The call for application for ABE Initiative Scholarship programme 2026 intake is now open.
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is inviting suitable candidates to apply for the 13th Intake of the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) scholarships for 2026 academic year. The ABE Initiative aims to support young generation who want to contribute to the development of industries in Africa and bridge the gap between Africa and Japan through deep understanding of Japanese society and business culture.
The programme is open to eligible public and private sector candidates and offers an opportunity to study a Master’s degree at a Japanese university and to undertake an internship programme at a Japanese enterprise.
Degree level
The programme offers a unique opportunity for African youth to
- Study for master’s degree at a university in Japan, and
- Conduct an internship (up to 6 months) at Japanese firms in Japan.
Deadlines
08 October 2025
Who can apply?
- Citizens of South Africa;
- Candidates who belongs to the Priority Sector and Targeted organizations;
- Candidates with study topic which can contribute to the industrial development of South Africa will be
prioritized; - From private sector:
- must have an experience in economic activities in the local private sectors and wish to contribute to Africa’s development through cultivating strong network with Japanese companies;
- candidates with work experience and not to be employed by Japanese companies at the time of joining the programme (arriving in Japan);
- From public sector:
- Those who take part in formulation and/or implementation of industrial policies and wish to contribute to Africa’s development through government activities;
- have more than 6 months working experience at their current organizations, must obtain permission for application and secure reinstatement from their current organizations;
- Between 22 and 39 years old as of April 1st, 2026, as a guide;
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree (B-Tech included) NQF7 equivalent or above;
- Must be proficient in English (university may require proof of proficiency);
- Must have at least 6 months work experience;
- Must be in good health condition, both physically and mentally, to complete the programme;
- Must participate in “Business Programme” such as Japanese language lesson, Business Skill Seminar, Networking event with Japanese Companies etc., conducted by JICA during the stay in Japan;
- Must contribute to networking with Japanese companies;
- Must not receive or plan to receive a scholarship offered by other organizations, and
- Must attend additional activities on the weekends once or twice per year in unavoidable circumstances;
- If accepted to the programme, cooperate in answering questionnaires regarding the participant’s current status, while participating and after completing the programme, which will be sent out periodically;
- Women are encouraged to apply for the programme.
Refer to the General Information document below for comprehensive details on eligibility.
Fields of Study
Candidates with study topics that can contribute to the industrial development of South Africa will be prioritised.
Candidates with key field of study in the following areas will be prioritised.
- Engineering;
- Science;
- Technology;
- Agriculture;
- Environment;
- Energy;
- Marine Science;
- Health;
- Mining;
- Rural Development;
- Public Policy and
- Education.
The study topics besides the above key fields of study can be considered according to the research theme, but the MBA study will not be prioritized for the South African candidates.
The 13th Batch ABE Initiative programme starts in September 2026 and includes 2-year Master’s programme and an internship of 2 weeks up to 6 months.
Participants are required to return to South Africa upon completion of the programme.
What the scholarship offers
- Tuition examination fees, entrance fees, and course fees;
- Monthly allowance;
- Return Airfare;
- Orientation: basic Japanese language course and introductory course for Japanese life;
- Outfit allowance;
- Moving/preparation allowance;
- Research support expenses;
- Medical care.
The participants are not permitted to work while they are in Japan.
Participants should take care of all expenses and necessary procedures in Japan on their own. It is strongly recommended that families be invited only after six months upon arrival in Japan. JICA does not provide any support or additional financial assistance except issuing necessary documents for the process.
JICA will NOT bear costs other than the allowances described above. JICA is not responsible for the following expenses:
- Passport fees (for re-issuance and extensions, etc.)
- Visa fees of a transit country and transportation expenses to obtain Visa
- Transportation expenses to obtain Japanese Visa
- Domestic travel expenses in the home country
- Departure tax
- Airport tax/airport facility charges outside of Japan, including third countries
- Customs duty
- Excess baggage charges
- Compensation for lost and/or damaged baggage
- “no show charge” to the transit airport hotel (non-refundable)
- Lost - ticket fee
- Accommodation fee for day-use hotel in return flight
- Transportation expenses other than official programmes
- Telephone bill or mini-bar tab at accommodation
- Medical costs related to pre-existing illness, pregnancy, and dental treatment
- Medical cost related to the same illness over 180 days
- “National Health Insurance” fee
- Any costs incurred during the selection procedures including travel expenses, documents preparation (photos, official notification etc.).
Application process
To apply for the ABE Initiative Programme, kindly submit the application documents to the DHET via email at
Applicants should submit the following document packages for ABE Initiative Scholarship Program
- ABE Initiative Application form in excel file format together with other sheets of the document. Excel file must be labelled with applicant’s names.
- ABE Initiative Application form in PDF format with photo, signed by applicant and endorsed by employer with Annexes 1,2&3
- Certified copy of university degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Copy of Passport or National ID
- Form of enquiry to university if needed
- Certificate of English proficiency if available
Applications must be typewritten and all the yellow parts on application form completed. N/A should be used where it is not applicable and not be left incomplete.
Please read the ALL documents carefully to ensure that you meet all the requirements and that you submit all the relevant documentation.
Contact
For further enquiries, please contact Ms. Eva Nderumaki at JICA South Africa Office
Documents and links
ABE Initiative: General Information on Master’s Degree and Internship Programme
2026 Application Form of ABE Initiative
ABE Initiative: University Information
Annex 2 (Research Plan and Career Plan)
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.
