Applications for the 2027-2029 intake are open. Your employer (a target organisation) must include you in its recommendation list by 6 December; applications from people not on the list are not accepted.
COUNTRYJapan
LEVELMaster's
FUNDINGFull
DEADLINE20.12.2026
STATUS
JDS (Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship) is funded by the Government of Japan through official development assistance (ODA). It enables young professionals working in government organisations of Uzbekistan to complete a 2-year master's degree in English at Japanese universities. A total of 18 people from Uzbekistan will be selected for 2027-2029.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Full tuition fees
- A monthly stipend
- One return flight
- Allowances for arrival, accommodation, books, shipping, travel and seminars
- Overseas travel insurance
- All selection costs (including tests) are paid by the programme
The official page does not state the stipend and allowance amounts. Full list on the JDS website.
Who can apply?
- Citizen of Uzbekistan
- Aged 25 to 40 as of 1 April 2027 (born between 2 April 1986 and 1 April 2002)
- A bachelor's degree from a university recognised by the Government of Uzbekistan
- Currently a full-time employee of a target organisation; contract, part-time and temporary staff are not eligible
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience in target organisations (experience in different organisations can be combined)
- IELTS 5.0 or higher (JDS arranges a test for those without a valid certificate)
- A commitment to work in Uzbekistan for at least 3 years after returning
Who cannot apply?
- People currently receiving or scheduled to receive another scholarship
- People who already hold a master's or higher degree obtained abroad (with a scholarship or at their own expense)
- People on active military service
Universities (18 places)
| International public policy | International University of Japan (2), International Christian University (2) |
| Rule of law | Nagoya University, Law (2); Nagoya University of Economics, Law (2) |
| Industrial development | Ritsumeikan University, Economics (3); International University of Japan, MBA (3) |
| Public management | International University of Japan, Public Management and Policy Analysis (4) |
Taken from the "Framework" table on the official page. A bachelor's in law or political science is preferred for the law track.
Key dates (2027-2029 intake)
| October - December 2026 | Applications accepted |
| 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 November 2026 | Online information seminars (register via Zoom) |
| 06.12.2026 | Target organisations submit their recommendation lists to the JDS office |
| 20.12.2026 | Application deadline |
| Mid-January 2027 | IELTS and maths test in Tashkent |
| August 2027 | Departure for Japan |
The schedule is tentative; exact dates may be updated on the official page.
How to apply
- Check that your employer is on the list of target organisations.
- Ask your management to include you in the recommendation list. The list must reach the JDS office by 6 December.
- Get a password through the password request form and download the application guidelines and forms (short essays, research plan, reference letter).
- Prepare the documents as required and submit through the online application system by 20 December. Submitted applications cannot be changed.
Frequently asked questions
I work for a private company. Can I apply?
Only employees of target organisations can apply. Check the official list.
I don't have an IELTS certificate. Is that a problem?
No. JDS arranges a test for those without a valid certificate, but the minimum level is IELTS 5.0.
Do I need to know Japanese?
No. Studies are in English.