Based on the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Canon Foundation in Europe (CFE) and Kyoto University (KU), the Canon Foundation-Kyoto University Japan-Africa Exchange Program started in 2018. The program offers fellowships to highly qualified researchers in fields of research related to African Studies. The program is intended to support 1) fellows from KU who want to do research in Africa, and 2) for scholars from Kyoto University’s partner institutes in Africa who want to do research in Kyoto. The fellowships are for a minimum period of three months up to maximum of one year between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
Kyoto University Information
Established in 1897, Kyoto University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Kyoto (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, Kyoto University is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Kyoto University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 122 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this Japanese higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants need to be holding at least an MA degree and employed either at KU or KU’s partner institutions as post-doctoral fellows or faculty members at the time of applying.
- In addition, as long as African applicants can submit one of the two reference letters received from their prospective host from Kyoto University and prove their existing partnerships, they are eligible to apply for the program.
For a complete list of KU’s partner institutions, please visit its Global Engagement Website at http://www.oc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/agreement/en/.
Offered Benefits
Stipend and Travel Expenses
The financial support for successful applicants ranges from 22,500 Euro to 27,500 Euro per year and is pro-rated for different periods. CFE will directly administer the payments and notify the detailed payment procedure to each successful applicant.
Application Process
For any questions concerning the application, please email Kyoto University Africa Unit at
Required Documents:
Please submit the following documents to Kyoto University Africa Unit ( ):
- Your research plan including a clear title at the top of the page as well as starting/ending dates of the proposed research. The research plan needs to include a general cost estimate, including living, travel, research costs, insurance, and etc. (maximum 2 pages)
- 2 reference letters (maximum 1 page each) from 2 persons. One letter should be from someone in a position to comment on your academic qualifications and professional work while the other should be a confirmation letter from your prospective host who can provide research or work facilities to you during the proposed period.
- Your Curriculum Vitae
- 1 copy of your doctoral certificate or your highest academic degree
- 1 passport size photograph of yourself
- 1 list of your academic publications or professional achievements in chronological order containing information on all authors, place and year of publication and page references.
Established in 1897, Kyoto University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Kyoto (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, Kyoto University is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Kyoto University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 122 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this Japanese higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.