The Government of Nepal has initiated the nomination process for the SDGs Global Leader Programme 2027, a long-term study and research opportunity in Japan supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to a circular issued on Ashoj 5, 2083 BS, by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, the programme is being coordinated following correspondence from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry has requested the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Service Commission and other concerned government institutions to recommend eligible candidates. The programme provides six nomination places, comprising three female and three male candidates, and targets young and mid-career government officials and academic researchers expected to contribute to public policy formulation, implementation and sustainable development.
The programme offers opportunities to pursue master’s degrees lasting approximately two years and PhD programmes lasting approximately three years, with studies scheduled to begin in September 2027. Candidates must possess relevant academic qualifications, with applicants for master’s programmes required to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while PhD applicants must already have a master’s degree. The age limit is generally 35 years or below for master’s applicants and 40 years or below for PhD candidates, calculated as of April 1, 2027. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency, with the document specifying minimum indicative scores of TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 120–125.
Beyond academic requirements, candidates must be physically able to travel to Japan and undertake the research activities necessary to complete their programmes. Applicants must be in good health and must not be receiving, or planning to receive, other scholarships funded by the Government of Japan or associated organizations, including the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) or Japan Foundation. The programme emphasizes the participation of officials and researchers whose professional responsibilities relate to policy development and the implementation of sustainable development initiatives.
The ministry has directed concerned government bodies to nominate eligible employees in accordance with prevailing regulations and submit their details in the prescribed format. Required information includes the candidate’s name, designation, office, contact number, email address and relevant programme details. The circular instructs institutions to upload the nomination information through the ministry’s Human Resource Development Section at hrd.section@mofaga.gov.np and provide the necessary supporting information. The attached programme table lists September 28, 2026, as a relevant deadline, although the circular does not separately clarify whether that date is the final deadline for all nominations. The initiative aims to strengthen Nepal’s institutional capacity by developing professionals with advanced expertise in sustainable development, governance and public policy.
