The Japanese government has introduced the Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS), offering six scholarships annually to Maldivian citizens. Each of the participating universities will provide two scholarships, covering all expenses, including tuition, travel, and living costs during the students’ time in Japan.
The JDS scholarship program is designed for employees of various Maldivian government agencies, enabling them to pursue master’s degrees while contributing to the country’s social and economic development. This initiative supports human resource development, to help graduates play a significant role in formulating national policies and driving progress in the Maldives.
Since 2020, Japan has been providing this scholarship to the Maldives. The scholarship options currently available are:
- Master of Arts in Economics or Master of Arts in International Development at the International University of Japan (IUJ)
- Master of Arts in International Relations at Ritsumeikan University
- Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
Eligible applicants must be between 22 and 39 years old as of April 1, 2025. They should be civil servants, permanent employees of independent institutions, courts, or other related agencies with a validated bachelor’s degree from the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA). Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time work experience.
To help prospective applicants, JDS will organize seminars offering detailed information about the scholarship and guidance on submitting application documents. Applications must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m. on November 24.
Since the scholarship's inception in 2020, a total of 21 Maldivian students have been awarded the opportunity to study in Japan, with 12 of them already returning to contribute to the development of the Maldives after completing their degrees.
For more details, visit JDS Scholarship - Maldives.
