Japan-IMF JISPA PhD Scholarships 2027 in Japan

About the scholarship

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA), run by the IMF's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific with Japanese government funding, trains future economic policymakers. Its PhD Track funds doctoral study in economics and related fields at accredited Japanese universities — including partner institutions GRIPS, Hitotsubashi University, the International University of Japan, and the University of Tokyo.

Eligibility

• National of an eligible Asia-Pacific country (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and others).
• Employed as a government official involved in economic policymaking, with employer nomination and support.
• Expected to return to the government position after the PhD.
• Strong Master's degree or equivalent; excellent academic record and research potential.
• At least 2 years of public-sector work experience preferred; priority to applicants under 38.
• English proficiency: iBT 79–80 or IELTS 6.0 minimum.
• Admission to an accredited Japanese university offering a relevant PhD program (you secure admission yourself — the IMF does not).

Benefits

• Full tuition and university enrollment costs.
• Monthly living stipend (a set published figure for the 2027 PhD track is not disclosed — do not rely on older Master's-track figures).
• Round-trip economy airfare.
• Field-research and conference funding, where approved.
• Access to IMF seminars, policy dialogues, and the JISPA thesis presentation.

Documents required

1. Online application (during the window)
2. Employer nomination / support letter
3. Master's degree certificate + transcripts
4. University admission letter (accredited Japanese university)
5. English proficiency proof
6. Research plan in economic policymaking

How to apply

1. Secure PhD admissionApply directly to a Japanese university — the IMF does not handle university applications.
2. Get your employer's nominationGovernment backing is a core requirement.
3. Apply online 1 May – 1 June 2027Deadline: 1 June 2027, 23:59 JST. Guidelines for AY2027-28 are posted by early March 2027.

FAQs

Verified 16 Oct 2026 against the official IMF JISPA PhD Track page (window 1 May–1 Jun 2027; deadline 1 Jun 2027 23:59 JST; partner universities; under-38 priority; 2 yrs public-sector experience; iBT 79–80 / IELTS 6.0) and scholarshipsads.com (eligible countries incl. India; benefits; employer nomination).