JAPAN: The DHET Japan Scholarship programme Tokyo Metropolitan University 2027
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY COMING SOON!
📢 The Call for Applications opens in November 2026!
Content on this website is subject to change and will be finalized in early November 2026. Please check back
later for updates.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is offering scholarships to South African students to study for their Master’s and PhD in selected fields at Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan starting in the October 2027 academic year.
This fully funded scholarship programme will cover travel, tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend and a full suite of student support services. The Department is responsible for nominations and awards of the scholarship programme.
Application Deadline
Closing: 08 January 2027
Who should apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
•       Be a South African citizen in good health (successful applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination).
•       Have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale in previous qualifications, as calculated using the GPA calculator provided below.
◦       Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree or NQF Level 7 qualification with a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale.
◦       PhD applicants: Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.30 on a 3.00 scale.
•       Be available to commence studies in Japan from October 2027.
•       Demonstrate an interest in Japan and a commitment to the development of South Africa.
•       Possess good moral character and comply with Japanese laws and university regulations.
•       Meet the minimum academic requirements for the chosen programme at TMU. Please also refer to each graduate school’s website for further details on its requirements.
•       Be proficient in English.
Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants.
Fields of studyÂ
Graduate School of Science [Further admission information will be posted on this website once available.]
•       Biological Sciences (PhD only)
Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences [Further admission information will be posted on this website once available.]
•       Geography (Master’s & PhD)
•       Civil and Environmental Engineering (Master’s & PhD)
•       Applied Chemistry for the Environment (Master’s & PhD)
•       Tourism Science (Master’s & PhD)
What does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides support for the standard duration of study:
•       Master’s Degree: 2 years
•       PhD: 3 years
Covered benefits include:
•       Full tuition fees
•       One round-trip economy airfare (departure and return after completion)
•       One mid-term return economy airfare
•       Monthly stipend (covering living expenses, accommodation, and local transport)
•       Once-off settlement allowance
•       Health and medical insurance
•       Visa costs
•       Pre-departure compulsory orientation programme
•       Psychosocial support services
Successful candidates will sign a scholarship contract, adhere to programme regulations, and return to South Africa upon completion of their studies.
Application Process
Applicants must:
•       Complete the DHET Scholarship Application Form.
•       Submit the completed form and all supporting documents via email to:Â
Supporting Document Checklist
(All documents must be in PDF format and clearly named)
a) Copy of South African ID
b) Copy of valid passport (required by April 2027 )
For Master’s Applicants:
•       Bachelor’s degree or NQF Level 7 qualification / Certificate of Degree Candidacy
For PhD Applicants:
•       Master’s degree or NQF Level 9 qualification / Certificate of Degree Candidacy
c) Academic transcripts for all years of tertiary study
d) GPA Calculator
e)Â Honours certificate and transcripts (if applicable)
f) Research proposal
g) Publication abstract(s) (if applicable)
h) Letter of recommendation from the President, Dean, or Academic Advisor at the current or most recently attended university.
i) Nomination letter from a government department, agency, employer, or institution (if applicable)
j) Proof of English language proficiency
k) Medical certificate (in prescribed format, completed by a registered medical practitioner)
l) Application Completion Checklist
Nomination/Selection Process
Stage 1: All applications will be screened based on the minimum requirements for eligibility for the scholarship.
Stage 2: Applications will be ranked according to academic performance and a limited number of applications will move forward to Stage three.
Stage 3: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to online or in-person interviews and may be required to complete an additional questionnaire.
Stage 4: Final selection and nomination by DHET. Nominated applicants will be required to submit additional documents to TMU within a stipulated timeframe. Please refer to each graduate school’s website for further details.
Stage 5: Final evaluation and admission decision by the university. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. Unfortunately, individual feedback cannot be provided. Any clarification, additional information, or supporting documents requested by DHET or the University must be provided within one week.
Successful applicants will be notified in due course. All scholarship recipients must attend a pre-departure orientation as will be communicated by DHET. Orientation is meant to assist successful candidates with preparation for departure and provide necessary information.
Contact
All queries should be forwarded to
Documents and Links
DHET Scholarship Application Form [To be available early November 2026]
Medical Certificate Form [To be available early November 2026]
Research Proposal Form [To be available early November 2026]
Recommendation Nomination Form [To be available early November 2026]
Application Completion Checklist [To be available early November 2026]
Note
Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.