Studying in the United States of America is a dream for many international students, and scholarships play a principal part in making that dream attainable. One such valuable opportunity is the Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP), which aims to empower students from developing countries.
This scholarship provides an exceptional chance to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) while promoting personal and professional growth.
More About the ADB-JSP Scholarship
1. Background of ADB-JSP
Established in April 1988 through funding from the Government of Japan, the ADB-JSP aims to strengthen human resource capacity in Asian Development Bank (ADB) member countries. Providing scholarships enables talented individuals to gain advanced knowledge and skills that they can apply to promote sustainable socio-economic development in their home countries.
2. Goals of the Scholarship
The primary focus of the ADB-JSP Scholarship is to enhance development by facilitating educational opportunities for well-qualified citizens of ADB’s developing member countries. Scholars are encouraged to share their acquired knowledge upon returning home, thereby contributing to their communities’ growth and progress.
Eligibility Criteria for the ADB-JSP Scholarship
1. Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ADB-JSP Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship and Residency: Must be a citizen and current resident of an ADB developing member country.
- Age Limit: Applicants should be no more than 35 years old at the time of application.
- Educational Qualifications: A 4-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience after obtaining a university degree.
2. Language Proficiency Requirements
Proficiency in English is essential for all applicants. Accepted English proficiency tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:
- TOEFL: 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79-80 (internet-based)
- DUOLINGO: 95
- IELTS: 6.5
All tests must be taken within the past two years.
3. Ineligibility Criteria
Certain applicants are not eligible for the ADB-JSP Scholarship:
- Individuals living or working outside their home country at the time of application.
- Those who have previously studied abroad in a non-ADB developing member country or are seeking a second Master’s degree.
Fields of Study Covered by ADB-JSP
The ADB-JSP supports several Master’s degree programs at UHM. Eligible programs include:
- Business Administration (Global MBA)
- Economics (MA)
- Geography (MA)
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management (MS)
- Ocean and Resources Engineering (MS)
- Oceanography (MS)
- Pacific Islands Studies (MA)
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Sociology (MA)
- Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (MS)
- Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)
For each program, standardized examinations may be required (e.g., GMAT for MBA, GRE for certain other programs).
Benefits of the ADB-JSP Scholarship
The ADB-JSP Scholarship offers a comprehensive support package for scholars, including:
- Full Tuition and Fees Coverage: Complete tuition waiver for the duration of the program.
- Roundtrip Travel Expenses: Travel costs to Honolulu from the applicant’s home country.
- Housing Support: Accommodation in East-West Center residence facilities.
- Monthly Stipend: Financial support to cover living expenses.
- Funds for Textbooks: Assistance with the cost of academic materials.
- Health Insurance Coverage: Basic health insurance for the duration of the stay.
- Visa Sponsorship: Provision of a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa for the duration of studies.
Application Process
1. Outline of Application Steps
Applying for the ADB-JSP Scholarship involves several steps:
- Review Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet all the necessary criteria.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of professional experience.
- Complete ADB-JSP Scholarship Application: Fill out the application form on the East-West Center website.
- Submit Application to UHM: Apply separately to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa for admission into the desired Master’s program.
2. Separate Application for the University of Hawai‘i
Submitting a separate application to UHM is crucial. Interested candidates can find application details on the UHM Graduate Division website. For those applying to the Global MBA program, specific instructions can be found on the program’s webpage.
Important Dates and Application Cycle
1. Next Application Cycle
The upcoming application cycle for the ADB-JSP Scholarship will be open from August to December 2024 for the Fall 2025 academic year.
2. Deadline Reminders
To stay organized, applicants should create a timeline for the application process. Mark important deadlines on your calendar, including submission dates for both the scholarship and UHM applications.
Conclusion
For students from underdeveloped nations, the University of Hawai’i’s ADB-JSP Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study abroad in the United States and get a life-changing experience. Communities throughout the entire world benefit greatly from the scholarship’s investment in education, which in turn encourages growth and new ideas.
