Submit Applications for Young Leaders’ Program (Malaysia)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) is inviting applications from young professionals and emerging leaders from Asian and other eligible countries for a fully funded one-year master’s degree in Japan. The program is designed for promising professionals working in areas such as public administration, business management, law, and healthcare. It aims to develop future national leaders, strengthen international networks, and promote a deeper understanding of Japan among emerging professionals. Five specialized master’s courses are available in Government, Local Governance, Business Administration, Law, and Healthcare Administration. Each course is hosted by a leading Japanese university and is conducted in English.

About the Young Leaders’ Program

The Young Leaders’ Program is designed to develop professionals who have the potential to become future leaders in their respective countries. By bringing promising young professionals to Japan for advanced study, the program seeks to: - Foster future national leaders - Strengthen international professional networks - Develop leadership capabilities - Promote mutual understanding between Japan and participating countries - Deepen participants’ understanding of Japan - Encourage long-term international cooperation The program combines advanced academic study with opportunities for participants to build relationships with professionals and institutions in Japan. Master’s Courses Available The Young Leaders’ Program offers five specialized one-year master’s courses. Government The Government course is designed for professionals involved in public administration and related areas who want to strengthen their knowledge and leadership capabilities. Local Governance The Local Governance course focuses on professionals working in local government and related public-sector fields. It provides an opportunity to develop expertise relevant to effective local administration and governance. Business Administration The Business Administration course is intended for young business managers and professionals seeking advanced knowledge and leadership skills in business management. Law The Law course provides an opportunity for eligible legal professionals to pursue advanced master’s-level study while developing international perspectives and professional networks. Healthcare Administration The Healthcare Administration course is designed for professionals working in healthcare-related administration who want to strengthen their management and leadership capabilities. Study in Japan in English All five master’s courses are conducted in English, allowing eligible international professionals to undertake graduate-level study without requiring Japanese-language instruction. Each course is hosted by a leading Japanese university, providing participants with the opportunity to experience Japan’s higher education environment while developing specialized professional knowledge. Who Can Apply? The program is intended for young professionals and emerging leaders from Asian and other eligible countries. Potential applicants may include professionals working in fields such as: - Public administration - Local governance - Business management - Law - Healthcare administration Applicants are expected to have relevant professional experience in the field connected to their selected course. Professional Experience Relevant work experience is an important aspect of the program. Applicants should be young professionals who are already active in their respective fields and demonstrate the potential to contribute to their countries as future leaders. Their professional background should be relevant to the master’s course they intend to pursue. Fully Funded Scholarship Benefits Selected YLP scholars receive substantial financial support for their master’s studies in Japan.

The scholarship benefits include:

- Monthly allowance of JPY 242,000 - Exemption from tuition fees - Exemption from matriculation fees - Exemption from entrance examination fees - Round-trip airline tickets between the scholar’s home country and Japan These benefits help selected participants pursue a one-year master’s degree in Japan with major academic and travel expenses covered. One-Year Master’s Degree The YLP provides a one-year master’s degree program, allowing participants to complete specialized graduate-level studies within a relatively short period. The intensive format is designed for working professionals who want to strengthen their expertise and leadership capabilities without undertaking a multi-year graduate program. Nomination Requirement Applicants cannot simply apply independently without going through the required nomination process. Candidates must be nominated by designated recommending institutions in eligible countries. These recommending institutions are responsible for: - Recruiting potential candidates - Identifying suitable applicants - Nominating candidates - Coordinating the nomination process with the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Applicants should therefore identify the relevant recommending institution in their country and follow its recruitment and nomination procedures. Role of MEXT The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) works with designated recommending institutions in the recruitment and nomination process. This structure allows participating countries to identify promising young professionals who have the potential to become future leaders and contribute to international cooperation. Why Choose the Young Leaders’ Program? The YLP offers more than an academic qualification. It provides an opportunity for young professionals to develop their leadership capabilities while gaining international exposure.

Participants can benefit from

- A master’s degree from a leading Japanese university - Specialized professional education - English-medium instruction - International net