Eligibility for Master’s Programme

Applicants should

Be Nepali nationals
Be between the ages of 25 and 40 (both inclusive) as of April 1^st, 2026.(Should be born between April 2^nd, 1985 and April 1^st, 2001)
Have a Bachelor’s degree (Those who will apply to Kyushu University & Keio University must have a Bachelor’s degree in Law).
Have at least 3 years of work experience in Civil Service at the time of application.
Be gazetted civil servants governed by Civil Service Act of Nepal, currently employed in the following organizations:
- All ministries
- All agencies under ministries
- All constitutional bodies
- All other institutions and authorities
- All courts
  Or be civil servants (Level 7 and above) originally recruited by the federal government and deputed/adjusted to 7 provincial and 753 local governments.
Have a strong will to work for the development of Nepal after their return home.
Be in good health.
Have English language proficiency sufficient for studying in Japan.
Not be currently serving in the military.
Not have previously acquired a master’s degree after studying abroad on a scholarship awarded by the Government of Nepal or any other development partners.
Not be currently receiving, or planning to receive, or applying to another scholarship to acquire a master’s or doctoral degree through assistance from the Government of Nepal, or any other development partners.

*The Civil Service Act of 2049 will remain applicable for the selection process of this year’s intake, even if a new Civil Service Act comes into effect prior to the JDS application deadline.

*JDS Programme values diversity and inclusion. Competent women, Dalit, Janajatis, Madhesi, other minority groups and persons with disability are encouraged to apply.