JAPAN: SDGs Global Leader Programme 2027 Intake
The call for application for the SDGs Global Leader Programme 2027 intake is now open.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), invites eligible South African citizens from identified Targeted Organisations to apply for consideration for the SDGs Global Leader Programme 2027 Intake.
The SDGs Global Leader Programme is a JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Programme that provides opportunities for young and mid-career professionals, government officials and prospective academics to pursue Master’s degree and PhD studies at Japanese universities while developing expertise that can contribute to sustainable development and policy-making in South Africa.
The SDGs Global Leader Programme aims to:
- Develop human resources who can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable development in South Africa;
- Strengthen the capacity of young and mid-career professionals, government officials and prospective academics through postgraduate study in Japan; and
- Develop human resources who can contribute to policy-making, institutional development and South Africa’s industrial and socio-economic priorities.
Application Deadline
Closing: 28 September 2026
Programme Duration
September 2027 – August 2030 (maximum period)
The programme offers:
- Master’s degree programmes – approximately 2 years; and
- PhD programmes – approximately 3 years.
Language of the Programme: English
Studies will be undertaken at participating Japanese universities. Applicants may select a preferred Japanese university from universities that have concluded agreements to accept JICA participants, subject to meeting the university’s admission requirements and successfully passing the relevant entrance examination.
Who should apply?
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Belong to the identified Priority Sectors and Target Organisations;
- Have a proposed study or research topic that can contribute to the industrial development of South Africa; and
- Have a key field of study in one of the identified priority areas.
South African Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen;
- Be between 22 and 39 years of age as at 1 April 2027, as a guide;
- Meet the applicable JICA SDGs Global Leader Programme academic, English-language, health and other requirements.
Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements of the participating Japanese university.
Priority Fields
Priority field will include but not limited to AI and Digital Technology, Engineering, Sciences, Agriculture, Energy, Water and Sanitation, Health Innovation, Mining, Manufacturing, Rural Development, Transportation, Disaster Management, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Public Policy, Education, Entrepreneurship.
MBA studies will not be prioritised for South African candidates.
Priority Sectors and Target Organisations
Applicants from the identified Target Organisations and Priority Sectors will be prioritised.
Priority will be given to candidates from identified sectors and organisations whose proposed study or research is strongly aligned with South Africa’s development and industrial priorities.
The Target Organisations include relevant Government departments, Higher Education and Research institutions identified for the SDGs Global Leader Programme 2027.
What does the scholarship provide?
Subject to JICA’s applicable conditions and successful selection, JICA will cover expenses and allowances including:
-
- Tuition fees, including examination, entrance and course fees, paid directly to the university;
- Monthly living allowance of approximately JPY 143,000–148,000 per month, depending on location and other applicable factors;
- Airfare to and from Japan;
- Outfit allowance of JPY 100,000 upon arrival;
- Moving allowance of up to approximately JPY 164,000–224,000, depending on accommodation arrangements;
- Research support expenses of up to JPY 360,000 per year; and
- Medical care for eligible illnesses occurring after arrival in Japan, subject to JICA’s applicable medical insurance provisions.
Applicants should note that certain costs are not covered, including passport fees, domestic travel in the home country, some visa-related expenses, departure and airport taxes, excess baggage and certain medical expenses.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following document package:
- Application Form in Excel format, together with all other required sheets. The Excel file must be labelled with the applicant’s name.
- Application Form in PDF format, including a photograph, signed by the applicant and endorsed by the employer, together with Annexes 1, 2 and 3.
- Certified copies of university degree certificates and academic transcripts.
- Copy of Passport or South African National ID.
- Form of Enquiry to University, if required.
- Certificate of English proficiency, if available.
Important Application Instructions
- All applications must be typewritten.
- All yellow sections of the application form must be completed.
- Enter “N/A” where a section is not applicable. Sections must not be left incomplete.
- Applicants must ensure that all required documents are included in the application package.
- Applicants must carefully follow the application instructions contained in the JICA General Information, Supplemental Information for South Africa and other application documents.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the completed application package to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) via email at:
Applicants should submit the complete document package in accordance with the application requirements outlined above.
Please ensure that all documents are complete and correctly labelled before submission.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Document Selection
Assessment of submitted application documents against the programme and South African selection requirements.
- Interview
Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.
- University Pre-Matching
JICA will facilitate the matching of candidates with Japanese universities based on their field of study and research plan, where applicable.
- University Selection
Applicants who proceed will apply to the relevant Japanese university and undergo the university’s selection process.
South African Interviews
Qualified applicants will be interviewed as part of the South African selection process.
Interview dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.
Important Notice
Selection is competitive, and successful completion of one stage does not automatically guarantee final selection.
Applicants who are selected through the university process remain subject to the applicable JICA and government approval processes.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the JICA General Information for the SDGs Global Leader Programme 2027, Supplemental Information for South Africa, Application Form and Annexes, and University List before submitting their applications.
Contact
For enquiries relating to the African Business Education Initiative (ABE Initiative), contact: JICA South Africa Office
Tel: +27 (0)12 346 4493
Ms Eva Nderumaki
Email:
Mr Kensaku Akimoto
Email:
JICA Help Desk
Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE)
Email:
Documents and Links
Supplemental Information for South Africa
SDGs Global Leader Programme: General Information
SDGs Global Leader Programme Application Form and Annexes
SDGs Global Leader Programme University List
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.