JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program

for Long Term Participants

(JICA Development Studies Program)
General Information
on
Core Human Resource Development for Road Asset

Management

JFY2024

長期研修
「道路アセットマネジメント中核人材育成プログラム」

This handout provides an overview of the “Core Human Resource Development for Road Asset
Management” program/course, which is one of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s
Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term). The program will be implemented as part of the
Official Development Assistance of the Government of Japan based on bilateral agreement between
respective governments.

The objective of the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term) is to offer opportunities to people
from developing countries to study at higher educational institutions in Japan and to help them build
their network of people. This is intended to assist in the human resource development plans of the
governments of developing countries and Japan, and eventually to expand and strengthen bilateral
ties between the developing countries and Japan.

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0. Background

What is JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP)

The Japanese Cabinet released the Development Cooperation Charter in June 2023,
which stated, “In its development cooperation, Japan has maintained the spirit of jointly
creating things that suit partner countries while respecting ownership, intentions and
intrinsic characteristics of the country concerned based on a field-oriented approach
through dialogue and collaboration. It has also maintained the approach of building
reciprocal relationships with developing countries in which both sides learn from each other
and grow and develop together.” JICA believes that this ‘Knowledge Co-Creation Program’
will serve as a foundation of mutual learning process.

What is JICA Development Studies Program (JICA-DSP)

JICA-DSP is being carried out by JICA as part of official development assistance (ODA) by
the government of Japan. JICA-DSP is offered for international scholars accepted as the
participants of JICA’s Human Resource Development Project who are enrolled in a degree
program at a Japanese university.

https://www.jica.go.jp/dsp-chair/english/dsp/overview/index.html

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1. Overview
In Japan, amid the aging of infrastructures, emerging risk of a serious accident and the
increase in maintenance and repair expenditures are topics of concern. Currently,
infrastructures are being constructed across developing countries; however, maintenance
has already become a big issue. Systematic infrastructure management utilizing new
technologies is essential both for preventing accidents based on preventive maintenance
system and minimizing life cycle cost of infrastructures under the conditions of the tight
financial grounds and the decreasing number of skilled engineers. Particularly, technologies
that utilize the world's most advanced ICT (Information and Communication Technology) are
expected to create new business opportunities in the existing infrastructure maintenance
market and to offer business expansion opportunities into developing countries that will face
similar problems in the near future. Not only developed countries but also developing
countries will improve the standard of maintenance by using low-cost preventive maintenance
while stressing the necessity to match the needs of infrastructure maintenance with the seeds
of technical development, and developing new technologies into more attractive technologies
that can be used on-site. Infrastructures should function for several decades.
We aim at contributing to regional revitalization, as well as maintaining the important internal
infrastructures to high standard while backing up a variety of regional economic activities.
Our responsibility to the future is to create an infrastructure information platform and to pass
on the infrastructures that can be used safely with a minimum maintenance burden to the
next generation.

Road Asset Management Platform (RAMP)

https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/thematic_issues/transportation/ramp/index.html

2. Objectives
The objective of the Core Human Resource Development for Road Asset Management is to
foster young leaders of governmental officials, educators and researchers who contribute to
the road asset management in developing countries. This program offers opportunities for
such personnel to study at graduate courses for master’s degree / doctorate degree in
Japanese graduate schools as international students (hereafter referred to as participants).
Beyond acquisition of skills and knowledge, this program also aims to have the participants
understand and familiarize themselves with Japanese culture and systems. The expected
outcome of the program is to develop a network of potential contributors to the road asset
management in the development countries.

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3. Course Outline
(1) Target Countries
The course consists of the acceptance of scholars from following target countries.

Southeast Asia and Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste,

Pacific Papua New Guinea
East Asia and Central Mongolia, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Asia
South Asia Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Latin America and the El Salvador, Chile, Cuba, Honduras, Bolivia
Caribbean
Africa Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique,
Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania,
Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo,
Benin, Djibouti, Guinea
Middle East and Egypt, Tunisia
Europe

(2) Contents of the Program

Research students are part-time students who utilize

their time to prepare for the entrance examination of
graduate course students. Research students are able to
participate in lectures, receive instruction from the
supervising professors and make use of university’s
facilities.
Research Student The maximum period for being a research student is six
Program months in principle. Participants are required to prepare for
（6 months） entrance examination of the respective graduate course.
Note:
1. Participants who failed entrance examination will be
required to return to their home countries.
2. Necessity of research student program will be
considered based on interviews with professors of
respective Japanese universities.
Master’s degree course / Doctorate degree course
- Lecture and practice
Graduate Course - Research works for the thesis
Program - Field research in Japan and/or home country
(2 or 3 years) * Field research is to be planned in accordance with the
research theme and upon consultation with the
supervising professor.
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(3) Target Participants

This program is designed for the following two types of personnel.

