The Japan-Africa Programme offers grants to post-graduate scholars from Japan and Africa who want to do research in African Studies in Africa and Japan respectively.
The Programme is intended to support
- Researchers from Japan to carry out research at institutes in African universities, and
- Researchers from Africa to carry out research at institutes in Japanese universities.
The proposed research prioritises people-to-people projects that support development in Africa through scientific research and bilateral knowledge exchange.
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Japan-Africa Programme Fellowship
Aim and Benefits of Japan-Africa Programme Fellowship
- Fellowships are for a minimum period of 6-8 weeks up to maximum 1 year.
- It is also possible to split up the time spent abroad.
- The application period is from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027.
- Financial support for successful applicants ranges from 22,500 Euro to 27,500 Euro per year and is pro-rated for different periods.
Duration
- Minimum: 6–8 weeks
- Maximum: 1 year. It is also possible to split the time spent abroad
Requirements for Japan-Africa Programme Fellowship Qualification
Post-graduate scholars from Japan and Africa (citizens or permanent residents of either country) who want to conduct research in African Studies in Africa or Japan respectively. We prioritise people-to-people projects that support development in Africa through scientific research and bilateral knowledge exchange.
- You must have completed at least a Master’s degree within the 10 years preceding your application and hold the degree at the time of submission. Extensions may be considered for justified reasons (e.g., maternity/paternity leave, medical exemptions, military service).
- You may choose your host institution in Japan, Europe or Africa.
- You do not need to be enrolled or employed at the time of applying.
- African and Japanese researchers currently residing and/or working in Europe are eligible to apply (Japan-Africa Programme).
- Preference is given to applicants who plan to travel to Japan/Europe/Africa rather than those seeking to extend current stays.
Documents Required for Application
- Research plan (max 2 pages, A4) including an estimate of total costs
- Curriculum Vitae
- Highest academic degree obtained to date
- 1 passport-size photograph
- Publications/professional achievements list (chronological), including all authors, place and year of publication and page references
- Two reference letters (from people able to comment on your academic/professional qualifications and previous work)
- Host institution confirmation letter stating that research/work facilities will be available and explaining how the host/supervisor will support the project (resources, supervision, etc.). This helps the Selection Committee assess the feasibility of the research.
If the reference letters and/or host letter are not ready by the deadline
Submit your application anyway by 15 September 2026, 23:59 CET.
You can then log back in and upload missing letters until 30 September 2026, 23:59 CET (after this, the upload function closes).
After uploading the letters, please remember to re-submit your application.
Alternative option for referees/hosts
Referees and host supervisors may also email letters directly to:
[email protected]
Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027
Application Deadline
September 15, 2026How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Canon on portal.canonfoundation.org to apply
Your application is considered complete once we have received:
- Two reference letters
- The host institution confirmation letter
For questions, please contact Suzy Cohen at [email protected]
For more information, kindly visit Canon scholarship webpage.
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