The Scholarship University of Hawaii ADB—formally funded under the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)—is now accepting applications for the Fall 2027 academic session. Administered via the East-West Center (EWC) in Honolulu, this prestigious grant offers full financial sponsorship for high-achieving professionals from ADB developing member nations to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
The scholarship provides 1 to 2 years of complete funding, encompassing tuition fees, roundtrip international travel, book allowances, housing, and monthly living expenses. All application materials, institutional endorsements, and supporting documentation must be finalized before the deadline on December 1, 2026.
Program Summary
| Field | Description |
| Opportunity Type | International Master’s Scholarship (Fully Funded) |
| Funding Bodies | Asian Development Bank (ADB) & Government of Japan |
| Administering Body | East-West Center (EWC) & University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa |
| Mode & Duration | Full-time Offline (In-Person) / 1 to 2 Years |
| Location | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
| Academic Intake | Fall 2027 Term (Commences August 2027) |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
Strategic Program Overview
The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program focuses on cultivating senior technical and administrative leadership across developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Hosted at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, scholars complete accredited master’s coursework across critical development areas such as economics, civil and environmental engineering, business administration, public administration, and natural resource management.
Scholars reside within the international community of the East-West Center, taking part in specialized leadership seminars, cross-cultural collaborative research, and regional policy forums alongside their standard university curriculum. A core condition of the award is that all recipients return to their home country immediately upon graduation to apply their specialized skills toward national socioeconomic progress.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications & Nationality:
- Must maintain primary citizenship and current permanent residency in an eligible ADB developing member country.
- Must hold an accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree or an officially recognized equivalent credential.
- Must demonstrate a strong undergraduate grade point average (GPA) that fulfills the direct graduate admission standards of the relevant department at UH Mānoa.
- Must submit valid academic English language proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS) meeting the program cutoff.
Professional Experience & Conditions:
- Age Limit: Must not exceed 35 years of age at the time of official application submission.
- Work Experience: Must document at least two continuous years of full-time professional experience earned strictly after the completion of the undergraduate degree.
- Return Obligation: Must confirm a formal commitment to return and work in the home nation for at least two years after completing the master’s program.
- Exclusions: Individuals already living or working in a developed country, applicants who already hold an advanced master’s degree, or previous recipients of major international government scholarships are ineligible.
Complete Financial Coverage
The ADB-JSP framework covers all necessary educational, transit, and living expenditures throughout the degree duration:
| Expense Component | Coverage Details |
| Tuition & University Fees | 100% remission of all graduate tuition and mandatory institutional campus fees |
| Living Support | Comprehensive monthly stipend covering room, board, and day-to-day sustenance |
| Air Travel | Direct roundtrip economy airfare connecting the recipient’s home country and Honolulu |
| Course Materials | Scheduled semester-based allowance for textbooks, software, and instructional supplies |
| Health Insurance | Full medical, emergency, and health insurance policy compliance |
| Visa Sponsorship | Formal U.S. J-1 Exchange Visitor visa documentation issued by the East-West Center |
Selection Stages & Evaluation Criteria
- Initial EWC Review: Verification of nationality, age limits, and post-degree professional work experience.
- Departmental Evaluation: The graduate admissions committee at UH Mānoa reviews academic transcripts, reference letters, and candidate statements of purpose.
- Shortlisting & Endorsement: The East-West Center selects top-ranked applicants based on academic merit and development potential, forwarding nominees to ADB.
- Final Confirmation: The Asian Development Bank issues formal award letters and funding notifications to selected candidates.
Key Deadlines & Timetable
| Milestone | Key Date |
| Applications Open | August 18, 2026 |
| Final Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Official Academic Transcripts Deadline | December 15, 2026 |
| Award Notifications | May to June 2027 |
| Program Start Date | August 2027 (Fall Intake) |
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
Applicants must complete a two-part application process before the stated cutoffs:
- Submit UH Mānoa Graduate Application:
- Select an ADB-eligible graduate degree program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
- Complete the graduate division application form online and remit the institutional application fee.
- Obtain and save your application confirmation number or submission receipt.
- Submit East-West Center Scholarship Application:
- Register an account on the East-West Center scholarship application platform.
- Upload all required documentation: complete CV, degree certificates, scanned transcripts, English test score sheets, and proof of your UH application submission.
- Submit the complete package before December 1, 2026.
- Forward Official Records:
- Instruct your degree-granting institution to issue sealed, official academic records directly to the East-West Center admissions office before December 15, 2026.
Important Links
Official Contact Channels
| Resource | Information |
| University Admissions | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Graduate Division |
| General Inquiries Email | adbjsp@EastWestCenter.org |
| Mailing Address | East-West Center, 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848, USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Scholarship University of Hawaii ADB fund undergraduate or doctoral studies?
No. The scholarship exclusively supports full-time master’s degree programs across approved development-oriented fields.
Is work experience acquired before completing a bachelor’s degree eligible?
No. The requirement specifies at least two full years of professional employment acquired after the conferral date of the undergraduate degree.
Can applicants apply for the scholarship without a separate UH Mānoa application?
No. Candidates must submit a formal application for admission directly to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, as proof of this submission is required to complete the East-West Center scholarship file.