The Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) 2026 has been announced by the Ministry of Health of the Royal Government of Bhutan in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan. This esteemed program provides a fully financed scholarship to the esteemed Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine specifically for Bhutanese civil officials who wish to pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration. Tuition, living expenses, and other related expenditures are covered by the program, guaranteeing that chosen applicants can focus entirely on their studies.
The YLP offers advanced education, leadership training, and global exposure in healthcare administration with the goal of preparing the next generation of administrators and policymakers. Graduates are anticipated to return to Bhutan and support the country’s healthcare system, policy formation, and general health sector governance.
Host Country: Japan
University: Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
Opportunity Type: Masters
Subject: Healthcare
Eligibility Country: Bhutanese civil officials
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Employment and Nationality: Candidates must be Bhutanese nationals who are currently working for the National Medical Services or the Ministry of Health.
- BCSR Compliance: Applicants must fulfill the prerequisites listed in Bhutan Civil Service Rules (BCSR) 2023, Section 7.7.4.
- Academic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree is necessary, and admission into the civil service must have been either at the time of degree completion or through the Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE).
- Service Record: Candidates need to keep their service records spotless.
- Candidates must be born on or after October 2, 1986, and be under 40 years old as of October 1, 2026.
- English proficiency requires a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0, a TOEFL-iBT score of 80, or an equivalent test score.
Benefits:
- Complete Tuition Coverage: The scholarship will cover all of the tuition costs at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine.
- Monthly Living Stipend: During the study time, recipients will get a monthly allowance to help with housing, food, transportation, and other personal living costs.
- Economy-class flights from Bhutan to Japan at the start of the program and return airfare once studies are finished are covered by the scholarship.
- Additional Academic Support: Funds will be allocated to pay for research materials, books, preparatory courses, and other expenses related to education that are required to successfully complete the degree.
Deadline: 27 September 2025
