JICA–Rwanda Government Scholarships 2026/2027: Master’s Degree and Internship Program in Japan
The Higher Education Council (HEC) has announced the JICA–Rwanda Government Scholarships for Rwandan students under the Master’s Degree and Internship Program of the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative).
Through bilateral cooperation between the Government of Rwanda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the scholarship provides an opportunity for eligible Rwandan candidates to pursue postgraduate studies and, where applicable, internship opportunities in Japan. The public announcement was issued by HEC on 9 September 2026.
JICA Scholarship Rwanda 2026/2027 – Overview
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | JICA–Rwanda Government Scholarship |
| Program | Master’s Degree and Internship Program |
| Initiative | African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) |
| Study Country | Japan |
| Eligible Applicants | Rwandan citizens |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Language | English |
| Approximate Participants | 95 participants |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Application Office | JICA Rwanda Office |
| Announcement Authority | Higher Education Council (HEC) |
The HEC public announcement states that a complete application file must be submitted to the JICA Rwanda Office no later than 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Fields of Study
The scholarship is available for Master’s degree studies in the following fields:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Transport
- Education
- Water and Sanitation
- Disaster Risk Management
- Health
These fields are specifically listed in the HEC public announcement.
About the ABE Initiative
The detailed JICA program document describes the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) as a program designed to develop human resources and strengthen connections between Africa and Japan.
The program provides opportunities for participants from African countries to study at Japanese universities and, for selected participants, participate in internships at Japanese private companies. The program is implemented under JICA’s Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP).
Study Duration
According to the JICA program information, the program is scheduled from September 2027 to August 2030, depending on the applicable study arrangement.
The stated maximum periods include:
- 6 months for a research student, where applicable.
- 1 or 2 years for a Master’s student.
- Up to 6 months of post-graduate internship for interested participants.
The program information indicates that the language used in the program is English.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are required to satisfy the eligibility conditions specified by JICA.
Nationality
The applicant must be a citizen of an eligible African country for Japan’s ODA program. The Rwanda public announcement specifically presents this opportunity to Rwandan applicants.
Age
The applicant must be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2027.
Educational Background
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent appropriate for admission to a Master’s program.
Health
Applicants must be in good health and able to participate in the program.
Professional Experience
The detailed JICA guidelines specify experience requirements depending on the applicant category, including requirements applicable to candidates applying from the private sector or government-related categories.
English Proficiency
Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency for admission and study. The JICA document lists accepted English-language qualifications including:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- CEFR
- Duolingo
The required level may vary depending on the university and program.
Who Can Benefit From the Program?
The program information identifies categories including applicants from the private sector and government-related fields, with particular emphasis on candidates whose studies and professional activities can contribute to development and stronger cooperation between Africa and Japan.
Applicants should carefully check the detailed JICA eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
Application Documents
The JICA guidelines require applicants to prepare application documents, including documents such as:
- JICA Application Form
- Graduation certificate/degree certificate
- Official academic transcripts
- English translations where applicable
- English proficiency certificate, where required
- Passport or ID copy with photograph
- Passport-size photographs
- Other documents required by the applicant’s preferred university
The JICA guidelines also indicate that applicants must submit documents required by their preferred universities.
Selection Process
The detailed program document describes a multi-stage selection process.
1. First Selection – Document Screening
The JICA office in the applicant’s country reviews the submitted application documents and checks the applicant’s qualifications and suitability.
2. Second Selection – Interview
Applicants who pass the first stage proceed to an interview conducted by JICA.
3. Third Selection – Pre-Matching
Applicants proceed to the university matching process, where their research plan and preferred universities are considered.
4. Fourth Selection – Final Selection
The final selection involves university application procedures and interviews, followed by the final decision on successful candidates.
The detailed JICA schedule indicates that selection activities extend beyond the initial application deadline, with university-related selection taking place during subsequent months.
What Does JICA Cover?
The JICA program document provides allowances and expenses associated with the program. These include:
Tuition and Examination Fees
JICA covers applicable tuition and examination fees according to the program arrangements.
Living Allowance
The document lists a monthly living allowance of approximately:
JPY 143,000–148,000 per month
Airfare
Airfare is provided according to the applicable JICA arrangements, including travel to Japan and return travel under the stated conditions.
Outfit Allowance
An outfit allowance of approximately:
JPY 100,000
is listed in the program information.
Moving Allowance
The document lists approximately:
JPY 164,000–224,000
for the applicable moving allowance.
Research Support Expenses
Research support expenses of approximately:
JPY 360,000 per year
are listed for eligible research activities, subject to the program’s conditions.
These amounts and payments are subject to the JICA program rules and conditions outlined in the official guidelines.
Important Expenses Not Covered by JICA
The program document also specifies expenses that are not covered by JICA. These include certain costs such as:
- Passport fees
- Visa fees and related expenses
- Transportation and transit expenses outside the specified arrangements
- Domestic travel expenses in the applicant’s home country
- Departure tax
- Airport facility charges outside Japan
- Excess baggage
- Accommodation expenses in certain circumstances
- Transportation expenses other than those specified by the program
- Certain medical expenses
Applicants should therefore carefully review the official JICA guidelines before making travel or financial arrangements.
How to Apply
The HEC public announcement instructs interested applicants to submit a complete application file to the JICA Rwanda Office.
The application deadline is:
30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
For clarification or to obtain the application form free of charge, applicants are instructed to contact Ms. Nadine UWASE at:
Email: NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp
Important Application Advice
Applicants should:
- Obtain and carefully complete the official JICA application form.
- Prepare all required academic and identification documents.
- Check the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare an appropriate research plan.
- Check the admission requirements of the preferred Japanese universities.
- Ensure that the application file is complete before submission.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline.
The detailed JICA guidelines emphasize that applicants should follow both JICA’s procedures and the requirements of their preferred universities.
Contact Information
Higher Education Council (HEC)
Website: www.hec.gov.rw
Email: info@hec.gov.rw
Call Centre: 0786823101
JICA Rwanda
Contact Person: Ms. Nadine UWASE
Email: NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp
For further information and clarification regarding the application form, applicants are directed to the JICA Rwanda contact provided in the HEC announcement.
Application Deadline
30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important: Applicants should submit their complete application files before the deadline and carefully follow the official JICA application requirements.
Itangazo ku Bifuza Kwiga mu Ishuri Rikuru rya Polisi Rwanda – Apply by 26 September 2026
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