JDS

The Project for
Human Resource
Development Scholarship

JDS - Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship

Republic of Kenya

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Application

Table of Contents

  1. Download files
  2. Eligibility criteria
  3. Seminar information and registration
  4. Recommended preparation for application
  5. Online Application
  6. Selection process
  7. Research Plan
  8. English & Math exams

1. 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.

Please also download the following three files at "Framework" tab above. Framework (whole figure)

  • ■ Component information
  • ■ University information

2. Eligibility criteria

Applicants must

Nationality Citizens of Kenya
Age Below the age of 40 as of April 1st, 2026 (=Born on/after April 2, 1986)
* Below the age of 45 for the central government who have experience/will be involved in policy making and evaluation process.
Occupation Public Servants at Target Organization
Work Experience Applicants must have both of the following experiences;
  • Currently employed in the Target Organizations as a permanent and pensionable employee (Except contract staff).
  • Required at least 2 (two) years of work experience as public servants including a period of probation as a permanent and pensionable employee at the time of application (Part time jobs and volunteer activities are not counted as work experience).
Academic Background
  • Possess a Bachelor's degree from universities authorized by the Government of Kenya or other countries.
  • 16 years of formal education is required (in principle), however, relevant academic/research career or working experience can be considered as the alternative to meet the requirement.
English Proficiency
  • Have a good command of both written and spoken English.
  • IELTS 6.0 or higher is preferable (not required)
    JDS office will arrange IELTS test for those who do not have valid score.
Health Condition Mentally and physically in good health.
Note: Applicants need to take and pass all medical check-ups prior to the technical interview. This medical check-up is arranged by the JDS Project Office. Applicants who cannot take or pass all medical check-ups will be disqualified from the JDS scholarship.
Others
  • Candidates must understand the condition of the scholarship of the JDS program, and must return and work in their organization in order to make a contribution to the development of Kenya and be willing to contribute to the partnership of Kenya and Japan.
  • Applicants are expected to have special interest in studying in Japan as well as motivation to utilize their experience and human network developed through JDS in their career.
  • Female officers are encouraged to apply.
Ineligibility A person falls under the following items is not eligible to apply.
  • Those who are currently receiving (or is scheduled to receive) another scholarship (including other scholarships of Japan).
  • Those who have obtained a master's or higher degrees overseas under the support of foreign scholarship.
  • Military personnel and military civilian employees registered on the active list, and also personnel on temporary leave from the active list
Note Upon completing the master's program, JDS Fellows are required to return to Kenya and resume work at their original workplace for the period stipulated in the training bond, in order to contribute to the country's development.

3. Seminar information and registration

3-1 Application Seminar

※ Please register below to participate in the seminars.

Date & Time Time Venue Registration
Wednesday,13th May 1pm-2pm online Click here
Thursday,14th May 1pm-2pm online Click here

3-2 Video tutorials

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

movie-icon Video 1 Application procedure and documents [12 min]
movie-icon Video 2 How to write a research plan [27 min]
movie-icon Video 3 Tips for the selection [20 min]

3-3 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.

movie-icon JDS Accepting University's Introductory | JDS

5. Online Application System

Please refer "Apply now" tab above

6. Selection process and schedule

The following is a tentative selection schedule for this year.

Schedule Steps Description
7th May, 2026 Application
Closing Date: 12:00PM on Monday, 25th May 2026
To Principal Secretary Office in State Department for Public Service & Human Capital Development, Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development & Special Programmes
Further details → P6 "Application Documents"
Early June 2026 Academic aptitude test IELTS and Math tests 1
The test results will be reviewed by Japanese universities in the later selection stages.
- 1st Selection Document Screening: Application Documents and research plans will be examined by Japanese universities. *This will be held together with the 2nd Selection (Technical Interview) this year.
Early June, 2026 Health Checkup Health checkups will be arranged at a hospital in Nairobi.
Mid- End of June, 2026 2nd Selection Technical Interview: Faculty members of Japanese Universities will conduct online interview exams.
Early- Mid of July, 2026 3rd Selection Comprehensive Interview: The Operating Committee members will conduct the interview exams.
Mid of July, 2026 Approval by the OC Successful candidates will be approved and notified.
Mid of July, 2026 Admission Procedure JDS Project Office will support admission procedures for each Japanese university.
August, 2026 Japanese Language Training Provided to successful candidates
August- September, 2026 Orientations Provided by JICA, SDPS and JDS Project Office.
Early September, 2026 Departure for Japan JDS Project Office will arrange air-ticket, visa, and also support after the arrival in Japan.
  1. Applicants for Kyushu University and Toyo University are exempted from the Math test.
    Applicants submit Official documents issued by the educational institution you have completed an undergraduate or a graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English, the English test requirement will be exempted.

7. 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.

movie-icon Video How to write a research plan [27 min]

8. Academic aptitude test (English & Math exams)

All qualified applicants are required to take an English proficiency test arranged by the JICE JDS Project Office.

If you submit Official documents issued by the educational institution you have completed an undergraduate or a graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English, the English test requirement will be exempted.

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 computer-based IELTS test will be administered. However, depending on circumstances, applicants may be asked to take a computer-based version.
  • 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
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