JICA extends scholarship for Governmental officials through Grant Assistance in “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)”

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Nepal (GoN) have signed the Grant Agreement for “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)” for Fiscal Year 2026. The agreement, valued at four hundred and ten million Japanese Yen (JPY410,000,000), was signed today, reaffirming the commitment of both governments to enhancing the capacity of Nepal’s civil service through advanced education. The government of Japan (GoJ) has been providing this scholarship continuously since 2016.

The Exchange of Notes regarding the assistance was signed by Dr. Ghanashyam Upadhaya, Secretary, Ministry of Finance on behalf of GoN and His Excellency Mr. MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal on behalf of GoJ. Similarly, the Grant Agreement was signed by Dr. Dhani Ram Sharma, Joint Secretary, International Economic Relations Division (IERD), Ministry of Finance on behalf of GoN and Mr. MATSUZAKI Mizuki, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Office.

The agreement ceremony was held in the presence of Honorable Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and President of JICA Dr. TANAKA Akihiko who is currently visiting Nepal.

Each year, the scholarship offers 20 seats for a two-year master’s degree program
(since 2016) and 2 seats for a three-year Doctoral level program (since 2019) in the reputed universities of Japan. These scholarships enable participants to study at prestigious Japanese universities, enhancing their expertise in fields such as judiciary, economic policy etc., while also expanding their global professional networks. Since 2016, 231 civil servants have been awarded scholarships through the JDS Grant Aid program.

The JDS program aims to bolster the administrative capacities of young and promising civil servants with advanced skills to become future leaders. The scholarship recipients are expected to contribute significantly to Nepal’s social and economic development in the new federal structure by ac tively engaging in national policy formulation and implementation of social and economic development policies when they complete the program and return to their home country.

During the occasion, President of JICA Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, emphasized JICA’s commitment to strengthen human resource in Nepal and further stated “It is my great pleasure to witness the signing of the Grant Agreement for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), which reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and Nepal. Through this program, we are investing in Nepal’s future leaders by providing opportunities for advanced education and professional development in Japan. I am confident that JDS scholars will play an important role in advancing Nepal’s social and economic development and further strengthening the friendship between our two countries.”

For more details, please contact:
Ms. Brinda Singh, Senior Public Relations Officer (JICA Nepal Office)
Singhbrinda.np@jica.go.jp