The Government of Maldives and the Government of Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes for grant aid amounting to JPY 152 million, equivalent to approximately USD 1.02 million, to continue providing higher education opportunities for Maldivian students under the Japanese Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship.
The agreement was signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheryna Abdul Samad on behalf of the Maldivian government and Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Ishigami Rumiko on behalf of the Japanese government. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malé.
The grant will support the continued implementation of the Japanese Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship, commonly known as the JDS programme. Introduced by the Government of Japan in the Maldives in 2020, the programme enables eligible Maldivian students and professionals to pursue master’s degree programmes at leading universities in Japan.
Through specialised postgraduate education, the programme is designed to strengthen the Maldives’ human resource capacity by developing professionals with advanced knowledge, practical expertise and international exposure. Scholarship recipients are expected to apply the skills and experience gained in Japan to support national policymaking, institutional development, public administration and the Maldives’ broader socio-economic progress.
The programme also provides Maldivian students with opportunities to study within Japan’s internationally recognised higher education system, engage with academics and professionals from diverse backgrounds, and gain experience in a country known for its achievements in education, technology, public administration and sustainable development.
Since the JDS programme was introduced in the Maldives, 17 Maldivian students have successfully completed their studies and graduated from universities in Japan. An additional nine students are currently pursuing their academic programmes in Japan, reflecting the programme’s continuing contribution to the professional development of young Maldivians.
The scholarship initiative further strengthens the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Japan, particularly in the areas of education, institutional capacity-building and human resource development. Japan has continued to support the Maldives through development cooperation programmes aimed at enhancing public services, strengthening national institutions and building the technical and professional capabilities required for sustainable growth.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, and the Civil Service Commission attended the signing ceremony. Representatives from the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency were also present.
The latest grant assistance will allow more Maldivian students to access postgraduate education in Japan while supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to the Maldives’ long-term national priorities.
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