Japan Announces Fully Funded Scholarships for Kenyans [How to Apply]

Japan has opened applications for the 2027 MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship Programme for Kenyan nationals.

The program offers fully funded opportunities across undergraduate, specialized training, technical, and postgraduate studies.

Qualified students and graduates seeking to pursue education in Japanese institutions will benefit from financial support, including tuition, travel, and language training.

Applications are open from April 20, 2026, and must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in Kenya by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The selection process includes written examinations, interviews, and further screening in Japan before final placement.

Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The undergraduate track is open to Kenyan students who wish to pursue degree studies in Japan.

Also Read: List of Requirements Needed Ahead of 2026 HEF Scholarship and Loan Applications

Applicants must be Kenyan citizens born on or after April 2, 2002, and must be at least 18 years old at the time of university admission in Japan.

Academic requirements include a minimum KCSE mean grade of A (Plain), with at least A Plain in four subjects, including Mathematics.

Additionally, candidates must have obtained at least an A- (Minus) in both English and Kiswahili.

The scholarship covers a five-year study period, which includes one year of Japanese language training followed by four years of undergraduate studies.

For medical-related fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy, the program extends to seven years, including the language training period.

Specialized Training College (Diploma Equivalent)

The specialized training college category targets students interested in vocational and practical skills training in Japan.

Eligible applicants must be Kenyan citizens born on or after April 2, 2002, and must be 18 years or older at the time of admission.

The academic requirement is a minimum KCSE mean grade of B (Plain), with at least B+ in Mathematics and B Plain in English.

The programme runs for three years, including one year of Japanese language training. Students are then placed in specialized training institutions focusing on career-oriented technical and vocational education.

College of Technology (Higher Diploma Equivalent)

The College of Technology track is designed for students pursuing engineering and applied science fields.

Applicants must be Kenyan citizens born on or after April 2, 2002, and must be at least 18 years old at the time of admission.

 The academic requirement is a minimum KCSE mean grade of A- (Minus), with at least A- in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, and at least B+ in English.

The scholarship duration is four years, including one year of Japanese language training. Students then proceed to three years of specialized technical studies in Japanese Colleges of Technology.

Research Scholarship (Master’s and PhD)

The research scholarship is aimed at Kenyan graduates seeking to pursue Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) studies in Japan.

Applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1992, and must hold either a Bachelor’s degree (minimum Second-Class Upper Division) or a Master’s degree.

Applicants must apply in a field closely related to their previous academic background. The programme duration ranges from 18 months to two years, including six months of Japanese language training.

This track is designed to support advanced academic research and integration into Japanese graduate schools, with final placement determined after secondary screening in Tokyo.

Also Read: Germany Announces Fully Funded Scholarships With Monthly Allowance of Up to KSh 75K

How to Apply for the 2027 MEXT Scholarship

Applications for the 2027 MEXT Scholarship are submitted through the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.

Download the free application form basing on your category and guidelines from the Study in Japan Website.

Read the Guidelines Carefully from the application forms. 

Each category has specific requirements, including:

• Academic grades
• Age limits
• Required subjects
• Supporting documents

Prepare the required documents, including 

• Completed application form
• Academic certificates and transcripts (KCSE, degree, etc.)
• Recommendation letters
• Passport copy and national ID
• Medical certificate

Submit Your Application documents in  Embassy of Japan in Kenya before Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM.

Scholarship Timeline

• April 20, 2026 – Applications open
• May 19, 2026 – Application deadline
• July 9–10, 2026 – Written examinations
• July 13–14, 2026 – Interviews
• Early–Mid July 2026 – Primary screening results in Kenya
• October–November 2026 – Secondary screening in Tokyo
• January 2027 – Final results and placement announcement
• March 2027 – Pre-departure orientation
• April or September 2027 – Departure to Japan