JICA STI Graduate Scholarship 2025 for ASEAN Engineers

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) invites applications for the Knowledge Co-Creation Program for Long-Term Participants (JICA-DSP) focused on Graduate Studies of Human Resources Development in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) – AUN/SEED-Net.

This program offers scholars from developing ASEAN countries the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in Japan while strengthening networks between ASEAN Member Institutions (MIs) and Japanese Partner Universities (JPUs). Here’s what you need to know about this exciting opportunity for the academic year 2025.

Program Overview

This long-term initiative, implemented under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), aims to foster globally competitive human resources in STI fields through collaboration among ASEAN MIs and JPUs. The program spans from 2023 to 2026 and targets individuals from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, focusing on ten engineering fields such as Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and more.

Key Objectives:

1. Cultivate multicultural and competitive human resources through academic cooperation.
2. Enhance educational and research capabilities in the ASEAN region through collaboration with Japan.

Benefits & Expenses Covered by JICA

Participants receive comprehensive support to ease their studies in Japan:

• Tuition and Exam Fees: Covered as per university invoices.
• Living Allowance: JPY 117,000-148,000 per month, depending on the location.
• Airfare, Outfit, and Moving Allowances: Covered for arrival and return trips.
• Research Support: Up to JPY 360,000 per year.
• Medical Care: Covered under certain insurance provisions.

Note: Certain expenses such as passport fees, domestic travel within the home country, and personal medical care are not covered by JICA.

Program Structure

• Research Student Program (6 months): Participants engage in preparatory studies, including lectures and faculty guidance, before the entrance exam for a doctoral course. Acceptance is subject to successful entrance examination results.
• Doctoral Program (3 years): Scholars complete coursework, attend lectures, and focus on thesis research.

Commencement: October 2025.
Duration: 3 years (plus up to 6 months as a research student, if applicable).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be faculty or exceptional students from AUN/SEED-Net MIs.
• Hold nationalities from eligible ASEAN countries.
• Be 35 years or younger at the time of arrival in Japan.
• Possess a master’s degree or be on track to receive one.
• Demonstrate strong English proficiency.
• Not be receiving other scholarships.

Special Note: Female applicants are encouraged to apply, aligning with JICA’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Application Process & Deadlines

The application process involves multiple steps, including internal nominations by Member Institutions, shortlisting by Japanese Partner Universities, and formal acceptance procedures. Prospective candidates should:

1. Consult their MIs to confirm eligibility.
2. Submit all required documents by December 10, 2024.
3. Undergo a rigorous selection process involving nominations, interviews, and university assessments.

Apply: https://partnership.itb.ac.id/scholarship-opportunity-2025-human-resources-development-in-science-technology-and-innovation-sti-aun-seed-net/.