Japan-Africa Postgraduate Research Grants 2025 – Fully Funded Research in African Studies

Overview

The Japan-Africa Programme, run by the Canon Foundation in Europe, offers generous research grants to postgraduate scholars from Africa and Japan who are interested in conducting African Studies research either in Japan or Africa. The programme promotes cross-continental collaboration and scholarly exchange between researchers in both regions.

It supports:

• Japanese researchers conducting research at African universities

• African researchers conducting research at Japanese universities

Scholarship Categories

✔ For Postgraduate Researchers (minimum MA degree)
✔ For research in African Studies
✔ Open to all fields within the African Studies discipline
✔ Grants are hosted at accredited universities or research institutes

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a national of Africa or Japan

• Hold at least a Master’s degree (MA or equivalent)

• Have a confirmed host professor/supervisor at the intended institution

• Submit a well-defined research plan related to African Studies

Documents Required

All documents must be submitted via email by 15 September 2025 (midnight CET) to:

1. Research plan (Max 2 pages), including:

   • Title of project

   • Start and end dates

   • Objectives and methodology

   • General cost estimate (living, travel, insurance, research, etc.)

2. Two reference letters (from academic or professional referees)

3. Confirmation letter from the host professor in Japan or Africa, agreeing to provide work/research facilities

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

5. Copy of doctoral or highest academic certificate

6. Passport-sized photograph

7. List of academic publications (or professional achievements) in chronological order

Funding and Benefits

• Grant range: €22,500 to €27,500 per year (pro-rated for shorter stays)

• Covers: Travel, living expenses, insurance, and research costs

• Duration: Varies based on the research proposal

• Host Institutions: Accredited universities or research centres in Africa or Japan

Important Dates

• Deadline for Applications: 15 September 2025 (midnight CET)

• Notification of Results: By mid-December 2025

• Research Start Date: As proposed in your application