Applications open for five fully funded JDS scholarships in Japan

Applications are open for the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship, known as JDS, for the 2027-2028 academic year. The scholarship pays for a two-year master's degree at selected universities in Japan. The courses are taught in English. Five places are on offer. JDS is for permanent staff of the civil service and of independent institutions. Applicants should check the official guidelines and the list of target organisations before they apply. The programme began in the Maldives in 2020. Its aim is to train people who can contribute to national development and to ties between the Maldives and Japan. So far, 33 Maldivians have been sent to Japan under the scheme. The Japan International Cooperation Center will hold information sessions from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Online sessions are on 20 October, 29 October, 26 November and 6 December. In-person sessions are on 8 November and 19 November. A separate online class on writing a research plan runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm on 22 November. Applications go through the JDS online system. The deadline is 4:00 pm on 14 December. Details are on the JDS Maldives website and Facebook page.