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 2026 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

09 January 2026

Eligibility Criteria

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 average of 80% in previous qualifications.
    • Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree or NQF Level 7 qualification with a minimum 80% average.
    • PhD applicants: Master’s degree with a minimum 80% average.
  • Be available to commence studies in Japan from October 2026.
  • 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.
  • Be proficient in English.

Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants.

Fields of Study

Graduate School of Science

Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences

Scholarship Benefits

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.

How to Apply

Applicants must:

  • Complete the DHET Scholarship Application Form.
  • Submit the completed form and all supporting documents via email to:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Nomination 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.

Stage 5: Final evaluation and admission decision by the university. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. Unfortunately, individual feedback cannot be provided.

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June 2026. All scholarship recipients must attend a pre-departure orientation in Tshwane. Orientation is meant to assist successful candidates with preparation for departure and provide necessary information.  

Supporting Documents 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 2026)

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) Honours certificate and transcripts (if applicable)
e) Research proposal
f) Publication abstract(s) (if applicable)
g) Letter of recommendation from the President, Dean, or Academic Advisor at thecurrent or most recently attended university.
h) Nomination letter from a government department, agency, employer, or institution (if applicable)
i) Proof of English language proficiency
j) Medical certificate (in prescribed format, completed by a registered medical practitioner)

Contact Information

All queries should be forwarded to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For any inquiries regarding specific academic programmes, applicants are kindly advised to consult the individual programme websites provided.

Documents and links

DHET Scholarship Application Form

Health Certificate

Research Proposal Form

Recommendation Nomination Form

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