University of Hawaii ADB Scholarship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded)
Applications are now open for the Asian Development
Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
for the Fall 2027 academic year. This fully funded Master’s degree opportunity
is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships available for
Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the East-West Center in
Honolulu, the program aims to strengthen human resource capacity in Asia and
the Pacific by enabling talented individuals to gain advanced knowledge and
skills that they can later apply to the socio-economic development of their
home countries.
The ADB-JSP has a long history dating back to 1988. Over the decades it has supported thousands of scholars who have gone on to hold important positions in government, academia, development organizations, and the private sector. For the 2027 intake, the East-West Center is once again inviting applications from qualified candidates who meet the strict eligibility criteria and who are genuinely committed to returning home after completing their studies.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) |
| Host Country | United States of America |
| Location | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Host Institution | University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa |
| Partner Organization | East-West Center |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree |
| Academic Intake | Fall 2027 |
| Duration | Up to two years |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Opening | August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
One of the strongest attractions of this scholarship is its
complete financial coverage. Selected scholars do not need to worry about the
high cost of living or studying in Hawaii. The package typically includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees and all mandatory university fees for the entire duration of the Master’s program
- A monthly subsistence allowance sufficient to cover basic living expenses
- Free or heavily subsidized housing in East-West Center residential facilities, which provides a safe and supportive international community environment
- Round-trip economy-class airfare from the scholar’s home country to Honolulu and back at the end of the program
- An allowance for books, instructional materials, and other academic expenses
- Comprehensive medical and health insurance coverage
- In some cases, additional support for thesis research or special academic activities
- Official sponsorship for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, which is required for participation in the program
These benefits make the scholarship truly fully funded,
allowing recipients to focus entirely on their studies and professional
development without financial pressure.
Eligible Fields of Study
The ADB-JSP supports a carefully selected list of Master’s
programs that are directly relevant to the development needs of Asia and the
Pacific. Approved fields at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa currently
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)
These programs emphasize practical knowledge, research skills, and leadership development. Scholars also participate in East-West Center’s educational, residential, and leadership activities, which enrich the overall learning experience through interaction with peers from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must
satisfy all of the following core requirements:
1. Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must be citizens and current residents of an
eligible developing member country of the Asian Development Bank. Bangladesh is
among the eligible countries. Candidates who are currently living or working
outside their home country are generally not eligible.
2. Age Limit
Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of
application.
3. Academic Qualification
A four-year bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent
qualification recognized by the University of Hawai‘i) is required. The degree
must have been completed before the application deadline.
4. Professional Work Experience
A minimum of two years of full-time professional work
experience after obtaining the bachelor’s degree is mandatory. This experience
should preferably be relevant to the field of study the applicant wishes to
pursue.
5. Academic Record
Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic background. While there is no officially published minimum GPA, competitive applicants usually have a solid record of academic achievement.
6. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet the English language requirements of
both the University of Hawai‘i and the East-West Center. Acceptable tests and
approximate minimum scores include:
- TOEFL iBT: 79–80
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 95
Test results must be recent (usually within the past two
years).
7. Health and Character
Applicants must be in good physical and mental health and of
good moral character.
8. Admission Requirement
Candidates must first secure admission (or be in the process
of applying) to one of the approved Master’s programs at the University of
Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
9. Return Commitment
Scholars are expected to return to their home country after
completing the degree and contribute to its development for a reasonable
period.
Important restrictions also apply. Applicants who have previously studied in a developed country outside the ADB region, those seeking a second Master’s degree, or those already enrolled in a graduate program are usually not eligible.
Application Process – Step by Step
The application process consists of two parallel but separate components:
Step 1: University Admission
Applicants must apply directly to the University of Hawai‘i
at Mānoa for admission into one of the approved Master’s programs. Each program
has its own deadlines, required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters,
statement of purpose, CV, test scores, etc.), and specific requirements. It is
strongly recommended to start this process early because graduate admission
decisions can take several months.
Step 2: ADB-JSP Scholarship Application
In addition to the university application, candidates must
submit a separate scholarship application through the East-West Center’s online
system. This application typically requires personal information, academic and
professional history, a study plan, and other supporting documents.
Both applications must be completed carefully and submitted
by the respective deadlines. The final scholarship deadline for the Fall 2027
intake is December 1, 2026. The application window officially opened in August
2026.
Official information and the application portal can be found
on the East-West Center website:
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early. Gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, and English test scores takes time.
- Write a clear and compelling statement of purpose that links your past experience, proposed studies, and future plans to contribute to your home country’s development.
- Choose a field of study that clearly matches your professional background and the development priorities of your country.
- Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted before the deadline. Incomplete applications are usually not considered.
- Carefully read the official eligibility guidelines on both the East-West Center and Asian Development Bank websites to avoid any misunderstanding.
Why This Scholarship Matters
For many professionals from developing countries, the cost
of a quality Master’s degree in the United States is prohibitive. The ADB-JSP
removes this barrier completely while offering an exceptional academic
environment in Hawaii and a unique residential experience at the East-West
Center. Graduates of the program often return home with enhanced knowledge,
international networks, and leadership skills that enable them to make
meaningful contributions in their fields.
The program is highly competitive. Only a limited number of
scholarships are awarded each cycle, so meeting the minimum eligibility
criteria is not enough. Successful candidates usually demonstrate outstanding
academic performance, relevant professional experience, clear leadership
potential, and a genuine commitment to national development.
Final Notes
Interested candidates are strongly advised to visit the
official East-West Center page regularly for the most accurate and up-to-date
information, as requirements or procedures may be updated. All information
provided in this article is based on the official guidelines available at the
time of writing and is intended for general guidance only.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate
about contributing to the development of your country, the University of Hawaii
ADB Scholarship 2027 represents an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully
funded Master’s degree in the United States. Prepare thoroughly, apply
carefully, and take the first step toward an enriching academic and
professional journey.