Technocrats who take part in policy making and administration
Governmental
related to road asset management in central/regional government,
Officials
governmental research institutions or other related public
(Technocrats)
organizations in the road asset management sector.
Individuals who are responsible for education and research in the
Educators/
road asset management sector in Higher Education and research
Researchers
institutions in target countries.

Candidates are to be nominated by Japanese related Organizations and Universities to

further the program’s aim of development of the road asset management sector in each
country.

(4) Additional Programs for the participants

Every participant will have an opportunity to participate in custom made programs to improve
practical abilities, construction of networks, deepen understanding of Japanese Road Asset
Management activities through a visit of Japanese local government, highway company,
research institute and private company. All the programs will be held during the vacation
period. All programs are carried out in English. Cost to attend the program will be borne by
JICA.

4. Duration
In principle, 2 years for master’s course and 3 years for Ph.D. course (depending on the
program offered by universities).

From: End of March 2025

To:
Master’s Degree
Course Participant End of March 2027 (minimum) – End of Sep. 2027 (maximum)

- 6 Months as a Research Student if necessary

- 2 years as a master’s course student

From: End of March 2025

To: End of March 2028 (minimum) – End of Sep. 2028
Doctorate Degree (maximum)
Course Participant
- 6 Months as a Research Student if necessary
- 3 years as a doctoral course student

The following is a list of universities with enrollment of current and former participants under

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this program. Host universities for JFY2024 will be determined in the selection process.

⚫ Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Engineering

⚫ Kitami Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Tohoku University, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Nihon University, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Shibaura Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Engineering and Science
⚫ Gifu University, Graduate School of Engineering / Graduate School of Natural Science
and Technology
⚫ Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Kanazawa University, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology
⚫ Osaka University, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Kobe University, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering
⚫ Kochi University of Technology, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Engineering
⚫ University of the Ryukyus, Graduate School of Engineering and Science

Research themes of former / current participants

https://www.jica.go.jp/Resource/activities/issues/transport/ramp/ku57pq00002mfxkm-
att/research_theme_list.pdf

5. Number of Participants
Total Number of Participants will be determined around August 2024.

6. Language to be used in this Program

English

7. Eligibility
Candidate applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

(1) Nationality Citizens of the target countries

(2) Age - Less than forty (40) years of age (as of April 1st, 2024)
(3) Education For Master’s degree course:
- At least 16 years of academic background or equivalent
- A Bachelor’s degree

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 For Doctorate degree course:
- At least 18 years of academic background or equivalent
- A Master’s degree
(4) Working Experience Applicants from government sectors / universities/research
/Status institutions are required;
- to have 2-3 years working experience at road asset
management sector, and
- to obtain permission for application and securing
reinstatement from their current organizations.
(5) English Proficiency - Adequate English proficiency, both in written and oral
communication, in order to complete the master’s/
doctoral degree.
- Some universities require an English proficiency score
such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC. So taking a higher
score before its application is desirable. Please also
read the ’11. Expenses to be borne by JICA’ for taking
English proficiency exams.
(6) Understanding of - Applicants are required to have clear understanding of
the Program the objectives of the Program will to contribute to the
development of the road asset management sector in
their home countries as well as to strengthen the linkage
between their countries and Japan after returning home
country.
(7) Others Applicants must;
- be both physically and mentally fit for the program,
- not be receiving nor applying for scholarship offered by
other organizations,
Applicants might be required to attend the activities on the
weekends/ holidays in unavoidable circumstances (ex.
official exam).
Female participants are encouraged to apply for the
program.

8. Admissions
Candidates must be selected as JICA’s official candidate through JICA’s internal selection
procedure and must pass the general entrance examination of the university they have
applied to, including examinations to enter the applicants’ desired master’s degree or Ph.D.
degree course.

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9. Application Guidelines
Each applicant is required to submit the following documents by the deadline set by JICA
Office in the applicants’ country.

