IMF JISPA PhD Scholarship 2027 in Japan | Fully Funded
The IMF JISPA PhD Scholarship 2027 provides fully funded doctoral studies in economics for public officials from eligible Asia-Pacific countries. Applications close on June 1, 2027.
Deadline: Jun 1, 2027Updated:
Overview
The IMF JISPA PhD Scholarship 2027 in Japan is a fully funded doctoral initiative designed to enhance economic policymaking capacity across the Asia-Pacific region. Administered through the Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA), the program sponsors nominated government officials to pursue economics PhD studies at Japanese universities.
Benefits
- University enrollment and tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Round-trip economy class airfare
- Conditional financial support for international academic conferences and field research
- Access to policy discussions, seminars, and networking events with IMF economists, Japanese officials, and the Bank of Japan
Eligibility
- Must be a national of an eligible Asia-Pacific country, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao P.D.R., Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, eligible Pacific Island countries, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
- Currently employed as a public-sector official and officially nominated by your sponsoring agency.
- Demonstrated English proficiency with an IELTS overall score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79–80 (host universities may require higher scores).
- Preference is given to applicants under 38 years of age.
- Desirable to have at least two years of public-sector work experience.
- Must secure admission to an English-taught PhD program in economics at a Japanese university.
- Commitment to return to your home country to continue public service.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these application steps:
- Identify and secure admission to a suitable English-taught PhD program in economics at a Japanese university.
- Obtain formal nomination and sponsorship from your government agency or ministry.
- Prepare a research proposal addressing a defined national economic challenge.
- Complete the online JISPA application form during the submission window and upload all required documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, valid passport, photograph, and English language certificate.
Deadline
The application deadline is June 1, 2027, at 23:59 Japan Standard Time, with the submission window opening on May 1, 2027.