The Public Finance Master’s Scholarship Program 2026 at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan, is a leading fully funded academic opportunity for government officials working in tax or customs administration. This prestigious program equips mid-career professionals with advanced knowledge in economics, revenue systems, policy reforms, and modern customs operations. Designed with a blend of academic rigor and practical training, the scholarship provides outstanding financial support through renowned global funding schemes such as the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) for the Tax track and the Japan–WCO Human Resource Development Programme for the Customs track.
With its world-class faculty, policy-oriented curriculum, and exceptional international exposure, this program is a valuable path for students aiming to strengthen public sector governance, improve fiscal structures, and contribute to national development upon returning home. Students from all developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

About National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan

The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo is one of Japan’s top public policy institutions, known for training government leaders, policymakers, economists, and public finance specialists. GRIPS is consistently ranked among the best policy universities in Asia for governance and development studies.
• Recognized globally for research excellence in economics, political science, and public policy.
• Hosts students from over 65 countries, creating a highly international learning environment.
• Strong collaborations with global organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, ADB, and WCO.
• Situated in Tokyo, providing access to Japan’s modern governance system and administrative practices.

GRIPS Public Finance Scholarship 2026 Overview 

Category	Details
Program Name	Public Finance Master’s Program (Tax & Customs Tracks)
Host University	National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo, Japan
Scholarship Funding	JJ/WBGSP (Tax), Japan–WCO HRD Scholarship (Customs)
Degree Level	Master’s Program
Eligible Applicants	Government tax/customs officials from developing countries
Application Deadline	• Online Form: 13 Feb 2026 (JST) • Supporting Docs: 20 Feb 2026
Study Location	Japan

Scholarship Benefits

Both scholarship streams offer generous financial coverage:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Admission fee and application fee waived
• Monthly stipend (varies by scholarship)
• Round-trip economy-class airfare
• Travel and settling allowances
• Access to GRIPS facilities, research labs, and faculty support

Tax Track – JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend: JPY 306,910
• Round-trip air ticket
• USD 500 equivalent arrival allowance
• USD 500 equivalent completion allowance

Customs Track – Japan–WCO Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend: JPY 147,000
• Arrival allowance: JPY 81,000
• Book allowance: JPY 75,000
• Return allowance: JPY 25,000
• Full tuition and travel coverage

Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility (Common to Tax & Customs)

Applicants must:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
2. Be proficient in English
   • TOEFL iBT 79 or
   • IELTS 6.0
   • OR English Proficiency Waiver (if previous degree taught in English).
3. Have strong academic and professional motivation.

Tax Course Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be full-time government tax officials from developing countries.
2. Have minimum 3 years of work experience in tax policy or administration.
3. Demonstrate commitment to continuing their career in tax policy.
4. Have work experience relevant to development-related topics, as defined by the World Bank.

Customs Course Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be active government customs officials.
2. Have minimum 2 years of experience in customs policy and administration.
3. Preferably be under 35 years old as of April 1, 2026.
4. Be nominated by their Customs Administration.
5. Show commitment to a long-term career in customs administration.

Application Process 

You must strictly follow these steps as outlined by GRIPS:

• Step 1: Download and Complete Application Forms
• Application for Admission
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Certificate of Employment
• Research Proposal (only for relevant programs)
• WCO Nomination Form (Customs course only)
• Step 2: Fill the Online Registration Form: Submit via the official portal
• Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents by Post
• Official transcripts
• Degree certificates
• English proficiency documents
• Passport copy
• Any additional required materials
• Step 4: Screening and Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed online.
• Step 5: Final Selection: Results are released through email and GRIPS portal.

Comparison with Similar Scholarships

Feature	GRIPS – Public Finance Program	ADB-Japan Scholarship	IMF Training Program
Degree Level	Master’s	Master’s	Short courses
Target Group	Tax & Customs Government Officials	Developing country professionals	Government economists
Funding	Fully funded	Fully funded	Fully funded
Duration	1–2 years	1–2 years	Short-term
Focus Area	Public Finance, Tax & Customs	Economics, Development, Policy	Macroeconomics & Finance
Work Experience	2–3 years minimum	Not always required	Required

FAQs About GRIPS Public Finance Scholarship 2026

1. Who can apply for this scholarship?
   Government officials working in tax or customs departments in developing countries.
2. Is English proficiency mandatory?
   Yes, TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.0 is required unless eligible for a waiver.
3. Can private-sector employees apply?
   No, only full-time government officials are eligible.
4. How long is the program?
   Generally 1–2 years, depending on the track.
5. Are Japanese students eligible?
   Yes, Japanese applicants are also accepted.
6. Is there an age limit for GRIPS Public Finance Scholarship 2026?
   For the Customs course, applicants should preferably be under 35.
7. What is the funding source for the Tax track?
   The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.
8. What is the funding source for the Customs track?
   The Japan–WCO Human Resource Development Scholarship.
9. Are travel expenses covered?
   Yes, round-trip airfare is fully funded.
10. When is the deadline?
    Online Registration: 13 Feb 2026
    Supporting Documents: 20 Feb 2026

If you are a committed tax or customs official aiming to contribute to national financial reform, this scholarship is an outstanding opportunity. Begin preparing your documents early and apply through the official portal before the deadline. APPLY NOW. Visit the official website for further details.

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