Maldives and Japan sign Exchange of Notes for grant to support postgraduate studies in Japan

The Government of Maldives and the Government of Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes agreement on scholarship opportunities for this year under Japan’s Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

Under the agreement, Japan will provide 152 million Japanese Yen (USD 1,020,134) in grant assistance to the Maldives.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheryna Abdul Samad signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Maldives at a ceremony held this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Ishigami Rumiko signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.

The main objective of the grant is to provide opportunities for Maldivian students to pursue master’s degree programmes at leading universities in Japan. The programme also aims to develop capable young professionals who will contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Maldives’ future social and economic development policies.

Maldives and Japan signs the Exchange of Notes to provide a grant aid of 152 million Japanese Yen (1,020,134 US Dollars) to the Maldives for the continuation of scholarships to be offered by Japan for next year.

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A total of 17 students have graduated from the programme so far, while nine Maldivian students are currently studying at various universities in Japan.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from multiple government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, the Embassy of Japan, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).