The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program is accepting applications for Kyoto University's International MBA, with a short window running August 17–28, 2026
Kyoto University's Graduate School of Management has opened its application window for the International MBA (i-MBA) programme, alongside the fully funded Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) for eligible applicants. The window is short — applications must be submitted by August 28, 2026, 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time — making this a time-sensitive opportunity for students considering a postgraduate management degree in Japan.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Application period: August 17 – August 28, 2026, 5:00 PM JST
- Programme: International MBA (i-MBA), Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University — taught entirely in English
- Scholarship coverage: Full tuition, monthly living allowance (JPY 147,000 for AY2026), books and instructional materials, medical and accident insurance, and round-trip travel expenses
- Who's eligible: Citizens of ADB developing member countries (India included) who are not dual citizens of a developed country
- Other key requirements: Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record, at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience, under 35 years of age at application, and a commitment to return to and work in your home country for at least 2 years after the programme
- Admission application fee: JPY 10,000, payable during the application window and non-refundable except if the scholarship is awarded
What this means for applicants
The scholarship application is submitted together with the i-MBA admission application — there is no separate ADB-JSP form filed afterward, so applicants need to prepare both sets of requirements within the same short window. This includes standard admission documents (transcripts, English proficiency scores, recommendation letters) as well as ADB-JSP-specific proof of work experience and eligibility.
Given the ADB-JSP is a competitive scholarship attached to a limited number of seats, applicants should treat this as a genuine two-week sprint: eligibility and required documents should be confirmed before beginning, since incomplete or late submissions won't be accepted after the deadline.
What you can do
- If you're eligible and interested, contact IRS Study Abroad immediately. You should begin gathering transcripts, work experience proof, and recommendation letters immediately — the window closes August 28.
- Review Kyoto University GSM's official i-MBA and ADB-JSP guidelines directly for the complete document checklist and video essay requirements that follow the initial application.
- If you're not ready for this specific cycle, note that GSM typically opens i-MBA and ADB-JSP applications annually around this time of year, useful for planning to the next intake.
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, helps students identify time-sensitive scholarship opportunities like this one and prepare complete, competitive applications within tight deadlines.
Thinking of studying in Japan? Visit our Study in Japan page now!
