Japan scholarship and research funding opportunities for Tanzanians 2026

The general public is hereby informed that a wide range of scholarship and research funding opportunities in Japan are now available for eligible Tanzanian citizens. Japan scholarship and research funding opportunities for Tanzanians 2026, These opportunities support Undergraduate studies, Master’s Degrees, PhD programmes, professional training, research internships, and advanced research fellowships.

The scholarships are offered by the Government of Japan (MEXT), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japanese universities, and reputable public and private research institutions.

1.0 Types of Scholarships and Fellowships Available

1.1 Government of Japan (MEXT) Scholarships

Coverage:

Undergraduate
Master’s Degree
PhD
College of Technology
Teacher Training
Specialized Training

Benefits:

Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Return airfare

Application Link: https://www.tz.emb-japan.go.jp/

1.2 JICA Scholarships and Knowledge Co-Creation Programs (KCCP)

Coverage:

Short- and long-term professional training programmes

Fields Include:

Infrastructure development
Statistics
Agriculture
Public policy
Industrial development

Eligibility:

Government and institutional officers

Application Mode:

Through nomination by Tanzanian authorities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or PO-PSMGG)

More Information:
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/types_of_assistance/tech/acceptance/training/index.html

1.2.1 JICA Scholarships (Specialized Programmes)

Key Areas:

Sustainable urban planning and transportation
Water engineering and utility management
Mineral resources development
Agriculture and food security
Public finance and economic policy
National development planning

Eligibility:

Government officials, researchers, and technical experts
Some programmes require nomination by the relevant ministry

More Information:
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/

1.3 Scholarships from Japanese Private Foundations and NGOs

1.3.1 Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship

Duration: 3–6 months research stay in Japan
Eligibility: PhD holders
Fields: Natural sciences, engineering, medicine
Deadline: Around June annually

Links:
https://www.hisf.or.jp/en/scholarship/foreigner/
The Matsumae International Foundation – Official Website

1.3.2 Visiting Researcher Program – Bishop Williams Memorial Fund

Duration: 3–12 months
Focus Areas: Humanities, theology, and cultural studies
Deadline: October annually

Links:
https://www.nichibun.ac.jp/en/
Nippon Sei Ko Kai Documents

These programmes provide stipends, tuition coverage, and research grants.

1.4 University-Specific Scholarships in Japan

The following universities offer scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programmes:

University	Scholarship Link
Kyoto University	https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/current/how-to/financialaid/scholarships-for-international-students
Hokkaido University	https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/admissions/scholarships-for-prospective-students-2/
Yokohama National University (YNU)	https://global.ynu.ac.jp/en/admissions/scholarshipprograms-outline/
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)	https://en.apu.ac.jp/studentsupport/scholarship_tuition/international/
Kansai University	https://www.kuins.ac.jp/en/international/new_int_student/Scholarship.html
Tokyo University of Agriculture	https://www.nodai.ac.jp/english/ip/opportunitiesstudy-tokyo-nodai/
University of Tsukuba	https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/admissions/financialscholarships/
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)	https://www.grips.ac.jp/en/education/information/scholarships/
Kumamoto University	https://ewww.kumamotou.ac.jp/media/medialibrary/2024/12/Scholarship_EN20241206updated_1.pdf

1.5 Research Internships and Postdoctoral Fellowships

1.5.1 JSPS Fellowships (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science)

Types: Postdoctoral (Short-term, Long-term) and Invitational Fellowships
Fields: All natural and social sciences
Deadlines: April and August

Link: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/

1.5.2 OIST Research Internship Program

(Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology)

Duration: 2–6 months
Fields: Physics, AI, Biology, Chemistry, and advanced science
Deadline: Usually April

Link:
https://admissions.oist.jp/oist-research-internship-program-description

1.5.3 ICYS Research Fellowships – NIMS

(National Institute for Materials Science)

Fields: Materials science, nanotechnology, energy research

Link:
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/

1.5.4 Postdoctoral Fellowships – JAEA

(Japan Atomic Energy Agency)

Field: Nuclear science, radiation safety, and energy systems
Deadline: May

Link:
https://www.jaea.go.jp/english/

These fellowships generally cover airfare, stipends, research funds, accommodation support, and health insurance.

2.0 General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be Tanzanian citizens
Meet academic requirements for the chosen programme
Submit certified academic transcripts and certificates
Meet health and character requirements
Be nominated through relevant ministries for JICA programmes
Hold a PhD for postdoctoral fellowships (where applicable)

3.0 Scholarship Coverage

Most scholarships provide:

Full tuition fees
Monthly living stipend
Round-trip international airfare
Health insurance
Research funding
Accommodation or settlement allowance
Japanese language training (where applicable)

4.0 Application Procedures

MEXT Scholarships: Apply through the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania
JICA/KCCP Programmes: Apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PO-PSMGG, or relevant ministries
University Scholarships: Apply directly via university websites
Research Fellowships: Apply online using the links provided