The JICA SDGs Global Leader Program 2027
2026/10/5
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offers eligible Libyan applicants the opportunity to pursue master’s or PhD studies at Japanese universities under the SDGs Global Leader Program for 2027.
The programme aims to develop human resources who can contribute to policy formulation and implementation to address sustainable development challenges, while strengthening long-term cooperation between Japan and participating countries. It targets young and middle-career government officials and prospective academics.
The programme is conducted in English, with studies expected to begin in September 2027. In principle, master’s programmes last two years and PhD programmes three years, depending on the university. A preparatory research period of up to six months may be added where applicable.
Please see the attached General Information document for detailed programme guidelines, complete the attached application form, and refer to the attached University Information list when selecting your preferred universities and courses.
The non-exhaustive list of required qualifications is as follows:
Selection Schedule 2026-2027:
Annex 2 must include a research plan of more than 700 words, covering at least three pages, and a career plan of 400-500 words.
Points to Note:
FAQ
1. Is this the same as the MEXT Scholarship?
No. The SDGs Global Leader Program is a separate JICA programme with its own eligibility requirements, application forms and selection procedures.
2. Can private-sector applicants or applicants without employment apply?
The programme targets government officials and prospective academics. In principle, applicants without an organisational affiliation are not eligible. Please consult the attached General Information for the full requirements.
3. Do I need to speak Japanese?
The programme language is English. Applicants must meet the English requirements of the programme and their selected university.
4. What expenses are covered?
Under JICA’s applicable rules, support includes university fees, a monthly living allowance of JPY 143,000-148,000, airfare to and from Japan, and other specified allowances. Please consult the attached General Information for full details and excluded expenses.
5. Can I choose any university in Japan?
No. Applicants must choose eligible courses from the attached University Information list and meet the relevant university requirements.
6. Can I bring my family to Japan?
The guidelines state that inviting family members is not recommended during the first six months in Japan. Applicants should clarify the relevant arrangements and costs before making plans.
For further information, please carefully read the attached General Information, application form and University Information list.
Should you have any questions or enquiries, please submit them through the following link:
Enquiry Form
Questions and enquiries sent to the Embassy’s email address will not be answered. Please use eoj.culture.libya@tr.mofa.go.jp only to submit application documents.
The programme aims to develop human resources who can contribute to policy formulation and implementation to address sustainable development challenges, while strengthening long-term cooperation between Japan and participating countries. It targets young and middle-career government officials and prospective academics.
The programme is conducted in English, with studies expected to begin in September 2027. In principle, master’s programmes last two years and PhD programmes three years, depending on the university. A preparatory research period of up to six months may be added where applicable.
Please see the attached General Information document for detailed programme guidelines, complete the attached application form, and refer to the attached University Information list when selecting your preferred universities and courses.
The non-exhaustive list of required qualifications is as follows:
- Those who hold Libyan nationality.
- Those who are government officials or prospective academics expected to contribute to sustainable development through policy formulation or implementation. In principle, applicants without an organisational affiliation are not eligible.
- For master’s programmes, those who are 35 years of age or under, in principle, as of 1 April 2027.
- For PhD programmes, those who are 40 years of age or under, in principle, as of 1 April 2027.
- For master’s programmes, those who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For PhD programmes, those who hold a master’s degree.
- Those who have sufficient English proficiency, equivalent to TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 120-125. Individual university requirements may differ.
- Those who have a clear research and career plan relevant to sustainable development in Libya.
- Those who are in good health and able to complete the programme in Japan.
Selection Schedule 2026-2027:
- 4 October (Sunday) 2026: Start of the call for applications.
- 19 October (Monday) 2026: Application deadline. Application emails must be received by the Embassy no later than 23:59 on 19 October 2026, Libyan time.
- October 2026 (to be confirmed): Screening of application documents.
- End of October 2026 (to be confirmed): Interview in English. The interview will be held online for applicants who pass the screening of application documents.
- Beginning of November 2026 (to be confirmed): Announcement of interview results.
- December 2026 to January 2027: Pre-matching and screening by Japanese universities.
- Approximately February to July 2027: Formal university applications, entrance examinations and interviews.
- April 2027: Submission of the required JICA Health Certificate and Medical History, according to JICA’s instructions.
- July to early August 2027: Expected notification of final selection results by JICA.
- August to October 2027: Pre-departure arrangements, arrival in Japan and commencement of studies.
- Completed JICA Application Form, including Part A, Part B, Annex 1 and Annex 2, with required signatures and endorsements.
- Officially certified copy of the graduation or degree certificate.
- Officially certified copy of the academic transcript, showing all university grades.
- Copy of an English language test certificate, subject to applicable requirements.
- Copy of a passport or photographic identity document.
- Two photographs, 4 cm × 3 cm, attached as instructed in the application form.
- For PhD applicants, a master’s thesis in English and related papers, if any, as instructed in Annex 2.
Annex 2 must include a research plan of more than 700 words, covering at least three pages, and a career plan of 400-500 words.
Points to Note:
- Applicants must send all required documents by email to eoj.culture.libya@tr.mofa.go.jp by the deadline.
- Applications received after 23:59 on 19 October 2026, Libyan time, will not be considered.
- The application form must be completed in English, using a computer. Complete all required yellow cells and write “N/A” where a question does not apply.
- Incomplete applications or applications missing required documents will not be considered.
- Applicants must obtain the required organisational endorsements and government nomination or approval.
- Applicants must check the attached University Information list for course requirements, including any requirement to identify or contact a prospective supervisor.
- Applicants proceeding to formal university admission may apply to only one university, even if they receive more than one positive matching result.
- Passing university admission does not guarantee final acceptance. JICA’s notification constitutes the final selection result.
- Selected participants must return to their home country upon completion of the programme.
- Applicants must comply with the conditions concerning other Japanese government scholarships and simultaneous applications to other JICA training courses.
- Applicants must comply with university policies concerning the use of generative AI in application documents and research plans.
FAQ
1. Is this the same as the MEXT Scholarship?
No. The SDGs Global Leader Program is a separate JICA programme with its own eligibility requirements, application forms and selection procedures.
2. Can private-sector applicants or applicants without employment apply?
The programme targets government officials and prospective academics. In principle, applicants without an organisational affiliation are not eligible. Please consult the attached General Information for the full requirements.
3. Do I need to speak Japanese?
The programme language is English. Applicants must meet the English requirements of the programme and their selected university.
4. What expenses are covered?
Under JICA’s applicable rules, support includes university fees, a monthly living allowance of JPY 143,000-148,000, airfare to and from Japan, and other specified allowances. Please consult the attached General Information for full details and excluded expenses.
5. Can I choose any university in Japan?
No. Applicants must choose eligible courses from the attached University Information list and meet the relevant university requirements.
6. Can I bring my family to Japan?
The guidelines state that inviting family members is not recommended during the first six months in Japan. Applicants should clarify the relevant arrangements and costs before making plans.
For further information, please carefully read the attached General Information, application form and University Information list.
Should you have any questions or enquiries, please submit them through the following link:
Enquiry Form
Questions and enquiries sent to the Embassy’s email address will not be answered. Please use eoj.culture.libya@tr.mofa.go.jp only to submit application documents.