JDS

The Project for
Human Resource
Development Scholarship

JDS - Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship

Bhutan

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Application

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Applicant Eligibility and Tentative Schedule for application
  3. Research Plan
  4. Download of AG and AD
  5. Supportive videos for candidates shortlisted by RCSC
  6. How to Apply
  7. English & Math Exam
  8. Promotion Seminars

1. Introduction

The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) started in Bhutan in 2018. Since then, a total of 68 Fellows (62 master's and 6 PhDs) have been sent to Japan.

JDS is now inviting potential applicants who understand its aims and are interested in 2-year master's degree program at Japanese accepting universities for the academic year 2027-2028.
The program will be conducted in English. The number of dispatches is 7 per year.

movie-icon This is JDS - Outline of JDS Project

2. Applicant Eligibility and Tentative schedule for application

(1) Qualifications and Requirements of Applicant

Nationality Citizen of the Kingdom of Bhutan
Age 45 or younger as of 1 April, 2027 (Born on/after 2 April, 1981)
Academic Background Holder of bachelor's degree (recognized by the Royal Government of Bhutan or other countries)
Other requirements or desirability of academic background
*Some accepting universities have other requirements or desirable academic background. Check "Accepting University" in "Information of Each Sub-Program / Component" and "University Information" on Application Guidelines.
Work Experience
  • Have 2 years or more work experience in Professional & Management Category (PMC) at the time of RCSC application (such experiences shall be related to applying Sub-Program/Component).
  • Must be a regular (permanent) government employee.
  • Must belong to the listed Superstructure specified for each Component.
    *Further status in a certain Major Occupational Group (MoG) is necessary for components2-1 and 2-2.
    *See "Framework of JDS Bhutan" on Application Guidelines for details.
English Proficiency Have a good command of both written and spoken English.
Health Condition Be in good physical and mental condition
Ineligibility A person who falls under the following is NOT eligible to apply.
  • Currently awarded or scheduled to receive another scholarship.
  • Have already obtained a master's or higher degree.
  • Military personnel registered on the active list or person on alternative military service.

*Please also check framework and university information.

(2) Tentative Schedule

Schedule Steps Description
Sep. 7 - Oct. 9, 2026 Apply to RCSC Please submit the required documents to RCSC routed through Parent Agency and Working Agency.
Oct. 26 - Nov. 26, 2026 JDS Application Closing Date: Nov 26, 2026
 Note: You have to be shortlisted after screening by RCSC to apply for JDS.
Dec. 2026 Academic aptitude test IELTS and Math test※1: The test results will be used as references by the universities in later selection stages.
Feb. 2027 1st Selection Document Screening: Application Documents and research plan will be examined by the Japanese universities.
Feb. 2027 Health Checkup At the end of January, a health checkup will be arranged at a hospital in Thimphu.
Mar. 2027 2nd Selection Technical Interview: Faculty members of the Japanese universities will conduct interview exams.
Mar. 2027 3rd Selection Comprehensive Interview: Operating Committee members will conduct interview exams. "Approval letter" will be required※2
Mar. 2027 Approval by the OC Successful candidates will be approved and notified.
Mar. - Apr. 2027 Admission Procedure JICE will support admission for each university.
Apr. - Aug. 2027 Orientations Provided by RCSC, JICA, and JICE
Aug. 2027 Departure for Japan JICE will arrange air-ticket, visa and support after arrival in Japan.
Note:
  • 1. Applicants for Ritsumeikan University are exempted from math test based on the requirement from the university.
  • 2. Candidates will be required to submit the "Approval Letter" before undergoing the 3rd selection (Comprehensive Interview). The letter form will be provided to the candidates who have passed the 2nd selection. At this selection stage, the candidates are close to reaching acceptable level once they pass the 3rd selection. Therefore, "Approval Letter" is a kind of preliminary confirmation-letter to confirm if their workplace can release the candidates from their work duties while keeping their positions in the workplaces during their study in Japan for 2 years.
<Important Notes>
  • All the selection costs will be covered by JDS.
  • Limited transportation and accommodation allowance will be provided to candidates coming from regional areas for the selections.
  • Application Documents with false statements or plagiarism will be immediately disqualified.
  • The results of each selection will be announced only to successful candidates by JICE JDS Project Office.
  • In principle, reasons for the selection results will not be disclosed.

