The Canon Foundation in Europe and Kyoto University are inviting applications for the 2026 Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship Program from highly qualified researchers in fields of research related to African Studies.
The Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity providing up to €27,500 per year to selected African candidates to cover living stipends and travel costs.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €27,500 Grant | Travel Costs
- Deadline: September 15, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship is intended to support fellows from Kyoto University who wish to conduct research in Africa and scholars from Kyoto University’s partner institutes in Africa who want to undertake research at Kyoto University in Japan.
The Canon Foundation in Europe is a philanthropic, grant-making institution that promotes international cultural and scientific relations between Europe and Japan. It was established on December 22nd, 1987 under Dutch law by Canon Europa N.V., Canon’s European Headquarters, and it is registered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Foundation is legally and financially independent but enjoys close cooperation with Canon Europa N.V., which provided the initial funds.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the Canon Foundation Kyoto University Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold at least an MA degree and be employed either at Kyoto University or at one of Kyoto University’s partner institutions as post-doctoral fellows or faculty members at the time of applying.
- Submit one of the two required reference letters from their prospective host at Kyoto University and demonstrate existing partnerships.
- For a complete list of Kyoto University’s partner institutions, please visit the Global Engagement Website at http://www.oc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/agreement/en/.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship will receive:
- A stipend ranging from €22,500 to €27,500 per year, pro-rated for different periods.
- Travel expenses.
- Administration and payment management directly handled by the Canon Foundation in Europe, which will notify successful applicants about the detailed payment procedures.
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- A research plan including a clear title at the top of the page as well as starting and ending dates of the proposed research. The research plan must include a general cost estimate, including living, travel, research costs, insurance, etc. (maximum 2 pages).
- Two reference letters (maximum 1 page each) from two persons. One letter should be from someone able to comment on academic qualifications and professional work, while the other should be a confirmation letter from the prospective host who can provide research or work facilities during the proposed period.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- One copy of the doctoral certificate or highest academic degree.
- One passport-size photograph.
- A list of academic publications or professional achievements in chronological order, containing information on all authors, place and year of publication, and page references.
How to Apply
To apply for the Japan Africa Exchange Scholarship:
- Click HERE to visit the program’s webpage.
- Submit the required documents to Kyoto University Africa Unit at [email protected].
- Wait for feedback from the Selection Committee of the Canon Foundation in Europe, which will make final decisions and email the results to applicants.
For any questions concerning the application, please email Kyoto University Africa Unit at [email protected].
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