Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies (JISP) 2026: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship for Japanese Economics Students
The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies (JISP) is a two-year doctoral scholarship designed for outstanding Japanese students pursuing economics studies outside Japan. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the IMF, it prepares scholars for professional careers at the International Monetary Fund.
Overview
The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies (JISP) is a fully funded two-year scholarship initiative funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It aims to support exceptional Japanese students pursuing advanced doctoral training in economics at universities outside Japan and prepares them for potential careers as professional economists at the IMF.
Recipients receive comprehensive financial support for two years of graduate study, alongside participation in an IMF orientation program in Washington, D.C., and a mandatory 10–13 week paid summer internship at the IMF during the year prior to obtaining their doctorate. Scholars are expected to apply to the IMF Economist Program upon completing their doctoral studies and must accept an offer if one is extended.
Benefits
- Full university tuition and fees
- Medical insurance coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Selected travel expenses
- Paid summer internship at the IMF (10–13 weeks)
Eligibility
- Must hold Japanese citizenship with no nationality exceptions
- Must be able to obtain a PhD before reaching the age of 34
- Must be either currently enrolled in or applying to an eligible economics PhD program at a university outside Japan
- Field of study must focus on relevant economic areas such as macroeconomics, public economics, monetary economics, international finance, or development economics
- Normally expected to be entering the first, second, or third year of their PhD program
How to Apply
Applicants must complete their application online in English through the Institute of International Education's platform. The required application materials include:
- Personal statement detailing career goals and interest in the IMF
- Complete university transcripts
- GRE scores
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Copy of one PhD program application
- Two reference letters
- Macroeconomic essays
Deadline
Applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted by November 30, 2026.