Are you searching for a fully funded master’s degree scholarship in the United States that offers world-class education alongside a unique cultural experience? The University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities available for international students from Asia and the Pacific region. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with the East-West Center (EWC) and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), this scholarship equips promising professionals with the skills needed to tackle critical development challenges in their home countries.
This guide details everything you need to know about the 2027 intake—including deadlines, eligible programs, application steps, required documents, and realistic living expenses.
Basic Information About the ADB-JSP Scholarship 2027
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) provides full financial support for eligible students to undertake postgraduate studies at designated academic institutions. At the University of Hawaii, the fellowship is administered in collaboration with the East-West Center.
- ADB–JSP = Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program.
- Established in 1988 with funding from the Government of Japan.
- The main goal is to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to the development of their home countries.
- The scholarship supports Master’s degree study at selected universities in Asia-Pacific and, in this case, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM).
- Scholars also participate in educational, residential, and leadership programs at the East-West Center (EWC).
- The next application cycle: August–December 2026.
- Study period: Fall 2027.
- Host Country: United States of America (Honolulu, Hawaii)
- Host Institutions: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) & East-West Center (EWC)
- Funding Sponsor: Government of Japan via the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree (1 to 2 years)
- Target Audience: Mid-career professionals and young leaders from ADB developing member countries
- Scholarship Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 (for the academic year starting in August 2027)
- Results Notification: Mid-May to Early June 2027
University/Institution Details: The UHM and EWC Advantage
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi System. Renowned for its research leadership in tropical agriculture, oceanography, environmental science, Asian studies, and global business, UHM offers a rich academic environment. The ADB–JSP scholarship was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan to strengthen human resource capacity in Asian Development Bank developing member countries. It aims to provide an opportunity for well-qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries to undertake graduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development-related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region.
Complementing your degree studies is the East-West Center (EWC), an internationally recognized institution established by the U.S. Congress. As an ADB-JSP scholar, you reside and participate in leadership development programs at the EWC campus, adjacent to UHM. This setup provides access to an interdisciplinary community, leadership retreats, cultural exchange events, and an extensive professional alumni network.
Study Areas & Eligible Program Names
The ADB-JSP covers specific master’s programs focused on economics, management, science, technology, and development-related fields.
Approved Fields of Study at UHM Include:
Eligible Master’s Programs
ADB–JSP supports the following programs at the University of Hawai‘i:
| Program | GRE/GMAT Required? |
|---|---|
| Global MBA | GMAT – UHM |
| MA Economics | GRE – UHM |
| MA Geography | GRE – UHM |
| MS Natural Resources & Environmental Management | GRE – UHM |
| MS Ocean & Resources Engineering | GRE – UHM |
| MS Oceanography | GRE – UHM |
| MA Pacific Islands Studies | No GRE |
| MPA Public Administration | No GRE |
| MA Sociology | GRE – UHM |
| MS Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences | GRE – UHM |
| MURP Urban & Regional Planning | No GRE |
ADB’s Main Development Priorities
ADB gives priority to fields related to:
- Poverty reduction and reducing inequality
- Gender equality
- Climate change and disaster resilience
- Environmental sustainability
- Making cities more livable
- Rural development and food security
- Good governance and institutional capacity
- Regional cooperation and integration
Japan’s Main ODA Priorities
Japan’s priorities include:
- Universal health coverage
- Climate change and disaster risk management
- Quality infrastructure
- Public finance management
- Poverty reduction
University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship Benefits: Fully Funded Coverage
The University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship is a comprehensive funding package that leaves zero financial burden on recipients.
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living/subsistence allowance
- Housing at East-West Center residence facilities
- Round-trip airfare between home country and Honolulu
- Books and instructional materials allowance
- Health/medical insurance
- US J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsorship
- Possible special research/thesis grant for scholars conducting research
Benefits Not Included
While the ADB-JSP is exceptionally generous, applicants should budget for a few out-of-pocket costs:
- U.S. Visa Application Fees: Costs for processing the SEVIS fee and standard J-1 visa interview fees (though visa sponsorship documentation is provided).
- Dependent Expenses: The scholarship does not cover visa, flight, housing, or health insurance costs for spouses, children, or family members.
- Excess Baggage Fees: Costs associated with personal luggage exceeding standard airline allowances during travel.
- Pre-departure Expenses: Medical checkups, immunizations, passport renewals, or localized notarization costs incurred prior to departure.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship
To qualify for the ADB-JSP at the University of Hawaii, applicants must fulfill strict academic, professional, and regional criteria set by the Asian Development Bank:
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen and current resident of an ADB developing member country.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Have at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience after completing a university degree.
- Have an acceptable English proficiency score:
- TOEFL PBT: 550
- TOEFL CBT: 213
- TOEFL iBT: 79–80
- Duolingo: 95
- IELTS: 6.5
- English test results must generally be from the past 2 years.
Equivalent bachelor’s degrees
Possible equivalents include:
- 3-year Bachelor’s + 1-year Master’s, or
- 2-year Bachelor’s + 2-year Master’s
- The university will review whether the degree is equivalent.
Who Cannot Apply?
You are not eligible if:
- You are currently living or working outside your home country.
- You have previously studied abroad in a country outside ADB developing member countries.
- You are applying for a second Master’s degree.
