JICA Development Studies Program (DSP)
Funds Master's and PhD study in Japan for government and public-sector professionals from partner countries, applied for through your own government's nomination process rather than a general open application.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Country-specific - check your local JICA office or government nomination channel
Country
JapanAbout the JICA Development Studies Program
The JICA Development Studies Program brings public-sector officials to Japanese graduate schools to study development economics, public administration, engineering, and related fields drawing on Japan's own development experience. It is fundamentally a government-to-government nomination scheme: you apply through your home country's designated public-sector nomination channel, not directly to JICA or a Japanese university.
Deadlines and exact opening windows are set country by country rather than following one global calendar, so check with your local JICA office or relevant government ministry for your country's specific process.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Aimed specifically at building future public-sector leadership, giving genuine career relevance for government employees
Comprehensive funding covering tuition, stipend, housing, and travel
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Japan
Japan's development studies programs draw directly on the country's own post-war development experience, giving a distinct practical lens compared to Western development economics programs.
Eligibility Requirements
4 requirements
Documents Checklist
5 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Confirm your country's specific nomination process through your local JICA office or relevant ministry
Apply through your home government agency, not directly to JICA
Advance through JICA/university screening and an interview
Application Timeline
Varies
Country-Specific Nomination Process
Contact your local JICA office or ministry
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Confirm you meet the government/public-sector employment requirement before pursuing this, since it is generally not open to private-sector applicants
Contact your local JICA office directly, since there is no single global deadline or application portal
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questions - click any to expand
Generally no, this program targets government and public-sector employees, though specific sub-schemes vary by country.
No, nomination processes and deadlines are set country by country. Check with your local JICA office directly.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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Deadline: Country-specific - check your local JICA office or government nomination channel
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