Japan–Ukraine grants and scholarships 2026: MEXT, Matsumae, Kusanone and more

Since February 2022, Japan has provided Ukraine with over $10.7 billion – more than any other Asian country. Most of this support flows through government-to-government channels and multilateral organisations. But there are programmes where Ukrainians can apply directly. This guide “Japan–Ukraine grants” covers four categories of Japanese programmes for Ukrainians: government scholarships for students and researchers, postdoctoral fellowships, cultural exchange support, and grants for civil society and cultural organisations.

Most programmes are administered through the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine (Kyiv). The nearest active cycle is MEXT 2027, with applications expected June–July 2026.

1. MEXT Scholarship 2027 (Japan–Ukraine grants)

Japanese Government | Students and researchers | Study in Japan

MEXT (Monbukagakusho) is Japan’s flagship government scholarship for international students and researchers. It covers the full cost of study: tuition, monthly stipend (approximately ¥143,000–¥145,000 depending on level), round-trip airfare, and accommodation.

For Ukrainian applicants, two tracks are available under this programme:

Research Students (Researcher/Postgraduate track)

For those who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and wish to conduct research or pursue a master’s or PhD programme at a Japanese university. Age requirement: born after 2 April 1991 for the 2027 cycle. Japanese language proficiency is not required at the application stage.

Undergraduate Students

For school leavers or current first-year university students who want to complete a full bachelor’s degree in Japan. Duration: 4–5 years including an intensive Japanese language course. Any field of study is eligible.

2. Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2027 (Japan–Ukraine grants)

Private Foundation | Postdoctoral researchers | Research visit to Japan, 3–6 months

The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is a Japanese private foundation that supports postdoctoral research visits to Japan. Each year it selects approximately 20 researchers from around the world, covering travel costs and partial research expenses. Priority goes to natural and applied sciences, but social sciences and humanities are considered where relevant.

Applications open 1 June 2026 and close 30 June 2026. The research visit takes place from April 2027 for 3–6 months at a Japanese university or research institute. Applicants must secure a host institution in Japan before applying.

3. Japan Foundation: cultural exchange programmes 2026 (Japan–Ukraine grants)

Japan Foundation | Cultural organisations, publishers, Japan studies researchers | Exchange Japan–Ukraine

The Japan Foundation opens several grant and fellowship programmes annually for overseas organisations and specialists. The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine actively promotes these opportunities and is the official channel for Ukrainian applicants.

Support Program for Translation and Publication

For Ukrainian publishers planning to translate and publish Japanese literature or non-fiction. The programme covers part of the translation and printing costs. Any publication language is accepted. The applicant must be a registered publishing entity.

Grant Program for Dispatching Artists and Cultural Specialists

For Ukrainian cultural organisations wishing to invite a Japanese artist, musician, director, or cultural specialist for a performance, lecture, workshop, or residency. The programme covers part of the transport and organisational costs.

Japanese Studies Fellowship

For researchers and academics working in Japanese studies: language, culture, society, history. Provides a research stay in Japan ranging from several months to one year.

4. Kusanone: Japanese grants for organisations in Ukraine

Government of Japan / JICA | NGOs, medical facilities, educational institutions | Development projects in Ukraine

Kusanone (Grassroots Human Security Projects) is Japan’s grant aid programme for local organisations in developing or crisis-affected countries. Ukraine has been a priority country since 2022.

Grants target small and medium-sized projects in healthcare, education, social support, human security, and community development. The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine regularly transfers equipment and materials to grant recipients – one recent example was the National Opera of Ukraine.

The programme runs on annual cycles. The current cycle for 2027 projects closed on 28 February 2026. The next cycle (for 2028 projects) is expected to open around autumn 2026. To receive timely notification, monitor the Embassy’s website or send a preliminary inquiry to the culture department.

5. For researchers: additional opportunities via Japanese partners

Private foundations | Researchers | Japanese research partnerships

Several Japanese private foundations have research grant cycles open through June 2026. One important technical condition: all require that the principal applicant be affiliated with a Japanese institution or hold Japanese nationality or permanent residency.

This applies in particular to the Sumitomo Foundation (Basic Science Research and Environmental Research Grants, deadline 30 June 2026, up to ¥5–10 million per project).

The practical route for Ukrainian researchers: find a Japanese colleague or university department willing to serve as principal applicant, with you participating as a named collaborator. The program explicitly allows collaborator roles and does not require Japanese affiliation. This suits researchers who already have connections in Japan or plan to build them through conferences or platforms such as JSPS International Programs.

Contact for Sumitomo Environmental: environment@sumitomo.or.jp | Basic Science: basic.science@mail.sumitomo.or.jp

Summary table: Japan–Ukraine grants 2026