Are you a young Customs officer from a developing country looking to enhance your skills in management, strategic planning, and customs administration? Are you passionate about public policy, intellectual property rights, and contributing to your country’s sustainable development? If so, apply for the Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Programme at Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU), Tokyo, which offers a fully funded Master’s degree opportunity.

The Strategic Management and Intellectual Property Rights Program (SMIPRP) at AGU’s Graduate School of Business, in cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO), is designed to nurture future leaders in customs-related institutions. The program focuses on building essential managerial, strategic, and practical skills needed for effective public policy and customs management. It emphasizes a blend of Western and Japanese management theories with real-world practices, including hands-on training with Japan Customs.

This scholarship covers full tuition, admission fees, round-trip airfare, and a monthly stipend, enabling selected candidates to study in Japan without financial stress. Upon completion, scholars are expected to apply their knowledge by continuing their service in their home country’s customs administration for at least three years. Preference is given to those with experience in enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR). This is your chance to become a leader in global customs reform and development—apply now and shape the future of your country’s public sector.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: August 25, 2025 (JST – documents must arrive by this date)
• Online Entry Deadline: August 22, 2025 (23:59 JST)
• Interview Period: October 3–10, 2025
• Funding Type: Fully Funded Scholarship
• Organizer: World Customs Organization (WCO)
• Host Organization: Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU)
• Eligible Countries: Developing member countries of the WCO
• Eligible Gender: Male and Female
• Target Group: Mid-career customs officers
• Field: Business Administration (Strategic Management & IPR)
• Study Level: Master’s Degree
• Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Number of Opportunities: 7 scholarships
• Duration: 1–2 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Japan

Scholarship Benefits

The Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Program provides the following benefits:

• Monthly stipend of ¥147,000 (as of 2025) covering accommodation, meals, transport, and personal expenses
• Full tuition and admission fees of ¥917,000 tuition and ¥290,000 admission (fully covered)
• Round-trip economy-class airfare between the scholar’s home country and Japan
• Access to academic, research, and practical customs training under Japan Customs supervision
• No provision for family accompaniment or increased stipend

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Eligibility Conditions

Applicants need to fulfill the following criteria:

• Must be a customs officer from a developing member country of the WCO
• At least 2 years of experience in customs policy and administration
• Preferably have experience in IPR border enforcement
• Be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2026
• Must be in good health
• Must commit to work in their home customs administration for at least 3 years after graduation
• Must not have previously received a Japan-WCO HRD Programme scholarship
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 79 / IELTS 6.0 in all bands) or proof of education in English
• Must have access to a PC and webcam for an online interview via Zoom

Admissions criteria

Applicants’ selection for this program will be based on the following criteria:

• Academic record and intellectual strength;
• Personal characteristics;
• Motivation to study on the SMIPRP;
• Evidence of leadership;
• Potential for individual career development; and
• Work experience;

How to Apply?

To apply for the Japan-WCO Human Resource Development Program (Scholarships), applicants must first submit an admission application. The application procedure is entirely online, and applicants should carefully read the application instructions before submitting their application.

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Required Documents for Admission

Applicants who wish to apply for admission to the Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) Graduate School of Business (SMIPRP) should provide the following documents:

• Online application form (Form 1) with a photo
• Two letters of recommendation (Forms 2-1 and 2-2)
• Certificate of employment and approval for leave (Form 3)
• Research proposal (Form 4)
• WCO Nomination Form with signature/seal from customs authority (Form 5)
• Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts
• English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS or proof of education in English)
• Passport copy
• Proof of name change, if applicable
• Typed and officially translated documents in English
• Application checklist provided on the SMIPRP website

For more information, please refer to the WCO-Japan Human Resource Development program’s website.

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