NAIROBI, Kenya — The Japan Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 grants and scholarship programs, offering Kenyan citizens and organizations fully funded opportunities to study, research, and participate in international cultural exchange initiatives across Japan.
In a statement released by the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, the Foundation said the programs aim to “promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including Kenya.”
The 2026 call for applications features a wide range of categories, including Arts and Culture Exchange, Japanese-Language Education, and Japanese Studies and International Dialogue.
The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program targets scholars, researchers, and doctoral candidates focusing on the humanities and social sciences.
Successful applicants will receive round-trip air tickets, stipends, and research support for residencies in Japan lasting from three weeks to a year.
Eligible applicants include:
- Long-term Scholars and Researchers: 4–12 months for Ph.D. holders or those with equivalent experience.
- Short-term Scholars: 21–89 days for intensive research or material collection.
- Doctoral Candidates: 4–12 months for dissertation-related research in Japan.
Additionally, the Grant Program for Japanese Studies Projects supports universities, think tanks, and research institutions conducting Japan-focused academic projects between April 2026 and March 2027.
For teachers and professionals, the Program for Specialists in Cultural and Academic Fields offers a six-month training course (Oct 2026 – Mar 2027) at the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute in Kansai.
Participants receive fully covered airfare, insurance, accommodation, and weekday meals.
Training opportunities for educators include:
- Basic Training Program: For teachers with less than five years of experience.
- Language Improvement Course: A seven-week intensive course in June–July 2026.
- Japanese Teaching Methods Program: Summer and winter sessions emphasizing pedagogy.
Each course provides round-trip tickets, stipends, and support to educators from Kenya and other eligible African countries.
Under Arts and Cultural Exchange, Kenyan individuals and institutions can apply for the Ishibashi Foundation/Japan Foundation Fellowship (for curators and art researchers), or the Exhibitions Abroad Support Program, which funds museums and galleries exhibiting Japanese art between April 2026 and March 2027.
The Translation and Publication Support Program also invites Kenyan publishers to translate Japanese literary and scholarly works, with grants covering translator fees and printing costs.
Applicants must submit proposals via the Online Application Portal by 1 p.m. (Japan Standard Time) on December 2, 2025.
The Embassy of Japan in Kenya has urged Kenyan applicants to also notify the embassy of their submissions.
“All programs have different deadlines, review processes, and notification dates. Candidates should carefully read the program guidelines before applying,” the Embassy noted.
The grants are part of Japan’s broader effort to deepen cultural and academic exchange with Africa, building on decades of educational cooperation with Kenya.
