Overview

The Higher Education Council (HEC) has announced that, through bilateral cooperation between the Government of Rwanda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), JICA has offered the Government of Rwanda scholarship opportunities under the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative).

This is a fully funded master's scholarship that allows Rwandan graduates to pursue a Master's degree at a Japanese university, followed by an internship at a Japanese company. The programme is designed to build a network of professionals who understand both African markets and Japanese business culture, and who can act as a bridge between the two.

The scholarship is open in the following fields:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Agriculture

• Energy

• Transport

• Education

• Water and Sanitation

• Disaster Risk Management

• Health

If you are a Rwandan graduate searching for scholarships for Rwandans to study abroad, this is one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships available. It covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and more, and it includes a paid internship with a Japanese company.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The ABE Initiative is not just another scholarship. It is a structured career development programme that combines academic study, cultural immersion, and professional experience in one of the world's leading economies.

What makes it valuable:

• Full financial coverage. JICA covers tuition fees, examination fees, entrance fees, and course fees. You also receive a monthly living allowance of approximately JPY 143,000–148,000, round-trip airfare, an outfit allowance of JPY 100,000, a moving allowance, research support expenses, and medical care after arrival in Japan.

• Internship with a Japanese company. The programme includes an internship of up to 6 months at a Japanese enterprise. This is a core part of the experience, designed to connect you directly with Japanese firms that may want to invest in or trade with Rwanda.

• Career and leadership growth. The ABE Initiative aims to support young Africans who want to contribute to the development of industries in Africa. Graduates return with technical expertise, international exposure, and a professional network that spans Japan and Africa.

• Study opportunities in high-priority fields. The fields covered align with Rwanda's development priorities, including ICT, agriculture, energy, transport, education, water and sanitation, disaster risk management, and health.

• Cultural and language skills. Participants take part in a "Business Programme" including Japanese language lessons, business skill seminars, and networking events with Japanese companies during their stay in Japan.

This is a fully funded scholarship for Rwandans that can transform your career and position you as a leader in your field.

Application Tips

Competition for the ABE Initiative is strong across all 54 African countries. To give yourself the best chance, treat this application as seriously as a job application.

• Start preparing your research plan early. The ABE Initiative requires a clear research topic that contributes to Rwanda's industrial development and aligns with government policies. Your research plan should connect your academic background, professional experience, and Rwanda's development priorities.

• Get your documents certified. You will need officially certified copies of your degree certificate and academic transcript, written in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Start this process now because certification can take time.

• Take English proficiency seriously. You will need proof of English proficiency. The stated benchmarks are TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, CEFR B2, or Duolingo 120–125. If you have not taken a test yet, register soon.

• Prepare a career plan after graduation. The application requires a "Career Plan after Graduation". This is your opportunity to show how you will apply your Japanese education to contribute to Rwanda's development. Be specific about the sector, the skills you will bring back, and the impact you intend to create.

• Secure employer nomination if applicable. The ABE Initiative is aimed at people already active in their field, whether in the private sector, government roles tied to industrial policy, or as educators. You normally need to be nominated to JICA by your organisation or employer. If you are employed, start conversations with your supervisor early.

• Get your application form from the right source. The application form is available free of charge from Ms. Nadine UWASE at JICA Rwanda. Contact her by email at NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp to obtain the form and clarify any questions.

• Submit a complete application file. The application file should be submitted to the JICA Rwanda Office no later than 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. Incomplete or late applications are not considered.

• Apply early. Do not wait until the final week. The application form is detailed, and you may need time to gather certified documents, write your research plan, and secure any required approvals.

Responsibilities

The ABE Initiative is structured as a multi-year programme. Understanding the timeline helps you plan.

• Research student period (if necessary): Approximately 6 months preparing for admission as a regular master's student. Scholarships are provided at the same amount as for regular students during this period.

• Master's programme: 2 years at a Japanese university, taught in English.

• Internship: Up to 6 months at a Japanese enterprise after or during the programme.

• Business Programme: Japanese language lessons, business skill seminars, and networking events with Japanese companies.

The full programme typically runs for about three years, combining a non-degree research student period, a two-year master's degree, and a company internship.

Requirements

Nationality

• You must be a citizen of Rwanda (an African country eligible for Japan's Official Development Assistance).

Age

• You must be under 40 years of age as of 1 April of the year you arrive in Japan.

Education

• You must hold a Bachelor's degree, equivalent to at least 16 years of academic background.

Experience

• At least 6 months of work experience is required.

• You must be active in your field, whether in the private sector, in government roles tied to industrial policy, or as an educator.

Health

• You must be in good health condition, both physically and mentally, to complete the programme.

Language

• Sufficient English proficiency is required. The stated benchmarks are TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, CEFR B2, or Duolingo 120–125.

Other Conditions

• You must not receive or plan to receive a scholarship offered by another organisation.

• You must be willing to participate in the Business Programme during your stay in Japan.

• If employed, you must obtain permission for application and secure reinstatement from your current organisation.

• Women are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

1. Obtain the application form. Contact Ms. Nadine UWASE at JICA Rwanda by email: NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp. The application form is free of charge.

2. Prepare your application documents. A complete application file typically includes:

   • JICA Application Form (Parts A and B, plus Annex 1 and Annex 2)

   • Certified copies of your degree certificate and academic transcript (in English or with official English translation)

   • Career Plan after Graduation

   • Research Plan

   • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, or Duolingo)

   • Copy of your passport or national ID

   • Colour photographs (3cm × 4cm)

   • Doctor's certificate

3. Write a strong research plan. Your proposed research topic should contribute to Rwanda's government policies and sustainable development. Examples include public policy, finance, public financial management, international trade and investment, disaster risk reduction, and related areas.

4. Secure employer nomination if applicable. If you are employed, obtain permission and secure reinstatement from your current organisation.

5. Submit your complete application file to the JICA Rwanda Office.

6. Meet the deadline. Applications must be received no later than 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.

7. For any clarification, contact Ms. Nadine UWASE by email at NadineUWASE-RW@jica.go.jp.