• Be a person who has completed Master's course
• In principle, have published at least one peer-reviewed article/ paper* in a related field of the research plan.
  * However, applicants who have NOT published any peer-revied articles/ papers shall be considered eligible for application, subject to the submission of the following tow documents:

1) A feasible and appropriate research plan for obtaining a doctoral degree within three years by the applicant
2) A research supervision plan for the completion of a doctoral degree within three years by his/ her intended faculty supervisor (to be attached to the supervisor's reference letter)

• Have returned to public service after completing the Master's course and completed the
  prescribed return-to-service period in accordance with the regulations of the Government of the Philippine JDS aims to strengthen bilateral relations by developing promising young government officials expected to exercise leadership in policy formulation and decision-making within the central government, thereby fostering a human network between Japan and the Philippines. Administrative officers and future executive-level policy officials of central government agencies are strongly preferred.
  (i) Priority target institutions:
  • Foreign Affairs--Office of the President, Office of the Executive Secretary, and Department of Foreign Affairs;
  • Economic and Fiscal Policy--Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Trade and Industry;
  • Infrastructure Development--Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Information and Communications Technology;

  *Technical personnel below the Division Chief level in infrastructure institutions, including engineers, researchers, and other specialists engaged primarily in field or technical work, are excluded.

  • Financial and Monetary Policy--Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Security and Governance--Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Office of the Ombudsman, and Philippine National Police;
  • Others--Civil Service Commission and Department of Labor and Employment.
  (ii) Other Departments and Organizations
  • For applicants from institutions other than the Priority Target Institutions listed above, eligible applicants should generally be either: Officials at the Division Chief level or above or currently be engaged in policy formulation, planning, coordination, or related functions, and be expected to continue serving in such assignments in the future.
  • Technical personnel (e.g., engineers, researchers, and other specialists engaged primarily in technical or field work) will, in principle, not be eligible.
  (iii) Organizations and Positions Generally Considered Ineligible:
  • Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), including water utilities, electric power corporations, development corporations, and similar entities;
  • Higher Education Institutions, Schools, Research Institutes, and Medical Institutions, including State universities and colleges, Schools, Research Institutes and public hospitals;
  • Local Government Units (LGUs)

  *Personnel whose careers are expected to remain within local government jurisdictions are generally ineligible under JDS and should instead be encouraged to apply for JICA-DSP. Exceptions may be considered for personnel expected to assume positions within the central government in the future.

  • Technical and operational positions

  *Even when employed by central government agencies, personnel whose duties are primarily technical or operational in nature, such as inspectors, field engineers, IT trainers, or researchers, are generally not eligible under JDS.

  • BARMM ministrie

  The JDS program is intended for young government officials of central government institutions who are expected to become future leaders and exercise leadership in policy formulation and decision-making at the core of government. Therefore, officials of BARMM ministries shall not be eligible for JDS.

  NOTE: Applicants falling under the above ineligible categories, including officials of BARMM ministries, may be encouraged to consider other available scholarship schemes, such as the JICA Development Studies Program (JICA-DSP), where applicable.

  • Long-Term Programs ｜ Where We Work - JICA
  Contact: jicapp_tps@jica.go.jp
• Receive a recommendation from the supervisor of his/her current duty office. (Reference Letter should contain evaluation of applicant's performance at work and relevance of his/her research theme to his/her career.)
• Have a recommendation from the expected academic adviser(s) of the applying university (Submission of a draft academic guidance outline or a supervisory plan is desirable.)