1. Introduction

JDS Doctoral Degree Program aims at fostering future leaders with a good understanding of Japan and are capable of;

1. Making policy formulation and decision from a broader perspective by drawing on their advanced knowledge and expertise,
2. Leading international discourses on various policy issues on behalf of their countries, and
3. Exercising their positive influence within their countries and beyond from the global viewpoints by fully utilizing personal networks developed through this doctoral program,

This project is seeking for prospective applicants with the potential to become future leaders, rather than academic researchers, who can substantially make favorable influence on policy affairs and bilateral relations with Japan.

For details, please refer to the "Application Guidelines".

• Application Guidelines (PhD) 2026

2. Eligibility Requirements and Conditions

Applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of Cambodia.
2. Have obtained a master's degree from a recognized university.
3. Be 45 years of age or younger as of April 1, 2027.
4. Have served as a civil servant working at the central level in a "Target Organization" listed in the JDS Framework Cambodia (See next section).
5. Have published at least one peer-reviewed article or paper in a field relevant to the proposed research.

Other Conditions

Applicants must:

1. Independently identify and select their preferred university and graduate school to apply to, contact a prospective academic supervisor, and obtain the recommendation letter required for the application.
   

   ✻Neither the JDS Project nor JICE will introduce or recommend universities or supervisors.

   ✻Applicants who obtained a master's degree in Japan (including JDS graduates) are, in principle, expected to enroll in the same graduate school at the university from which they obtained their master's degree, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

2. Also obtain a letter of recommendation from their workplace.

   ✻Applicants who are subject to any return-to-service obligations, contracts, or other requirements imposed by their employer after completing their master's degree must have fulfilled those requirements before applying for the JDS PhD Program.

   ✻Note for Fellows and Graduates of the JDS Master's Degree Program

   1. Direct progression from a JDS master's program to a doctoral program is not permitted. Applicants must return to Cambodia and resume their official duties after completing the JDS master's program before applying for the PhD Program.
   2. The JDS Master's graduates are normally required to resume at least two years of duties after completing the master's program. However, they may apply for the PhD Program before fulfilling this requirement by deferring the obligation until after completion of the PhD Program. In such cases, the deferred two-year service obligation will be added to the minimum three-year post-graduation service requirement under the JDS PhD Program. Applicants may therefore be required to serve their organizations for up to five years after obtaining a doctoral degree.
3. Submit a research proposal addressing Cambodia's development challenges within the scope of the Sub-Programs and Components defined in the JDS Framework (See next section).
4. Be pursuing a career path as a government official and future leader in public administration.

   Accordingly, individuals whose career paths are primarily academic, technical, or professional in nature, such as lecturers, researchers, healthcare professionals, engineers, or inspectors, are NOT eligible to apply.

5. Complete the doctoral program within three (3) years.

   An extension of up to six (6) months may be granted if the applicant is deemed likely to obtain the doctoral degree within the extended period.

6. Have a good command of written and spoken English.
7. Be in good physical and mental health.
8. (Upon completion of the PhD Program) return to Cambodia, resume service in their respective organizations, and fulfill a minimum post-graduation service obligation of three (3) years in order to contribute to their organizations and to Cambodia's development.

   Applicants must also comply with any separate contracts or regulations concerning return-to-service obligations imposed by their employer or organization.

【Ineligibility】 Applicants who fall under any of the following categories are not eligible to apply

1. Individuals who have been awarded, or are scheduled to receive, another scholarship.
2. Individuals who hold a doctoral degree obtained abroad under a foreign-funded scholarship or assistance program.
3. Military personnel and individuals affiliated with military organizations.

3. Framework for Cambodia (Target Organizations and Study Components)

• The framework below is established for the JDS Program in Cambodia every four years in accordance with Japan's development cooperation policy.
• Applicants for the JDS PhD Program must be working for one of the Target Organizations and submit a research proposal that addresses development challenges in Cambodia within the scope of the Components defined in the Framework below.

• List of Target Organizations [Download]

4. Outline of the Program

For the Award Benefits and Support for Fellows, please refer to the Application Guidelines for further details.

5. Application and Selection Process

Notes

• All costs incurred during the selection process will be covered by the JDS Project.
• Applicants will be immediately disqualified if their applications contain any false statements or instances of plagiarism.
• The JICE JDS project office will notify applicants of the results at each stage of the selection process.
• The reasons for selection decisions will not be disclosed.

For the selection criteria, please refer to the Application Guidelines.

6. Application Procedures (Online)

6-1. Application Documents

• Applicants must upload the "application documents" listed in Table 1 below in the online application system.
• Applicants are strongly advised to have all the documents ready before proceeding with the online application system.

List of Application Documents
Please refer to the Application Guidelines for further details

6-2. Recommended Steps for Application System

1. Download and review the Application Guidelines (AG) for detailed instructions.
2. Prepare your application documents.
   ・ Download designated form set (★) (See the request form on the table above)
3. Convert your application documents into PDF format.
   ・ Please refer to the Pre-caution (Khmer) of PDF conversion.
4. Proceed to the Online Application System to submit your application.
   • Online Application System (JDS Cambodia PhD 2026)

   It is strongly recommended that you prepare all required application documents and convert them into PDF format before starting the online application process. Please note that any data you entered into the system, including uploaded PDF files, will only be retained for three days. After this period, all data will be automatically deleted, so you will need to restart the process from the beginning.