(3) Application Deadline

STEP 1
Application to RCSC routed through Parent Agency
By Oct. 9, 2026
〇
Shortlist Announcement by RCSC
Oct. 26, 2026
STEP 2
Online JDS Application
Oct. 26 - Nov. 26, 2026
  • * Late submission and incomplete application documents shall NOT be accepted.
  • * Only those who are shortlisted by RCSC may apply for JDS application.

3. Research Plan

  • In the JDS selections, each candidate will be evaluated not only on their academic ability to successfully pursue a master's degree program in Japan, but also on their potential to contribute to the future development of their country. Thus, it is highly recommended to explain the objective of your research plan in connection with the development issues under applying Component, and to rationalize how the study will be addressed in accordance with the career path, corresponding to the current position and responsibility in the belonging organization.
    research
  • It is also recommended to study your applying university to make sure that the curriculums of the university and fields of specialization of its faculty members are relevant to your research.　
  • Remember that plagiarize from somebody's work or websites are strongly prohibited.
    Please refer to 'Tips on Application and Selection' and 'Guidelines for Writing a Research Plan' in the Application Guidelines (P6) for more information.

4. Download of Application Guidelines and Application Documents

Please download the Application Guidelines and submit a full set of application documents by the deadline.

download Download
  1. Application Guidelines
  2. Prescribed Forms

<Notes> Password is required to download the documents. If you don't have the password, click the link below the log-in box. A password request form will appear, so fill out necessary information, and click "Submit". JICE JDS office will send you the password by e-mail. (Please call JDS if you do not receive the email.)

5. Supportive videos for the shortlisted candidates by RCSC

movie-icon How to write a research plan [27 min]
movie-icon Tips for the selection [20 min]

6. How to Apply

STEP 1
Download the Application Guidelines and Prescribed Forms (refer to No. 4)
STEP 2
Prepare the required documents

Refer to P.2 in Application Guidelines, and make sure to prepare all the required documents in appropriate file format.

STEP 3
Access the Online Application System

Complete your application by filling out the necessary information and uploading the required documents.

APPLY

- Only those who have been shortlisted by RCSC will be eligible to apply. Therefore, please first submit the required documents to RCSC through your Parent Agency and Working Agency.
- Announcement regarding the opening of the JDS application period will be made in due course.

  • * If you cannot access the online application system, or you have any problem filling out the form, please contact JICE JDS Project Office.
  • * Once you submit your application, you will not be allowed to modify it.
STEP 4
Receive an E-mail
[Submission Succeeded]
You will receive a confirmation email with registration No.
[Submission Failed]
You will receive an error message - please contact JICE JDS Project Office immediately to make sure you have enough time to complete your application before the deadline.

7. English & Math Test

Every qualified applicant will be required to take English proficiency test (IELTS) as well as Math test in Thimphu.

The scores will be reviewed in the 1st selection by the accepting universities. The universities may require the applicants to have good command of English skill (IELTS over 6.0) and numeracy skills. Please be well prepared for the tests.

* Applicants for Ritsumeikan University are exempted from math test based on the requirement from the university.

8. Promotion Seminars

For further information, following seminars are scheduled.

Online Seminars:
Sep. 11 (Fri) 11:00am - 12:30pm
Sep.14 (Mon) 11:00am - 12:30pm
Sep. 15 (Tue) 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Sep. 16 (Wed) 11:00am - 12:30pm
Sep. 30 (Wed) 11:00am - 12:30pm
Oct. 2 (Fri) 11:00am - 12:30pm
Oct. 5 (Mon) 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Oct. 6 (Tue) 11:00am - 12:30pm
Oct. 7 (Wed) 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Oct. 8 (Thu) 11:00am - 12:30pm

Scan to register

In-person Seminars:
Sep. 24 (Thu) 3:00pm - 4:30pm at Thimphu
Sep. 28 (Mon) 3:00pm - 4:30pm at Thimphu
We are currently exploring the possibility of holding in-person seminars in regional areas too!

  • Please check JDS Bhutan FB for further information.
  • Registration is required. You can register by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below.
    → Once you complete your registration, details of the seminar will be sent to your email address.
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