The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is inviting South African citizens to apply for the 2026 Japanese Government Scholarship Programme.
The scholarship is offered to international applicants wishing to study at Japanese universities as Research Students (Teacher Training Programme). The aim of the scholarship is to foster human resources who will serve as bridges of friendship between South Africa and Japan, and who will contribute to the development of both countries and the wider global community through study in Japan.
For more information, please visit Study in Japan Website
Degree level
Graduate School Level (Research / Teacher Training)
Deadline
30 January 2026
Applications must arrive at the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria before 16:00.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be South African in good health;
- Be under 35 years of age (born on or after 2 April 1991)
- Be university graduates or graduates of teacher training colleges, and have at least five (5) years of teaching experience at primary or secondary educational institutions or teacher training schools (excluding universities) in South Africa as at 1 October 2026;
- Be willing to learn the Japanese language and demonstrate an interest in Japan, including a willingness to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society;
- Submit a Certificate of Health (in the prescribed format) signed by a qualified medical doctor, confirming that the applicant has no physical or mental conditions that would hinder study in Japan;
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct research and adapt to living in Japan.
Fields of study
Study and training are limited to the university courses listed in the Course Guide of the Teacher Training Programme. Applicants are required to:
- Carefully review the Course Guide;
- Confirm the teaching field and the required Japanese or English language proficiency; and
- Complete the Placement Preference Application Form accordingly.
What the scholarship offers
- Monthly allowance;
- Education fees, including entrance examination, matriculation, and tuition fees (fully covered);
- Round-trip airfare between South Africa and Japan.
Application process
Completed applications must be couriered or hand-delivered to:
Cultural Section
Embassy of Japan in South Africa
259 Baines Street
Groenkloof
Pretoria, 0181
Contact
For further information about this scholarship please contact Mr. Ryan Keet by email at
Documents and links
Application Guidelines for Teacher Training Students
Course Guide of Teacher Training Programme (MEXT Site）
Placement Preference Application Form for FY2026
Certificate of Health must be filled in by a professional medical doctor.
Recommendation Letter Sample: This is a sample. Any form/style of letter is to be accepted.
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. 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.
