1. Introduction

The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) is currently offered in 19 countries, with Cambodia being one of the longest-standing recipient countries since the program's launch in 2000. To date, more than 580 Cambodian fellows have studied in Japan under the JDS program. Many graduates are now actively contributing to their fields of expertise at the core of Cambodian society and government.

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open. This scholarship is intended for young government officials and others who share the program's goals and are interested in pursuing a two-year master's degree (taught in English) at a Japanese university.

Application deadline: 3:00 p.m. on November 28 (Fri), 2025

Introduction video of JDS project (13 min)

2. Download files

To begin your application, we recommend that you first download the "Application Guidelines." After that, please review the seminar information below to support your preparation.

3. Seminar information and registration

3-3 Video tutorials

To apply for the JDS, please watch the following videos.

Video1 JDS application guidelines [18 min]

Video2 Application procedure and documents [12 min]

Video3 How to write a research plan [27 min]

Video4 Tips for the selection [20 min]

3-4 Introductory movies by the universities

The host universities will release videos introducing their institutions, academic programs, and courses. We encourage you to take this opportunity to learn more about the universities offering programs in your field of interest.

JDS Accepting University's Introductory | JDS

4. Eligibility criteria

Applicants must

5. Framework of study

The framework outlines the Sub-Programs (priority areas), Components (development issues) as fields of study, the host universities assigned to each component, and the Target Organizations.

5-2. Component and University information

Please download components and university information that you are interested in for application.

Sub-Program (Target Priority Area)	Component (Development Issues)	Accepting University Graduate School	Slot	Brochure
1. Transformation and Development of Industries	1-1. Strengthening of Connectivity [PDF]	Hiroshima University GS of Advanced Science and Engineering / GS of Humanities and Social Sciences / GS of lnnovation and Practice for Smart Society * See footnote (1) below	3
	1-2. Promoting Digital Economy and Society [PDF]	Kobe Institute of Computing GS of Information Technology	3
	1-3. Private Sector Development [PDF]	Kobe University GS of International Cooperation Studies	3
2. Achieving Sustainable and Equitable Growth	2-1. Environment, Climate Change, Agriculture Development [PDF]	University of Tsukuba GS of Science and Technology	3
	2-2. Promoting Human Development [PDF]	Hiroshima University GS of Humanities and Social Sciences / GS of Biomedical and Health Sciences * See footnote (1) below	3
3. Realization of Safe and Secure Society	3-1. Improvement of Administrative Functions [PDF]	Meiji University GS of Governance Studies	2
	3-2. Legal and Judicial Development [PDF]	Nagoya University GS of Law	2
	3-3. Building of International Relations [PDF]	International University of Japan GS of International Relations	3

Note
(1) Newly enrolled students are to be assigned to one of the graduate schools according to their research plan and the academic advisor

6. Recommended Steps for Application System

1. Download and review the Application Guidelines (AG) for detailed instructions.
2. Attend Seminars organized by JICE (or watch Video 1 "Application Guidelines" for guidance).
3. Prepare your application documents.
   • Download designated form set (See "2. Download files")
4. Convert your application documents into PDF format.
   • Please refer to the Pre-caution (Khmer) of PDF conversion.
5. Proceed to the Online Application System to submit your application.

7. Online Application System

Please access the Online Application System through the link below.

• Online Application (JDS Cambodia 2025)

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.

8. Selection process and schedule

The following is a tentative selection schedule for this year.

9. Research Plan

In the JDS selection process, candidates are evaluated not only on their academic ability to successfully pursue a master's degree in Japan, but also on their potential to contribute to the development of their home country in the future. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you clearly explain how the objective of your research plan is aligned with the development issues outlined in the component you are applying for. You should also rationalize how your proposed study relates to your career path, particularly in connection with your current position and responsibilities at your workplace.

In addition, it is essential to thoroughly research the university and program you are applying to. Every year, a number of applicants are not selected because their proposed research topics do not align with the expertise of the faculty members.

Therefore, it is especially important to confirm whether there are professors who can supervise your research, and whether their research fields and areas of expertise are a good match for your proposed topic. This can be done, for example, by reviewing their previously published papers.

Please also make use of the lecture opportunity and videos provided.

• 3-2 Special Lecture on Research Plan

Video3 How to write a research plan (27 min)

10. Academic aptitude test (English & Math exams)

All qualified applicants are required to take an English proficiency test arranged by the JICE JDS Project Office.
Meanwhile, the mathematics test will be administered only to applicants applying for specific designated components, based on the requirements of the host universities. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for further details.

It is highly recommended that applicants take the practice tests below to prepare for the actual examinations conducted before the selection process.

• English test
  • In principle, a paper-based TOEFL-ITP test will be administered. However, depending on circumstances, applicants may be asked to take a computer-based version. It is strongly recommended that applicants prepare for the test using the practice materials provided below.
  • The TOEFL-ITP consists of three sections:
    • Listening Comprehension (50 questions, approx. 35 minutes)
    • Structure and Written Expression (40 questions, approx. 25 minutes)
    • Reading Comprehension (50 questions, approx.55 minutes)
  • A practice test of TOEFL-ITP (provided by ETS)

  Please note that some host universities may require applicants to take other English language tests. In such cases, the JDS office will inform applicants accordingly.

• Math test (JDS original)
  • This is an original JDS mathematics test, with a duration of 60 minutes. It consists of 20 questions covering topics from elementary to high school level, including:
    Arithmetic operations, Solving fractions, Equations and Inequalities, Matrices, Basic quadratic functions, Basic operations of exponential and logarithmic functions, Basic Integral and Differentiation, etc.).
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare for the test using the practice material provided below.
  • Past math test and answer sheet