The Higher Education Council (HEC) has announced scholarship opportunities offered to the Government of Rwanda through bilateral cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The scholarships are provided under the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) and are intended for Rwandan applicants seeking Master's degree studies in Japan. Register for our Coaching class for the IELTS

The ABE Initiative is part of JICA's Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term) and aims to develop human resources from Africa while strengthening networks and business connections between Japan and African countries. Selected participants will have opportunities to study at Japanese universities and participate in internship programs at Japanese public or private organizations.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

Successful participants may receive support from JICA covering major expenses associated with their studies and stay in Japan, including:

·       Tuition fees, including examination fees, entrance fees and course fees, paid directly to the university or relevant institution.

·       Monthly living allowance: JPY 143,000–148,000 per month, depending on factors such as the living area and accommodation.

·       Airfare to and from Japan.

·       Outfit allowance: JPY 100,000.

·       Moving allowance: up to JPY 164,000–224,000, depending on the accommodation facility.

·       Research support expenses: actual costs up to JPY 360,000 per year, subject to the applicable conditions.

·       Medical care for participants who become ill after arriving in Japan, in accordance with the applicable medical insurance provisions.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set by JICA and the relevant selection authorities. Key requirements include:

·       Be a citizen of an African country eligible for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA).

·       Be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2027.

·       Hold a Bachelor's degree, equivalent to at least 16 years of academic background.

·       Be in good health and able to participate in the program.

·       Have sufficient English proficiency. The stated benchmarks are:

o   TOEFL iBT: 80

o   IELTS: 6.5

o   CEFR: B2

o   Duolingo: 120–125

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

The HEC announcement states that the Master's scholarships are available in the following broad fields:

·       Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

·       Agriculture

·       Energy

·       Transport

·       Education

·       Water and Sanitation

·       Disaster Risk Management

·       Health

Applicants may select a Japanese university from universities that have agreements to accept JICA participants, subject to passing the relevant university's entrance examination. Detailed information about participating universities and their available courses is provided separately. Register for our coaching class for the Duolingo English Test 

The proposed research topic should contribute to government policies and sustainable development. Examples provided by JICA include public policy, finance, public financial management, international politics and diplomacy, regional studies, business, international trade and investment, disaster risk reduction and related areas.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants are required to submit the JICA application documents to the JICA office responsible for their country. The listed documents include:

1.     JICA Application Form, including Part A, Part B, Annex 1 and Annex 2.

2.     Graduation certificate/Degree certificate — officially certified copies of the original, written in English or accompanied by an official English translation.

3.     Academic transcript — officially certified and containing all grades earned at the university attended.

4.     English language test certificate.

5.     Copy of passport or photo ID for verification of nationality, name, sex and date of birth.

6.     Two ID photographs, measuring 4 cm × 3 cm, as specified in the application requirements.

Additional documents may be required by the Japanese university selected by the applicant, so applicants should carefully follow the university's individual application guidelines.

After the university application, successful applicants will also be required to submit a Health Certificate and Medical History in the JICA format within the specified timeframe. Register for our Coaching class for the IELTS

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The selection process consists of several stages.

1. Submission and document selection

Applicants must submit the required JICA application documents to the JICA office in their country by the deadline set by that office. The first selection assesses applicants' qualifications, requirements, understanding of the program objectives, work experience and educational background.

2. Interview

Applicants who pass the document selection proceed to an interview conducted by the JICA office or relevant authority. The interview assesses the applicant's ability to contribute to addressing Africa's development challenges after completing the program.

3. University pre-matching

Between December 2026 and January 2027, Japanese universities review applicants' documents, particularly their research plans, undergraduate qualifications and academic transcripts. This stage is used to match applicants with appropriate university courses and supervisors.

4. University examination and final selection

Applicants who receive a positive university matching result must follow the university's application procedure and submit the required documents directly to the university. They may be interviewed and must pass the university's relevant entrance examination. Applicants may submit a formal application to only one university at the official application stage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The ABE Initiative is designed to strengthen human-resource development and business connections between Japan and Africa. Participants can study at Japanese universities and take part in internship programs at Japanese public or private organizations during their stay.

Approximately 95 participants are expected to be selected, and the program will be conducted in English.

Applicants must physically travel to Japan to undertake the research and studies required by the program. They must also not receive or plan to receive another scholarship during the program, except for scholarships specifically permitted by JICA. Participants are expected to contribute to networking with Japanese companies and participate in designated program activities. Register for our Coaching class for the IELTS

For clarification and to obtain the application form free of charge, applicants in Rwanda can contact:

Ms. Nadine UWASE
Email: NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp

APPLICATION DEADLINE

A complete application file must be submitted to the JICA Rwanda Office no later than September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.