Bhutan Government YLP Scholarship 2026 (MEXT Japan): Master of Healthcare Administration at Nagoya University

If you're a Bhutanese healthcare professional with aspirations in leadership, here's a golden opportunity! The Royal Government of Bhutan, through its Ministry of Health, has announced the Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) 2026, a fully funded Master of Healthcare Administration scholarship under the Japanese Government (MEXT) scheme. This one-year, intensive program at Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Medicine (Japan) is designed to cultivate future leaders in healthcare administration. Read on for details.

✅ Scholarship Summary

• Location: Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan

• Host Institution: Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine

• Study Level: Master’s (Master of Healthcare Administration)

• Target Group: Bhutanese clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals in civil service within the Ministry of Health or National Medical Services.

• Fields of Study: Healthcare administration, medical economics, public health systems, health policy, and healthcare management.

• Value & Coverage: Fully funded by the Japanese Government (MEXT)—covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and research costs (typical of MEXT).

• Duration: One year (October 2026 intake)

• Application Deadline: September 27, 2025, before 5:00 PM (Bhutan time)

• Slots Available: Approximately 10 candidates will be recommended for final selection by the MEXT YLP Committee

📚 Scholarship Overview

The YLP at Nagoya University is a one-year, English-taught master’s course tailored for healthcare administrators from participating developing countries, including Bhutan. The curriculum comprises approximately 30 credits, inclusive of lectures, field trips, research methodology, and a Master’s thesis in English. Participants are also required to submit their thesis to an international journal and present it at a defense meeting.

The course covers:

• Healthcare administration theory and policy

• Medical economics and statistics

• Japanese healthcare system and its adaptation strategies

• Comparative analysis and thesis work based on participant’s home country context

Through this program, participants build leadership skills, policy insights, and an international network that empowers them to drive healthcare reforms upon their return.

🎁 Benefits

• Fully Funded: Covers tuition, living stipend, airfare, and possibly research costs (as typical with MEXT programs).

• Elite Training: Gain advanced knowledge in areas like medical economics, public health policy, and healthcare statistics.

• International Exposure: Learn from Japanese experts and engage with peers globally.

• Research & Publication: Thesis must be submitted to an international journal—an excellent boost to your academic and professional profile.

• Networking: Join a strong alumni network of YLP graduates from across Asia committed to healthcare leadership.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following to be eligible:

• Civil Service Credentials: Hold a bachelor’s degree and meet criteria as per BCSR 2023; entry into civil service via BCSE or equivalent.

• Work Record: Clean service record and fulfillment of MEXT (Young Leaders’ Program) eligibility requirements.

• Age Limit: Under 40 years as of October 1, 2026 (i.e., born on or after October 2, 1986)

• English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or TOEFL-iBT score of 80 or equivalent.

• ZEST Portal Data: Ensure your CV and performance evaluation ratings (for FY 2023–2024 & 2024–2025) are updated and accurate in the ZEST self-service portal.

• Required Documents:

  • No Objection Certificate from the HRC of your working agency

  • Bachelor degree certificate and transcripts

  • Records of individual achievements (community service, publications, awards, etc.)

  • Copy of valid Bhutanese Citizenship Identity Card

📝 Application Procedure

1. Submit all required documents online via the official application link before the deadline: September 27, 2025, by 5 PM. (You need to request access for the application form)

2. Highlighted Documents to Upload: Updated CV, No Objection Certificate, degree & transcripts, achievement certificates, citizenship ID, ZEST performance data.

3. Screening Process:

   • Initial Screening—Ministry of Health (merit-based ranking)

   • University Review—Nagoya University assesses submitted documents

   • Interview—Conducted by faculty members of the host university

   • Final Decision—Made by MEXT YLP Committee

4. Post-Selection Requirements (to be submitted roughly 2–3 months before departure):

   • Offer letter and course acceptance confirmation

   • Study Leave Application Form 7/B

   • Course content details

   • Medical fitness certificate (issued within 6 months)

   • Security clearance and audit clearance

   • Letter of good standing from BQCPA (for clinical staff)

   • Drug test (must pass)

5. Important Note: Withdrawal after selection triggers a two-year cooling-off period before being eligible for future study leave.

💡 Why You Should Apply

This is not just an academic scholarship—it’s a leadership pipeline. The YLP equips healthcare professionals with administrative mastery, global exposure, and research credentials—all while forging a cross-border network that enables meaningful healthcare transformation in home countries. For Bhutanese civil servants committed to elevating national healthcare systems, this is a transformative opportunity.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Call (PDF)

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