• Be a JDS Returned Fellow (a person who completed Master's Degree under JDS), OR a person who completed Master's Degree in Japan.
• In principle, have published at least one peer-reviewed article/paper*.
  (Includes an article/paper which has been accepted but not yet published).

* The following applicants are included under the requirement:

1. ) an applicant who has a prospect for publication of a peer-reviewed article/paper who has a paper under peer-review.
   *A paper which has been submitted to a journal and under review
2. ) an applicant who has a concrete plan to publish a peer-reviewed article in an academic journal in collaboration with his or her intended faculty supervisor.

• Have returned to and served for the country for a certain years set by his/her organization after completion of Master's Degree.
• Belong to the Target Group of JDS and his/her research theme is relevant to the Development Issues of Sri Lanka.
• 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 or 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.)

• Military personnel registered on the active list or person on alternative military service cannot apply for JDS.
• Those who are currently awarded or scheduled to receive another scholarship from other foreign donors.
• Those who have obtained a Doctoral Degree overseas under the support of foreign governments scholarship programs.