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship deadline is 1 December 2026 for the Fall 2027 intake according to the current cycle information. Program admission deadlines or test timelines may require earlier preparation.
The partner institution evaluates and shortlists applicants before ADB makes the final scholarship selection under its program criteria. Admission to a university alone does not guarantee an ADB-JSP award.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scholarship has strict citizenship, experience and residency rules, so applicants should screen themselves before investing time in the application. Funding is substantial, but selection remains competitive.
Always compare the East-West Center instructions with ADB’s general JSP rules because both the institution and scholarship program requirements apply.
Is the University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The award covers full tuition, subsistence support, books, medical insurance and travel, with East-West Center support for housing and J-1 sponsorship.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants generally need at least two years of full-time professional work experience acquired after completing their university degree.
What is the application deadline?
The current Fall 2027 East-West Center cycle closes on 1 December 2026.
Conclusion
The University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship offers comprehensive support for qualified applicants from eligible ADB developing member countries pursuing approved master’s study. Its combination of tuition, living, travel and insurance support makes it highly competitive.
Before applying for the University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship, confirm your citizenship, residency, work experience, age and chosen program against the official criteria. Start admission and document preparation early enough to meet the 1 December 2026 deadline.
