Why it fits you

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Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study
At the institution of your choice (no set country)
Accepted nationalities
Japan
Target level
Doctorate
Fields of study
Economics
Other conditions
  • You must either be studying at or applying to a doctoral program in macroeconomics or other relevant fields to the IMF at a university outside of Japan.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Are either studying at or applying to a doctoral program in macroeconomics or other relevant fields to the IMF at a university outside of Japan.
  • You are normally entering the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of the Ph.D. program.PreferredOrganisation’s wording: Are normally entering the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of the Ph.D. program.
  • You will complete your Ph.D. program well before age 34, to be eligible to apply for the IMF's Economist Program (EP).RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Will complete their Ph.D. program well before age 34, to be eligible to apply for the IMF's Economist Program (EP).

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

Paid
Tuition, plane ticket and insurance
Length of the funding
24 months

Dates

Applications close
30 November 2026

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

  1. Step 1: Submit the online application with the supporting documents
    With whom
    You (the applicant)
    By when
    30 November 2026
    Documents to provide
    • A personal statement focusing on the applicant's background, career goals, and interest in working as an IMF economist
    • University transcripts, and GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores
    • Two reference letters
    • A scanned digital copy of an application to a doctoral program (for those not yet accepted to or already attending a doctoral program)
    • Macroeconomic essays
  2. Step 2: Attend an orientation program at the IMF in Washington D.C. (expenses paid)
    With whom
    You (the scholar)
  3. Step 3: Participate in a 10–13 week fully-paid summer internship at the IMF
    With whom
    You (the scholar)
  4. Step 4: Apply to the IMF's Economist Program (EP)
    With whom
    You (the scholar)

Where to apply

Japan-IMF Scholarship Program (JISP) (opens in a new tab) · Japan-IMF Scholarship Program

Official title (in English): JAPAN–IMF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED STUDIES

Edition 2027-2029 · Verified on 1 November 2026

Apply on the official website (opens in a new tab)

Official website of Japan-IMF Scholarship Program (JISP): japanimfscholarship.org