Application (1) Application Form consists of;

Documents ・ Personal Information
・ Educational Background
・ Work Experiences etc.
(2) Statement of Purpose (Free Format)
(3) Research Plan (Free Format)
(4) Undergraduate degree graduation certificate/ Master’s degree
completion certificate
* Officially certified copies of the original.
* Written in English or accompanied with official translation in
English.
(5) Academic transcript
* Must contain all the grades earned in the university.
* Officially certified copies of the original.
* Written in English or accompanied with official translation in
English.
(6) A copy of valid Passport with photo (for checking nationality,
name, sex, and date of birth. National ID and birth certificate are
acceptable if you do not have valid Passport. Certified English
translation must be attached if ID is not written in English)
(7) ID Photo
(8) Score of English proficiency examination
See ‘7. Eligibility, (5) English Proficiency’
(9) Health certificate to be submitted after the Selection

Please kindly note that universities may reject the applicant’s application when the
required documents, or the submitted research plan is not accepted by the universities.

Candidate applicants must follow each university’s application procedure after the
screening. If the applicants withdraw their applications after their official applications to
the universities, applicants must inform their withdrawal to the university by letter.

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10. Schedule
Selection processes are planned as follows despite the possibility of changes:
⚫ By the end of March 2024: Submit candidate information to JICA office (See ‘9.
Application Documents’ for more details)
⚫ April 2024: Pre-screening will be held based on candidate information (tentative decision
of host university)
⚫ May 2024: JICA headquarters will share candidate information with prospective
universities, and each supervisor will consider the candidates who are willing to do a web
consultation.
⚫ June-August 2024: Web consultation (supervisors will conduct interviews with candidates,
brushing up research plans, inspection of maintenance sites, etc.)
⚫ August 2024: Candidates are determined by university, and candidates will start
application preparation
⚫ August -December 2024: Application and entrance examination for University Admission
⚫ November-February 2025: Announcement of entrance examination results
⚫ March-April 2025: departure to Japan for enrollment

*The reasons for disqualification on each selection procedure will NOT BE DISCOLSED.
*Schedule and program contents might be adjusted appropriately due to unforeseen
circumstances.

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11. Expenses To Be Borne By JICA
Under the JICA Long-term Trainee Allowance standards, JICA will cover expenses and
allowance to participants accepted to the program/course. See the table below for further
details. Note that the payments (e.g. for tuition, research support expenses, school support
expenses) will not be paid to the accepted participants themselves, but directly to the
university or other relevant institutions.

Expense category Payment amount Payment frequency

Tuition ( examination fees, entrance According to the request
Actual costs
fees, course fees) from universities
JPY 117,000–148,000 per Every month via
Living Allowance*
month* university
Upon arrival in Japan
Airfare Actual costs
and upon returning home
Once (upon arrival in
Outfit Allowance** JPY103,750－106,000
Japan)
Once (during the training
Moving Allowance*** Up to JPY164,000-224,000
period)**
Actual costs (up to
Research Support Expenses****
JPY360,000 per year)
In accordance with the
Medical care for participants who
provisions of the medical
become ill after arriving in Japan
insurance
*Varies according to living area in Japan, type of accommodation, etc.
**Once, after opening bank account in Japan. As it takes several weeks to have the bank account
opened, it is strongly recommended to bring cash for personal expenses during the period.
***Depending on the accommodation facility. Consultation with the university is required.
****Research Support Expenses are allowed to be provided via the university and be disbursed with the
consultation and approval of the applicant’s supervisor.

When English proficiency test score such as TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC is required for
application to university, fee for taking a test would be provided after consulting with JICA
office.

(Notes)
⚫ Please see “Handbook for Knowledge Co-Creation Program for All JICA Scholarship
Courses” for specific amount of each item. The amount may be revised every year.
⚫ Other costs should be covered by the participants’ organizations or other individuals.
⚫ Participants are not allowed to work during their stay in Japan.
⚫ To invite family to Japan (spouse and children only), participants should be responsible

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 for all expenses, necessary procedure by themselves. JICA does not provide any support
or additional financial assistance except issuing necessary documents for the process.
JICA strongly recommend participants to invite their family only AFTER 6 MONTHS upon
arrival in Japan.

