International & Community Service

Since APU first opened in 2000, we have been accepting outstanding international students from around Asia as part of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS). The JDS program is run by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).Begun in 1999, JDS was established to assist up-and-coming government officials and entrepreneurs to study at Japanese graduate schools, fulfill their potential and become future leaders in their respective countries. Funds for the JDS are earmarked from Japan’s ODA grant-in-aid budget.

Exchange students who take part in this program are expected to utilize the networks and specialist knowledge they gain during their stay in Japan towards solving the social and economic development problems facing their respective home countries. Equipped with a greater understanding of Japan, participants are also expected to contribute to the building of stronger relationships between Japan and their home countries.

As participants are expected to be active on the international stage in their future careers, host universities are selected for their ability to offer master’s degree programs taught in English. All courses at the APU Graduate School are offered in English. APU currently accepts JDS students in the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies International Cooperation Policy and Development Economics master’s degree courses. JDS students are also accepted at the Graduate School of International Management.