Applications open for fully-funded scholarships from Japan

Applications have opened for Maldivian students to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan.

According to a statement released by the Japanese embassy, six scholarship opportunities are available for next year under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) - a full scholarship program funded by the Japanese government.

JDS is now recruiting applicants for the academic year 2026-2027, for Master’s Degree programs in Japanese universities.

Applications are open until 04:00 pm on November 10.

The courses the scholarships are available for are:

• Master of Arts in Economics/ Master of Arts in International Development
• Master of Arts in International Relations
• Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy

Eligibility criteria:

• Maldivian nationality
• Aged 22-39 as of April 1, 2026
• Bachelor's Degree from universities authorized by the government of Maldives or other countries
• Civil servants, permanent staff at independent institutions, courts and its related organizations, and legislature.
• Employment at a target organization as a full-time employee.
• Minimum of two years of work experience at a target organization

27 Maldivians have received scholarships under the JDS program since its launch in the Maldives in 2020.