Call for Proposals: ASEAN–Japan Medical Scholarship Programme 2027–2035 (Only for Japanese Universities)

Introduction

This programme aims to accept students from ASEAN universities into Japanese medical universities, especially those who aspire to work in the medical or public health sectors of their home countries. The programme focuses on developing effective models for international student admission, enhancing their educational experience, and ensuring a smooth transition into medical professionals. Ultimately, this programme contributes to improving medical standards and health equity in the ASEAN region while promotes research on the acceptance of medical exchange students in Japanese Universities.

Programme Overview

Students from medical schools at ASEAN universities who pass the ERIA selection will then take part in the admission process of Japanese universities participating in this programme, and upon acceptance, will enrol in their medical schools. They will undergo 6 years of medical education in Japan and, after passing the national medical examination, will complete 2 years of clinical training.

ERIA (The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) will cover tuition, textbook costs, and living expenses, provided that graduates work in the medical or public health sector in their home country after completing their 6-year medical education and 2-year clinical training in Japan.

Assignments

Participating universities will be responsible for:

• Recruiting international students and conducting selection examinations in English or Japanese.
• Providing 6 years of medical education and 2 years of initial clinical training as physicians.
• Offering training and internship opportunities at domestic companies engaged in medical equipment R&D at least once during the 6-year programme.
• Providing students with opportunities to learn about medical standards and healthcare conditions in their home country at least once during the 6-year programme.
• Submitting an annual 'Study Abroad Status Report' to ERIA on the progress of international students.
• Conducting research on the acceptance of international students and reporting findings to ERIA.
• Supporting international students in acquiring Japanese language skills based on their proficiency levels.
• Assisting students with daily life needs, including living expenses, health insurance, and accommodation.
• Referencing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for detailed assignments.

Eligibility of the University

Japanese universities with a medical school, as stipulated in Article 1 of the School Education Law (Law No. 26 of 1947), are eligible to apply.

Timeline

Below is the timeline of the call for proposal applications:

• Call for Proposal Opens: 30 January 2026
• Briefing session: 10 February 2026, at 2 PM (JST)
• Proposal Submission Deadline: 20 February 2026, at 7 PM (JST)
• Selection Results Announcement: 27 February 2026

How to Apply

Eligible Japanese universities are encouraged to review the TOR and submit an Application Form (ANNEX 6), a detailed Project Proposal (ANNEX 7), Budget Proposal (ANNEX 8-1), and, if applicable, an additional Budget Proposal (ANNEX 8-2). These documents can be accessed via the clickable links at the bottom of this page.

Please note that proposal submissions must be in Japanese. Universities should also provide supporting documents for the selection committee's reference. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to hcu.ajmsp@eria.org by 7 PM (JST) on 20 February 2026.

Announcement of Selected Proposals

ERIA will notify applicants after receiving their proposals. Selected universities will be informed by the end of February 2026, with the results published on the ERIA website.

Briefing Session

An online briefing session will be held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 2 PM (JST). Interested participants must register by emailing hcu.ajmsp@eria.org by 7 PM (JST) on 9 February 2026.

東アジア・アセアン経済研究センターは、厚生労働省の協力のもと実施する、令和８年度外国医療人材育成促進事業（医学部外国人留学生受入れモデル構築のための調査実証事業）に参加する日本国内の大学を公募します。詳細は下記添付資料をご確認ください。

Attachments / 添付資料

1. Call for Proposals: The ASEAN-Japan Medical Scholarship Programme 2027–2035 (Only for Japanese Universities) (in Japanese Language) / 令和８年度外国医療人材育成促進事業 （医学部外国人留学生受入れモデル構築のための調査実証事業） の公募について

2. Terms of Reference (in Japanese Language) / 公募要領

3. ANNEX 6: Application Form (in Japanese Language) / 別添６応募申請

4. ANNEX 7: Project Proposal (in Japanese Language) / 別添７企画提案書

5. ANNEX 8-1: Budget Proposal (in Japanese Language) / 別添８－１経費内訳書

6. ANNEX 8-2: Budget Proposal for Universities that choose English Examination Method (in Japanese Language) / 別添８－２ 経費内訳書（英語選抜方式による選考試験を採用する場合に限る。）

7. Evaluation Results（公募審査結果）令和８年度外国医療人材育成促進事業