12. Expenses Not To Be Borne By JICA

JICA will not bear costs other than the allowances described above. JICA is not responsible
for the following expenses especially:
(1) Passport fees (for re-issuance and extensions, etc.)
(2) Visa fees of a transit country and transportation expenses to obtain Visa
(3) Transportation expenses to obtain Japanese Visa
(4) Domestic travel expenses at the applicant’s home country
(5) Departure tax
(6) Airport tax/airport facility charges outside of Japan, including third countries
(7) Customs duty
(8) Excess baggage charges
(9) Compensation for lost and/or damaged baggage
(10) “No show charge” to the transit airport hotel (non-refundable)
(11) Lost - ticket fee
(12) Accommodation fee for day-use hotel in return flight
(13) Transportation expenses other than official programs
(14) Telephone bill or mini-bar tab at accommodation
(15) Medical costs related to pre-existing illness, pregnancy, and dental treatment
(16) Medical cost related to the same illness over 180 days
(17) “National Health Insurance” fee

Note: If participant/accepted applicant does not follow the regulation of JICA, the participant
may have to bear such other cost of necessary expenses.

13. Conditions for Participation

The accepted applicants/participants of KCCP are required:
(1) to understand that participants must physically come to Japan to participate in this
program at the date designated by JICA,
(2) to be in good health to participate in the program,
(3) not to change course subjects or extend the course period,
(4) not to change the air ticket (and flight class and flight schedule arranged by JICA) and
lodging by the participants on their own,
(5) to accept that the Government of Japan will examine applicants who belong to the military

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 or other military-related organizations and/or who are enlisted in the military, taking into
consideration of their duties, positions in the organization and other relevant information
in a comprehensive manner to be consistent with the Development Cooperation Charter
of Japan,
(6) to submit a Health Certificate in JICA format at the participant’s expense. The certificate
must be the results of health check-up at the time the participant applied to the entrance
examinations (within 6 months before arrival in Japan),
(7) to return to their home country on the designated flight by JICA, when they finish the
program/course or when it is deemed impossible to finish the program within the program
period, or when the participant is not successful on the regular course examination,
(8) to refund allowances or other benefits paid by JICA in the case of a change in schedule,
(9) to understand that inviting participant’s family members is not recommended before their
stay in Japan has passed more than 6 months,
(10) to carry out such instructions and abide by such conditions as may be stipulated by both
the nominating Government and the Japanese Government in respect of the course,
(11) to observe the rules and regulations of the program implementing partners to provide the
program or establishments (“Plagiarism“ especially is taken severely by enrolling
university, regardless of whether it is direct plagiarism or self-plagiarism and participants
may be subjected to disciplinary action such as suspension),
(12) to observe the rules and regulations at the place of the participants’ accommodation,
(13) not to engage in political activities, or any form of employment for profit,
(14) not to drive a car or motorbike, regardless of an international driving license possessed,
(15) to discontinue the program, should the participant violate Japanese laws or JICA’s
regulations, or commit illegal or immoral conduct, or become critically ill or seriously
injured and be considered unable to continue the course. The participants shall be
responsible for paying any cost for treatment of the said health conditions except for the
medical care expenses described in the table of “11. Expenses To be borne by JICA,”
(16) to return the total amount or a part of the expenditure for KCCP depending on the severity
of such violation, should the participants violate the laws and ordinances,
(17) not to be receiving nor plan to receive another scholarship during the program,
(18) to understand not to make other applications for different JICA KCCP (long-term) at the
same time,
(19) to understand that the maximum duration of “Overseas research” and “Temporary Leave
(leaving Japan for private purpose)” is 60 days, in principle, and
(20) to enroll and complete JICA-DSP online courses, when you receive JICA’s instructions
to do so.
(21) to accept to take X-ray inspections to check tuberculosis infection organized by JICA
after arriving in Japan and to submit the results to JICA and university.
(22) JICA shall determine whether the candidate is eligible to participate in training in Japan.
JICA shall make a decision on acceptance based on several factors such as entrance
examination results, planned number of participants, medical examination results and
others. Reason for the decision will not be disclosed.
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(23) to discontinue the program, should the participant violate Japanese laws or JICA’s
regulations or University’s regulations, or commit illegal or immoral conduct, or become
critically ill or seriously injured or health conditions after arrival in Japan and be
considered unable to continue the course by JICA.
(24) If there is a change in your health condition, such as pregnancy or a pre-existing disease,
you must promptly resubmit your medical history.

14. Annex
Annex 1. Application Form
Annex 2. Profile sheet
Annex 3. Check List

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 CORRESPONDENCE
For enquiries and further information, please contact your nearest JICA office.

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