JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) · 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: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare and insurance through JICA.
Deadline: Nominations are requested by EAD circulars (the FY2026 round circular was dated 19 Aug 2025). The next round is expected around Aug 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Aug 2027 (EAD circular)
Duration: Master's 2 years; PhD 3 years.
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website

About the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs

Master's and PhD programs for officials and professionals from partner countries, usually nominated through government channels.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Pakistani government officials nominated through the Economic Affairs Division (programmes such as the JICA Development Studies Program / SDGs Global Leader).

Academic requirements

Bachelor's (for Master's) or Master's (for PhD), relevant government work experience, usually under 40.

Language requirements

English proficiency as required by the Japanese university.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare and insurance through JICA.

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

Deadline and opening date

Nominations are requested by EAD circulars (the FY2026 round circular was dated 19 Aug 2025). The next round is expected around Aug 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Aug 2027 (EAD circular).

Required documents

Nomination through ministry/department and EAD
Application form
Degree certificates and transcripts
Research plan
Recommendation letters
Health certificate
CNIC and passport copy

How to apply

Apply through your department for EAD nomination when the JICA circular is issued; JICA and the universities select candidates.

Find a professor for the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs?

Pakistani government officials nominated through the Economic Affairs Division (programmes such as the JICA Development Studies Program / SDGs Global Leader). Bachelor's (for Master's) or Master's (for PhD), relevant government work experience, usually under 40.

What does the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs cover?

Tuition, monthly allowance, airfare and insurance through JICA. Monthly living allowance set by JICA, plus airfare.

What is the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs deadline?

Nominations are requested by EAD circulars (the FY2026 round circular was dated 19 Aug 2025). The next round is expected around Aug 2027. Expected opening: Expected Aug 2027 (EAD circular).

Is IELTS required for the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs?

English proficiency as required by the Japanese university.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the JICA scholarship and Development Studies programs?