The Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) is being implemented as part of the cooperation between the governments of Ukraine and Japan. This project is funded by the Government of Japan and provides training for Ukrainian civil servants in master’s programs at Japanese universities.

Goals and objectives of the JDS project

The main goal of the JDS program is to support human resource development in Ukraine by training young, highly qualified civil servants. The scholarship holders will have the opportunity to acquire expert knowledge, conduct research, and establish international relations in order to actively contribute to solving practical problems of social and economic development upon their return to Ukraine.

Legal basis for project implementation

The program is implemented in accordance with the orders of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine:

• “On the Signing of the Agreement (in the form of an exchange of notes) between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Japan on the provision of a grant to the Government of Ukraine for the implementation of a scholarship project for the development of human resources” (July 23, 2024, No. 680-p);
• “On the Signing of the Grant Agreement for the Human Resources Development Scholarship Project between the Government of Ukraine and the Japan International Cooperation Agency” (October 18, 2024, No. 1018-p).
• The National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS) acts as the coordinator of the organization of professional training for civil servants in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE).

Conditions for participation in the JDS program

The following conditions must be met to participate in the competitive selection process:

Submission of documents.

Applicants must submit the relevant documents by March 7, 2025.

Passing the entrance test

Applicants must pass English language (TOEFL, IELTS or similar) and math tests. These exams assess the academic level and readiness to study in an English-speaking environment.

Medical examination

It is mandatory to undergo a medical examination to confirm physical and mental health, which is necessary for living and studying in Japan.

Research plan

Candidates must prepare a detailed research plan that is relevant to their professional activities and demonstrates how the knowledge gained will be used after graduation.

Mandatory period of work after graduation

Upon completion of the program, the fellows are required to return to Ukraine and work for at least two years at the institution that sent them. This helps to improve the efficiency of the Ukrainian public sector.

Additional information

On February 06, 2025, at 11:00, an online seminar on participation in the JDS project is planned for representatives of human resources departments and departments responsible for international cooperation.

More details about the JDS program, the terms of participation and the application process are available on the official website: https://jds-scholarship.org/country/ukraine