Applications are now open for the JICA–Rwanda Government Scholarships 2027. The scholarships give qualified candidates from Rwanda an opportunity to study for a Master’s degree in Japan and participate in an internship through the African Business Education Initiative for Youth, commonly known as the ABE Initiative.
The scholarship programme is offered through cooperation between the Government of Rwanda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The official announcement was published by the Higher Education Council of Rwanda on 9 September 2026.
| Programme | JICA ABE Initiative |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Host country | Japan |
| Eligible applicants | Qualified candidates from Rwanda |
| Programme language | English |
| Study period | September 2027 to August 2030, maximum period |
| Available places | Approximately 95 participants across eligible African countries |
| Deadline in Rwanda | 30 September 2026 at 5:00 p.m. |
| Application destination | JICA Rwanda Office |
About the JICA ABE Initiative
The ABE Initiative is a programme that gives young and middle-level professionals from African countries an opportunity to complete postgraduate studies at Japanese universities.
The programme combines academic study with professional exposure. Selected participants may complete a Master’s degree and take part in an internship at a Japanese public or private organisation.
Its main goal is to develop professionals who can support business, industry and sustainable economic growth in Africa. It also aims to build strong connections between African countries and Japanese businesses.
Available Fields of Study
According to the Higher Education Council announcement, scholarships are available for Master’s studies in the following fields:
Applicants should choose a study area that matches their academic background, professional experience and proposed research topic. Research proposals should also contribute to sustainable development and respond to real development needs.
Scholarship Benefits
Participants accepted into the programme receive financial support under JICA’s Long-Term Trainee Allowance standards. The support indicated in the official programme guidelines includes:
- Tuition fees, entrance examination fees and university course fees.
- A monthly living allowance of approximately JPY 143,000 to JPY 148,000, depending on the participant’s living area and other conditions.
- International airfare based on the programme’s official travel arrangements.
- An outfit allowance of JPY 100,000.
- A moving allowance of up to approximately JPY 164,000 to JPY 224,000, depending on the accommodation facility.
- Research support expenses of up to JPY 360,000 per year, subject to consultation and approval through the university.
- Medical care coverage for eligible illnesses occurring after arrival in Japan, according to the applicable insurance conditions.
- An internship opportunity at a Japanese public or private organisation.
Programme Duration
The programme is expected to run from September 2027 to August 2030 as the maximum possible period. It may include:
- Up to six months as a research student, where applicable.
- One or two years as a regular Master’s student.
- Up to six months of post-graduation internship for interested participants.
The exact length will depend on the selected university, admission status and Master’s programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet both JICA requirements and the admission requirements of their selected Japanese university.
General eligibility requirements
- Be a citizen of an African country eligible for Japan’s Official Development Assistance. Rwandan citizens are eligible under this national announcement.
- Be under 40 years old as of 1 April 2027.
- Hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least 16 years of academic education.
- Have an academic background that meets the requirements of the selected university and course.
- Have sufficient English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
- Be able to travel physically to Japan and complete the programme.
- Not receive or plan to receive another scholarship funded by the Government of Japan during the programme.
- Be ready to participate in academic activities, networking events and internships organised under the programme.
English Language Requirements
The general programme guidelines list the following English proficiency levels:
- TOEFL iBT: 80 or higher.
- IELTS: 6.5 or higher.
- CEFR: B2 or higher.
- Duolingo English Test: approximately 120–125.
Work Experience Requirements
Applicants from the private sector
Private-sector applicants should have relevant work experience in economic or professional activities. They must not be employed by a Japanese company when joining the programme in Japan.
Applicants from government institutions
Government applicants are generally required to:
- Have more than six months of work experience in their current organisation.
- Obtain permission from their organisation to apply.
- Secure reinstatement or permission to return to their organisation after completing the programme.
Work completed before university graduation is generally not counted as the required professional experience, except in circumstances recognised by the programme guidelines.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare a complete application file containing the documents required by JICA. These include:
- Completed JICA Application Form, including Part A, Part B, Annex 1 and Annex 2.
- Officially certified copy of the Bachelor’s degree or graduation certificate.
- Officially certified academic transcripts showing all grades earned at university.
- Copy of a recognised English test certificate.
- Copy of a valid passport or another official photo identification document.
- Two passport-size photographs measuring approximately 4 cm by 3 cm, attached to the application forms as instructed.
- Any additional documents requested in the official application form or by the selected university.
How to Apply
- Contact the JICA Rwanda Office representative named in the official announcement to obtain the application form free of charge.
- Read the complete JICA programme guidelines before completing the form.
- Select a study field that matches your Bachelor’s degree and professional experience.
- Prepare your research plan and all supporting documents carefully.
- Complete every required section of the JICA application form.
- Submit the complete application file to the JICA Rwanda Office.
- Make sure the application reaches the office before 30 September 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Selection Process
Meeting the minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection. The programme is competitive and normally uses several selection stages.
- Document screening: JICA reviews the application file, eligibility, academic background and professional experience.
- Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed by the JICA office.
- University pre-matching: Japanese universities review the research plan, degree certificate and academic transcripts.
- Final university selection: The matched applicant submits the university’s required documents and may complete another interview.
- Final approval: Successful candidates receive final confirmation after the required JICA and government procedures.
Under the general JFY2027 schedule, university matching and selection will continue into 2027. Final programme results are expected around July or early August 2027.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Submit your application before the Rwanda deadline.
- Ensure that every document is clear and officially certified.
- Use the same names and personal information on all your documents.
- Choose a research topic connected to Rwanda’s development priorities and your professional experience.
- Follow the rules of your selected university regarding the use of generative AI in research plans and application documents.
- Do not submit false information or copied research content.
- Keep copies of all documents submitted with your application.
- Regularly check your email after applying so that you do not miss an interview or document request.
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JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUPFrequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the JICA Rwanda Scholarship?
The complete application file must reach the JICA Rwanda Office no later than 30 September 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
What level of study is supported?
This opportunity supports Master’s degree studies at selected universities in Japan.
Can someone aged 40 apply?
The general programme requirement says applicants must be under 40 years old as of 1 April 2027.
Is an English test required?
Applicants must provide proof of sufficient English proficiency. The general listed levels include TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, CEFR B2 or Duolingo 120–125. A university may set a different requirement.
Where should Rwandan applicants submit their files?
A complete application file should be submitted to the JICA Rwanda Office according to the instructions received with the official application form.
How can I get the application form?
Contact Ms. Nadine UWASE through NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp. The official announcement says the form is available free of charge.
Does the scholarship include an internship?
Yes. The ABE Initiative includes internship opportunities at Japanese public or private organisations. Interested participants may receive up to six months of post-graduation internship.
- Higher Education Council Rwanda public announcement dated 9 September 2026.
- JICA General Information on the Master’s Degree and Internship Programme of the ABE Initiative, JFY2027.
- Higher Education Council Rwanda
- Japan International Cooperation Agency
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