| Host Country | Japan |
| Eligible Countries | All African Countries |
| Reward: | Full Scholarship | €27,500 Grant | Travel Costs |
| Deadline: | September 15, 2026 |
| Application: | Click HERE to apply for the scholarship |
| Scholarship Alerts: | To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE |
Are you an African researcher looking for an opportunity to conduct advanced research in Japan? The Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship 2026 offers an excellent platform for scholars to strengthen academic collaboration between Africa and Japan while receiving substantial financial support.
The scholarship is jointly supported by the Canon Foundation and Kyoto University and is designed for highly qualified researchers whose work relates to African Studies and other relevant fields. Successful applicants will receive funding of up to €27,500 per year, including travel support and living expenses.
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Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship Details
The Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship supports academic exchange between Kyoto University and its partner institutions across Africa.
The program is open to researchers from Kyoto University who wish to undertake research in Africa, as well as scholars from Kyoto University’s partner institutions in Africa who intend to conduct research in Kyoto.
The Canon Foundation in Europe (CFE), established on December 22, 1987, is an independent philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting scientific, cultural, and academic relations between Japan and other regions. The Foundation works closely with Canon Europa N.V., Canon’s European headquarters, which provided its initial funding.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold at least a Master’s (MA) degree.
- Be employed at Kyoto University or one of Kyoto University’s partner institutions in Africa.
- Be serving as a postdoctoral fellow or faculty member at the time of application.
- African applicants must provide one reference letter from their prospective host at Kyoto University.
- Applicants must demonstrate an existing partnership with Kyoto University.
To view the complete list of Kyoto University’s partner institutions, visit:
http://www.oc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/agreement/en/
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Financial support ranging from €22,500 to €27,500 per year.
- Coverage for living expenses.
- Travel support and related research costs.
- Funding that is prorated based on the duration of the research stay.
The Canon Foundation in Europe will directly manage scholarship payments and provide successful candidates with detailed payment instructions.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents to the Kyoto University Africa Unit:
- Research plan (maximum 2 pages) including:
- Research title
- Proposed start and end dates
- Estimated budget covering living expenses, travel, insurance, and research costs
- Two reference letters (maximum 1 page each):
- Academic/professional reference
- Confirmation letter from the prospective host institution
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of doctoral certificate or highest academic qualification
- One passport-sized photograph
- List of academic publications or professional achievements in chronological order, including authors, publication details, and page references
How to Apply for Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship 2026
Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official scholarship webpage.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Submit the documents to the Kyoto University Africa Unit via email: canon_caas@jambo.africa.kyoto-u.ac.jp
- The Canon Foundation Selection Committee will review applications and communicate results directly via email.
For inquiries, contact the Kyoto University Africa Unit: africaunit@kura.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Official Partner Institutions List: http://www.oc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/agreement/en/
Conclusion
The Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship 2026 is a valuable opportunity for African researchers and academics seeking international research experience in Japan. With funding of up to €27,500, travel support, and access to Kyoto University’s world-class research environment, the program provides an excellent platform for advancing academic careers while strengthening research collaboration between Africa and Japan.
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