KATHMANDU: The Government of Japan has extended its support for Nepal’s Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) programme by providing a grant worth ¥410 million equivalent to Rs. 383.4 million for the 2026 fiscal year.
The grant agreement, signed between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Nepal, aims to strengthen the capacity of Nepal’s civil service through higher education in Japan. Japan has been supporting the scholarship programme since 2016.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by Finance Ministry Secretary Dr Ghanashyam Upadhaya on behalf of the Government of Nepal and Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru on behalf of the Government of Japan.
The Grant Agreement was signed by Joint Secretary Dr Dhani Ram Sharma of the Ministry of Finance’s International Economic Relations Division and JICA Nepal Chief Representative Matsuzaki Mizuki.
The signing ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle and JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko, who is on an official visit to Nepal.
Under the programme, 20 government officials receive scholarships each year for two-year master’s degree courses at Japanese universities, while two officials are selected annually for three-year doctoral programmes.
The scholarships enable civil servants to pursue advanced studies in areas including the judiciary and economic policy while building international professional networks.
Since the programme began in 2016, a total of 231 Nepali civil servants have received JDS scholarships.
According to JICA, the programme is designed to develop young government officials into future leaders capable of contributing to policy formulation and implementation under Nepal’s federal system after completing their studies and returning home.
Speaking at the ceremony, JICA President Dr Tanaka said the agreement reflected the longstanding partnership between Japan and Nepal.
“Through this programme, we are investing in Nepal’s future leaders by providing opportunities for advanced education and professional development in Japan,” he said.
He expressed confidence that JDS scholars would contribute to Nepal’s social and economic development while further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
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