Japan scholarships for African students
Study in Japan on a fully funded scholarship. MEXT, ABE Initiative, JICA Long-Term Training and university awards at Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tohoku and Waseda are open to African applicants.
The Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT/Monbukagakusho) is the most prestigious fully funded route for Africans into Japanese universities, covering tuition, monthly stipend, return airfare and a six-month Japanese language course. The ABE Initiative funds African Masters candidates plus internships at Japanese companies under the TICAD framework, JICA Long-Term Training supports public-sector professionals, and the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program funds development professionals at partner universities. Graduate programmes at Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tohoku and Waseda increasingly run in English.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the MEXT Scholarship?
MEXT (Monbukagakusho) is the Japanese Government Scholarship covering full tuition, monthly stipend (JPY 117,000–148,000), round-trip airfare and a Japanese language preparation course. It funds Research Students, Undergraduates and specialised training students from across Africa.
Do I need to speak Japanese to study in Japan on scholarship?
No — many graduate programmes are taught in English, especially under the Top Global University Project and SGU at universities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Tohoku and Tsukuba. MEXT also includes a 6-month intensive Japanese course for non-Japanese-speaking awardees.
Which other Japanese scholarships fund Africans?
ABE Initiative (African Business Education) for Masters and internship, JICA Long-Term Training, Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship at partner universities, Honjo International Scholarship, and university-specific awards at Tokyo, Kyoto, Waseda and Keio.
How do I apply for MEXT?
There are two routes: the Embassy Recommendation (apply through the Japanese embassy in your country between April and June) and the University Recommendation (apply directly to a Japanese university partner between September and February).
Can African graduates stay in Japan after studying?
Yes — the Designated Activities visa allows graduates to stay up to 1 year (extendable) to look for employment. Japan also operates a points-based Highly Skilled Professional visa with a fast-track to permanent residence.
Are MEXT and ABE Initiative open to all African countries?
MEXT is open to citizens of all 54 African countries with diplomatic relations with Japan. ABE Initiative covers 54 African countries through TICAD and prioritises private-sector and government professionals for Masters plus internships at Japanese companies.
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