JDS — Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by JICA / JICE · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Provider: JICA / JICE
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Tuition, monthly allowance, round-trip airfare, accommodation support and insurance.
Deadline: 2027 intake (Pakistan): applications close 27 Nov 2026 for both Master's and Doctoral.
Expected opening: Open now
Duration: Master's 2 years; Doctoral 3 years.
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website Application page

About the JDS in Japan

Master's (and some PhD) for young government officials of JDS countries, including Pakistan. Applied for through the JDS office in the home country.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Pakistani government officers in BPS 17 and above (federal/provincial; excludes corporations and autonomous bodies) with at least 3 years of service.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree (16 years), age 25–40. Doctoral: Master's degree, age 25–45 as of 1 Apr 2027. Work must relate to the JDS target fields.

Language requirements

English proficiency; an English test is part of selection (TOEFL/IELTS scores help).

What the scholarship covers

Tuition, monthly allowance, round-trip airfare, accommodation support and insurance.

Tuition: Full tuition.
Stipend and benefits: Monthly living allowance paid by JICA (set by JICE), plus airfare.
Duration: Master's 2 years; Doctoral 3 years.

Deadline and opening date

2027 intake (Pakistan): applications close 27 Nov 2026 for both Master's and Doctoral.

Expected opening: Open now.

Required documents

Online JDS application
Degree certificates and transcripts
Employment certificate / NOC
CNIC and passport copy
Research plan
Recommendation letters
Health certificate

How to apply

Apply online on jds-scholarship.org (JICE Islamabad office: [email protected]). Selection includes document screening, English/maths tests, interviews by Japanese universities and a final interview.

Find a professor for the JDS in Japan

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the JDS in Japan?

Pakistani government officers in BPS 17 and above (federal/provincial; excludes corporations and autonomous bodies) with at least 3 years of service. Master's: Bachelor's degree (16 years), age 25–40. Doctoral: Master's degree, age 25–45 as of 1 Apr 2027. Work must relate to the JDS target fields.

What does the JDS in Japan cover?

Tuition, monthly allowance, round-trip airfare, accommodation support and insurance. Monthly living allowance paid by JICA (set by JICE), plus airfare.

What is the JDS in Japan deadline?

2027 intake (Pakistan): applications close 27 Nov 2026 for both Master's and Doctoral. Expected opening: Open now.

Is IELTS required for the JDS in Japan?

English proficiency; an English test is part of selection (TOEFL/IELTS scores help).

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the JDS in Japan?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the JDS in Japan?