Embassy of Japan Announces Scholarship Opportunity for Kenyan Students

The Embassy of Japan in Kenya has formally launched the call for applications for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for the year 2027, encouraging Kenyan candidates to apply within various study disciplines from undergraduate to postgraduate programs.

In a formal statement, the embassy confirmed the application window and emphasized strict adherence to submission timelines.

“We are happy to announce that the 2027 MEXT Scholarship for Kenyan nationals is now open! All applications must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in Kenya no later than 4:30 pm on Tuesday, 19th May 2026,” the mission stated.

The scholarship, administered under Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers comprehensive support including tuition, airfare, and living stipends.

According to the announcement, “under the scholarship, tuition fees, air fares and an adequate living allowance will be paid by the Japanese Government,” the Embassy stated.

Various Study Programmes and Application Requirements

The study programmes are classified into various categories that include Undergraduate, College of Technology, Specialized Training College, and Research Students (Master’s/PhD levels).

The eligibility criteria vary depending on the level of education and age requirements.

Undergraduates are supposed to qualify based on their age and academic performance.

According to the application guidelines, candidates should be Kenyan nationals born on or after April 2, 2002, and must be 18 years old.

In addition, candidates must attain “a KSCE mean grade of ‘A plain’ and grades ‘A plain’ in at least four subjects” including Mathematics and have “A minus in English and Kiswahili.”

The College of Technology requires students to satisfy various conditions.

Candidates must possess “a minimum KSCE mean grade of ‘A minus’” with excellent academic performances in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry and have “B plus in English.”

On the other hand, applicants applying for Specialized Training Colleges must obtain “a KSCE mean grade of ‘B plain’” with at least “B plus in Mathematics and B plain in English.”

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Postgraduate Options for Research Students

In the case of postgraduate students applying under the Research Students section, the scholarship is meant for students enrolled in the master’s or doctorate levels at Japanese universities.

As per the clarification by the embassy, “These are scholarships to study for master’s or PhD at Japanese graduate institutions.”

The scholarship provides an avenue for conducting advanced studies and research.

Applicants in this category have to fulfill certain criteria, including being a citizen of Kenya who was born after April 2, 1992, and having exceptional academic achievements.

For example, applicants have to hold “a bachelor’s degree (second class, upper division) for Master’s or a master’s degree with a completed thesis for PhD.”

Moreover, the embassy noted that interested candidates will need to commence their studies in Japan in 2027.

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Application Process and Seminar Information

Prospective candidates are advised to follow the rules and make submissions as instructed by the embassy.

The application forms and past examination papers can be accessed via web portals recommended by the embassy, as they informed that, “prospective applicants should read the details carefully and download the application forms.”

As a means of assisting applicants, the embassy has arranged to conduct seminars to help prospective candidates understand the application process.

Based on the notice issued, these seminars will take place in April and May 2026 at the embassy located in Nairobi.

Specifically, there will be two sessions, which are set from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, respectively.

Furthermore, it was noted that all submissions should “be made before the deadline of 19th May 2026 at 4:30 pm,” and it is recommended that candidates “apply way before the deadline.”

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A photo collage showing 2027 Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Details and Requirements. PHOTO/ Japan embassy in Kenya.