The Japan-Africa Exchange Scholarship Programme is a research-mobility grant that links scholars in Africa with Kyoto University in Japan. It is jointly run by the Canon Foundation in Europe and Kyoto University, to build two-way knowledge exchange and people-to-people projects that support development on the African continent.
Japan invests a lot in the exchange programmes; it is, in my opinion, the best way to get exposure.
The scheme works both ways: researchers from Japan can travel to African universities for fieldwork tied to African Studies, while African researchers can take up placements at Japanese universities. For an African academic, it is a chance to spend several months working inside one of Japan’s leading research environments while keeping the focus firmly on Africa-related scholarship.
Funding ranges from €22,500 to €27,500 per year (pro-rated for shorter visits) and the stay can run anywhere from six weeks to a full year, with the option to split your time abroad. The application deadline is 15 September 2026, for an exchange taking place during 2027.
Scholarship benefits
- Financial support of €22,500 – €27,500 per year, pro-rated for shorter stays
- Covers living costs, travel, and research expenses
- Duration of 6–12 months, with a minimum stay of roughly 6–8 weeks
- Flexible scheduling — your time abroad can be divided into separate periods
- Multiple awards offered annually (exact number not specified)
Eligibility checklist
✔ Hold at least an MA degree
✔ Be employed at Kyoto University or at one of its partner institutions in Africa, as a postdoctoral fellow or faculty member
✔ Be a researcher from any African country (for the Africa-to-Japan track)
✔ Provide one reference letter from a prospective host at Kyoto University
✔ Show proof of existing partnership between your institution and Kyoto University
✔ Work in an eligible field: African Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or scientific research related to Africa
Application tips for African students
- Confirm early that your institution appears on Kyoto University’s partner list (check the Global Engagement Website) — this proof of partnership is a hard requirement, so verify it before you invest time in the rest of the application.
- Identify and contact a prospective host at Kyoto University well in advance; you need a reference letter and a host confirmation, and academics are busy, so reach out months before the deadline.
- Keep your research plan tight — the source limits it to two pages and asks for a title, dates, and a cost estimate. Make every line count and show a clear Africa-related research angle.
- Gather your supporting documents now: CV, a copy of your doctoral or highest-degree certificate, a passport-size photograph, and a list of publications or professional achievements.
- Line up your two reference letters early — one academic and one confirming your host placement — and brief your referees on exactly what the committee is looking for.
- Plan the logistics of your stay: because the award can be split and runs from a few weeks up to a year, decide what timeframe fits your work and your home institution’s calendar before you write your proposal.
How to apply
Prepare your research plan and all required documents, then submit your application to the Kyoto University Africa Unit by email (as listed on the official page). The Canon Foundation Selection Committee makes the final decisions, judging candidates on academic qualifications, research proposal quality, and institutional partnerships. For full details and the current application window, see the official page: Canon Foundation Japan-Africa Exchange Program.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this programme?
Researchers holding at least an MA degree who are employed as postdoctoral fellows or faculty members at Kyoto University or at one of its partner institutions in Africa. African applicants from any African country are eligible for the Africa-to-Japan track.
What does the grant cover?
It provides €22,500 to €27,500 per year (pro-rated for shorter stays), covering living costs, travel, and research expenses. The placement lasts from six weeks up to one year.
What fields of study are eligible?
African Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, and scientific research related to Africa.
When is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 September 2026, for an exchange period running through 2027.
How do I submit my application?
Assemble your research plan and required documents and send them to the Kyoto University Africa Unit by email. The Canon Foundation Selection Committee then reviews applications and makes the final award decisions.
Get the exposure and come build AFRICA!