ADB Scholarships at University of Auckland

Overview

Update (2024): The University of Auckland is no longer a participating institution for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP). However, the ADB-JSP remains fully active at 25+ other institutions across Asia and the Pacific, and Nepal is an eligible country. Nepali students can still apply for this scholarship through the alternative institutions listed below. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Programme (ADB-JSP) was established in 1988 and is funded by the Government of Japan through the Asian Development Bank. It provides fully funded master's degree opportunities to well-qualified citizens of ADB's developing member countries, with the goal of building professional capacity to support economic and social development across the Asia-Pacific region. The scholarship is one of the most comprehensive fully funded programmes available to Nepali students — covering tuition fees, monthly living stipend, accommodation, books and study materials, health insurance, and return airfare. Upon completing their studies, scholars are expected to return and contribute to Nepal's development.

Where Nepali Students Can Apply Now

With Auckland no longer participating, the most accessible and relevant alternatives for Nepali students are:

• Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand — wide range of engineering, environment, management, and ICT programmes. August intake, deadline 31 March.
• National University of Singapore (NUS) — MBA, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Management. August intake, deadline January–March depending on programme.
• East-West Center, University of Hawaii, USA — MBA, Economics, Public Administration, Environmental Management and more. August intake, deadline 1 December.
• Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Philippines — MBA and Development Management. January intake, deadline August.
• International University of Japan — International Relations, Economics, Public Management. September intake, deadline early January.
• United Nations University (UNU-IAS), Japan — Sustainability. September intake, deadline 28 February.

The full official list of participating institutions is available on the ADB-JSP institutions page.

Eligibility

The ADB-JSP is open to Nepali citizens who meet all of the following criteria:

• A national of an ADB borrowing member country — Nepal is eligible
• Holds a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a strong academic record
• Has at least two years of full-time professional work experience after completing a university degree
• Has gained admission (conditional or unconditional) to an approved Master's programme at a participating ADB-JSP institution
• Is proficient in oral and written English
• Is under 35 years of age at the time of application (up to 45 for senior officials and managers applying to eligible programmes)
• Is in good health and able to pursue full-time graduate studies

Who is Not Eligible

• Citizens of non-ADB borrowing member countries
• ADB staff, their dependants, and close relatives
• Staff of institutions participating in the ADB-JSP
• Students already enrolled in or having completed a graduate degree programme
• Executive Directors and management of other international organisations

Note: Scholars are expected to return to Nepal upon completion of their studies. The scholarship is not intended to facilitate permanent migration.

How to Apply

Unlike many scholarships, the ADB-JSP does not accept direct applications to ADB. You must first secure admission to a participating institution, then apply for the scholarship through that institution.

1. Choose your institution and programme — review the official list of ADB-JSP participating institutions and identify programmes aligned with your academic background and career goals. Fields covered include economics, management, engineering, environmental science, public policy, agriculture, and other development-related areas.
2. Apply for admission — submit your application directly to your chosen university for the relevant Master's programme. Each institution has its own admission requirements and deadlines — check these carefully as they vary significantly.
3. Apply for the ADB-JSP scholarship — once you have applied for admission, request the ADB-JSP application forms from the institution's scholarships office. Submit your completed scholarship application alongside or as part of your admissions process.
4. Shortlisting and selection — shortlisted candidates may be called for additional information or an interview. Final selection is made by the institution in coordination with ADB.
5. Receive your award — successful applicants receive a scholarship letter confirming coverage of tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance, and accommodation.

Deadlines vary by institution and intake month. Apply at least 6 months before your intended intake. Visit the official ADB-JSP page for current institution-specific deadlines.