The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship was launched in Maldives in 2020. Up to the present, total of 27 Fellows have been dispatched to Japan.
JDS is now recruiting the applicants for the academic year 2026-2027, who understand its aims and are interested in a 2-year master's degree program at Japanese accepting universities.
The program will be instructed in English.
The number of accepted scholars is 6 per year (2 per university).
| Nationality | Citizens of the Republic of Maldives |
| Age |
Between 22 and 39 years old as of 1st April 2026 (Born on/after 2nd April 1986 and born on/before 1st April 2004) |
| Academic Background | Hold a Bachelor's Degree from universities authorized by the Government of Maldives or other countries, recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority, at the time of application |
| Occupation |
Civil Servant (List) Permanent Staff at Independent Institutions, Court and its related organizations, and Legislature (List) Please check if your workplace is in the list of Target Organizations. |
| Work Experience |
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| English Proficiency | Have a good command of both written and spoken English. ※JDS office will arrange IELTS test for those who do not have a valid certificate. Please note that these IELTS results will be used solely for scholarship purposes, and candidates will not receive a copy of the certificate. |
| Health Condition | Mentally and physically in good health. |
| Ineligibility |
A person who corresponds to any of the following is not eligible to apply
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| Others |
Must understand the objective of JDS project well and have a strong willingness to work for the development of Maldives and contribute to the friendly relations between Maldives and Japan after their return. After returning to home country
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https://www.facebook.com/jds.maldives
In this session, JICE will explain the overview of JDS and how to apply. We will also invite JDS Alumni and Fellows who are currently studying in Japan to share their experience with you.
| Date | Time | Venue | Contents | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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A seminar on writing a research plan was conducted by a lecturer. For those who were unable to attend the seminar, the materials can be provided upon request.
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If you apply for the International University of Japan, please check the past math test papers from here. A special seminar will be conducted as follows to help applicants prepare for the math exam. The details including zoom link will be shared individually with the eligible applicants. Math exam will be conducted on 7th Dec.
| Session | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 1 Dec (Mon) | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Zoom (Online) |
| Session 2 | 2 Dec (Tue) | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Zoom (Online) |
| Session 3 | 3 Dec (Wed) | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Zoom (Online) |
| Session 4 | 4 Dec (Thu) | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Zoom (Online) |
Submit your application through Online Application System.
For more details, refer to "Apply Now" and watch 5-minute "How to Apply" video tutorial.
| Schedule | Steps | Description |
| 22 Sep - 1 Dec 2025 |
Application |
Closing Date: Extended until 4:00 p.m. on 1 December (Mon) 2025 Further details → Application Guidelines P.6 "How to Apply" |
| Oct - Dec 2025 | Academic aptitude test | English (IELTS) and Math tests1: Tests will be held in Male' and the results will be reviewed by the universities at later selection stages. please see "6. English & Math Exam" below. |
| Jan 2026 | 1st Selection |
Document Screening: Application Documents and research plan will be examined by the Japanese universities. Those who passed the 1st selection will proceed to the 2nd selection. |
| Late Jan 2026 | 2nd Selection |
Technical Interview: Faculty members of the Japanese Universities will conduct their interview in Male'. Those who passed the 2nd selection will proceed to the 3rd selection. |
| Late Jan 2026 | Health Checkup | The health checkup will be arranged at a hospital in Male' |
| Late Mar 2026 | 3rd Selection | Comprehensive Interview: The Operating Committee members will conduct the interview in Male'. |
| Early Apr 2026 | Approval by the OC | Successful candidates will be approved and notified |
| Apr - Jul 2026 | Admission Procedure | JICE will support admission procedures for each university. |
| May - Jul 2026 | Japanese Language Class | Provided to the final successful candidates. |
| Jul - Aug 2026 | Orientations | Provided by JICA and JICE (including Japanese Language Course). |
| Aug 2026 | Departure for Japan | JICE will arrange air-ticket, visa, and also support after the arrival in Japan. |
In the JDS selections, each candidate will be evaluated on her/his academic abilities enough to pursue the master program in Japan as well as the potential of the future contribution to the country. Thus, it is highly recommended to explain that the objective of your research plan be in connection with the development issues under your 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.
It is also recommended to study your applying university to make sure if the curriculums of the university and fields of specialization of faculty members are relevant to your research.
Remember that plagiarizing from somebody's work or websites are strongly prohibited.
Please refer to 'Tips on Application and Selection' and 'Guideline for Writing a Research Plan' in the Application Guideline (downloadable from here) for more information.
Interview with JDS 1st batch Fellows
All qualified applicants, except those who have a valid IETLS certificate, will be required to take IELTS at Villa College QI Campus in Male'.
JICE JDS Project Office will notify you once your application submission is complete.
(Check https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/maldives)
Math test will be conducted for the applicants for International University of Japan. Applicants for Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University will be exempted from the Math test.
Math preparatory seminars will be conducted for applicants both in person and online.
For the Math test conducted in Maldives in 2025, use of calculators is NOT allowed.