Selection Criteria
ADB–JSP considers:
- Academic qualifications
- Ranking/recommendation from the designated institution
- Preference for women candidates
- Preference for applicants with lower financial capacity
- Whether the applicant has previously studied abroad
- Whether the applicant is pursuing a second Master’s degree
- Nationality diversity
- Potential to become a senior professional in development-related work
- Professional interest in contributing to the development of the home country
- Relevance of the proposed field to:
- Academic background
- Professional experience
- ADB development priorities
- Japan’s development priorities
Required Documents for the Application
Organize digital and physical copies of the following documents well before the deadline:
- Completed EWC International Application Form: Submitted through the official East-West Center portal.
- ADB-JSP Information Sheet & Application Form: Official application document specifying employment history and family income data.
- Official Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Certified copies of academic records from all higher education institutions attended, with official English translations.
- Proof of Employment & Income: Official letterhead documentation verifying at least 2 years of full-time work experience and proof of individual/family annual income.
- English Proficiency Test Scores: Official TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting UHM graduate program entry standards.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed resume highlighting academic achievements, professional milestones, and leadership history.
- Two Recommendation Letters: One academic reference and one professional reference from a current or former supervisor.
- Personal Statement & Study Plan: A compelling essay describing your professional goals, your research interests at UHM, and how your studies will benefit your home country upon return.
University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing this fellowship requires completing two synchronized application processes before the December 1, 2026 deadline. Follow these procedural steps carefully:
Application 1 — East-West Center
- Apply for the ADB–JSP Scholarship through the East-West Center.
Application 2 — University of Hawai‘i
- Separately apply for admission to your chosen Master’s program at UHM.
- Submit all required academic and supporting documents.
Important: Scholarship application ≠ university admission application. You need to complete both.
1.Verify Eligibility & Select Program:August – October 2026.
Confirm your country’s eligibility on the official ADB list. Review the list of approved master’s degrees offered by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to ensure your target field is covered.
2.Complete the East-West Center Application:September – November 2026.
Apply online through the East-West Center (EWC) scholarship portal. Select the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) as your funding source and upload all required ADB forms, CV, and statements.
3.Submit Separate Application to UHM:September – November 2026.
Submit a formal graduate admission application directly to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for your chosen academic master’s program. Pay the required university application fee and submit your academic transcripts and test scores.
4.Final Application Deadline:December 1, 2026.
Ensure all reference letters, official test scores, and joint application packages reach both EWC and UHM admissions offices on or before December 1, 2026.
5.Review and Shortlisting:December 2026 – April 2027.
UHM departments review academic fit while the EWC and ADB selection committees evaluate leadership and development potential. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews.
6.Award Notification & Visa Processing:May – June 2027.
Successful applicants receive formal scholarship packages and UHM admission letters. Scholars begin J-1 visa processing and prepare for arrival in Honolulu in August 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Emphasize Social Impact: The ADB selection committee prioritizes candidates who demonstrate how their degree will directly address economic, environmental, or social issues in their home country. Frame your personal statement around practical development solutions.
- Connect Work Experience to Academic Goals: Clearly link your 2+ years of professional experience to your proposed master’s program at UHM. Show that the degree is the missing piece in your career progression.
- Engage Recommenders Early: Provide your recommenders with a summary of the ADB-JSP criteria so their letters emphasize your leadership skills, work ethic, and commitment to public service.
- Meet Oxford-Quality English Standards: Ensure your English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) comfortably exceed minimum requirements to avoid processing delays in UHM graduate admissions.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Honolulu (USD)
Honolulu offers an exceptional lifestyle, but living costs in Hawaii are among the highest in the United States. Your ADB-JSP monthly stipend is calculated to comfortably cover these costs. Here is an estimated breakdown of monthly student expenses in USD ($):
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) | Remarks / Context |
| Housing & Utilities | $950 – $1,300 | EWC Residence Halls or shared off-campus apartments |
| Food & Groceries | $350 – $500 | Groceries in Hawaii carry an island import premium |
| Local Transportation | $40 – $80 | TheBus (Honolulu’s public bus system) offers student rates |
| Books & Academic Supplies | $50 – $90 | Covered by your separate ADB books allowance |
| Personal & Entertainment | $150 – $250 | Recreation, dining out, and mobile data plans |
| Health Insurance | Covered ($0) | Fully paid directly by the ADB scholarship |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,540 – $2,220 / month | Fully offset by your ADB-JSP monthly stipend! |
Why Choose the ADB-JSP at the University of Hawaii? (5 Core Reasons)
- Zero-Debt International Degree: Complete a world-class U.S. master’s degree without taking out loans or accumulating financial debt.
- Dual Community Exposure: Experience the academic resources of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alongside the cross-cultural leadership network of the East-West Center.
- Strategic Pacific Location: Honolulu serves as a natural bridge between Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas, providing an ideal hub for international relations and development studies.
- Career-Accelerating Network: Connect with international policymakers, researchers, and fellow scholars from over 40 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Focus on Practical Solutions: The curriculum emphasizes applied research and real-world skills designed to create immediate social impact upon returning home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I have less than two years of work experience?
No. The ADB-JSP strictly requires a minimum of two full years of professional, post-graduation work experience at the time of application. Internships or student jobs completed during your undergraduate studies do not count.
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?
GRE or GMAT requirements depend on the specific master’s program at UHM. Check the admission criteria for your selected department before applying.
Am I permitted to stay in the United States after graduation?
No. A core condition of the ADB-JSP award is that scholars must return to their home country immediately after graduation for at least two years to apply their expertise to local development.
Can I bring my family with me to Hawaii?
While your J-1 visa may permit dependent J-2 visas for immediate family, the scholarship provides no financial allowance or health insurance for family members. You must demonstrate independent funding to support any dependents accompanying you.
Application Deadline:
The last date to apply for University of Hawaii ADB-JSP Scholarship 2027 in USA for International Students is 1st December 2026.
