The Japanese government has announced fully paid scholarship opportunities for Kenyans interested in studying in Japan.
The available programs cater to various levels of education, including research students, undergraduate students, College of Technology students, and Specialized Training College students.
Successful applicants will travel to Japan in April 2026 or September/October 2026.
Japan Govt Announces Fully Paid Scholarships for Kenyans
Research Scholarship
This scholarship is open to Kenyan students seeking admission to a master’s or doctoral course at a Japanese graduate school.
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens born on or after April 2, 1991.
- Applicants must have either an undergraduate degree (minimum second-class upper division) or a master’s degree.
Duration of Study:
- The scholarship duration is either 18 months or two years (including 6 months of Japanese language studies).
- The area of study must align with the applicant’s prior studies or be a related field.
Allowance:
- Students receiving preparatory education and non-regular students: 143,000 yen per month (approx. Ksh 128,000).
- Regular students enrolled in master’s or professional degree courses: 144,000 yen per month (approx. Ksh 129,000).
- Regular students enrolled in doctoral courses: 145,000 yen per month (approx. Ksh 130,000).
A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen (approximately Ksh 1,800 or Ksh 2,700) per month will be added for those studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.
Also Read: US Embassy in Kenya Announces Job Opportunities for Teachers
Undergraduate Students
This scholarship is open to Kenyan students interested in undertaking undergraduate courses in Japan.
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be Kenyan citizens born on or after April 2, 2001, and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission to a university in Japan.
- Applicants must have a minimum KCSE Mean Grade of “A Plain” with grades “A Plain” in at least 4 subjects, including Mathematics. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of “A minus” in English and Kiswahili.
Duration of Study:
- A five-year scholarship is offered, including the first year in Japanese language training, beginning in April 2026.
- For those majoring in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or a six-year course in pharmacy, the scholarship term is seven years, including the first year in Japanese language training.
Allowance:
- 117,000 yen per month (approx. Ksh 105,000).
- A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month will be added for those studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.
College of Technology Students
This scholarship is available for Kenyan students interested in technology and engineering courses in Japan.
Qualifications:
- Candidates must be Kenyan citizens and born on or after April 2, 2001, and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission to a university in Japan.
- Applicants must have a minimum KCSE Mean Grade of “A Minus” with “A minus” or higher in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, and a minimum of “B Plus” in English.
Duration of Study:
- A four-year scholarship is offered, with the first year dedicated to Japanese language training. Courses are undertaken in College of Technology schools.
Allowance:
- 117,000 yen per month
- A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month will be added for those studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.
Specialized Training College Students
This scholarship is for Kenyan students interested in undertaking practical vocational training in Japan.
Qualifications:
- Interested applicants must be Kenyan citizens and born on or after April 2, 2001, and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission to a specialized training college in Japan.
- Applicants must have a minimum KCSE Mean Grade of “B Plain” with grades “B Plus” or higher in Mathematics and “B Plain” in English.
Duration of Study:
- A three-year scholarship is offered, including the first year in Japanese language training. Courses are undertaken in specialized training schools.
Allowance:
- 117,000 yen per month
- A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month will be added for those studying or conducting research in specially designated regions.
Also Read: US Opens Applications for Fully Funded Prestigious Youth Program; How to Apply
2026 Scholarship Timeline
- Thursday, April 17, 2025: Applications Open
- Friday, May 16, 2025: Applications Close
- Thursday, June 26, 2025: Examinations Held
- Tuesday, July 1, 2025: Interviews Held
- Early- Mid July 2025: Results of Primary Screening
- October-November 2025: Secondary Screening in Tokyo
- January 2026: Final Results with Placement by Tokyo
- March 2026: Pre-departure Orientation
- April or September 2026: Departure to Japan
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should carefully read the instructions contained in the application guidelines.
Application forms, along with a Certificate of Health and a Recommendation Letter, should be submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate general in Kenya by Friday, May 16, 2025, at 4:30 PM.
Applicants can download the free application forms from the Study in Japan website and submit their completed documents by hand, via courier, or post.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
