The African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) for 2027
2026/10/5
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offers eligible Libyan applicants the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at a Japanese university and participate in internships under the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) for 2027.
The programme aims to develop human resources who can contribute to Africa’s economic growth and strengthen business connections between Japan and Africa. It targets applicants with relevant private-sector experience and government personnel involved in industrial policies or fields of interest to Japanese companies.
The programme is conducted in English, with studies expected to begin in September 2027. It includes a one- or two-year master’s course, up to six months as a research student where applicable, and up to six months of post-graduation internship for interested participants.
Please see the attached General Information document for detailed programme guidelines, complete the attached application form, and refer to the attached University Information list when selecting your preferred universities and courses.
The non-exhaustive list of required qualifications is as follows:
Selection Schedule 2026-2027:
Annex 2 must include a research plan of more than 700 words, covering at least three pages, and a career plan of 400-500 words.
Points to Note:
FAQ:
1. Is this the same as the MEXT Scholarship?
No. The ABE Initiative is a separate JICA programme combining master’s studies with internships and professional networking.
2. Is the programme only for government employees?
No. Applicants with relevant private-sector experience may also apply. Different employment and endorsement requirements apply to each category.
3. Do I need to speak Japanese?
The programme language is English. Japanese language training is planned as part of the programme.
4. What expenses are covered?
Under JICA’s applicable rules, support includes university fees, a monthly living allowance of JPY 143,000-148,000, airfare to and from Japan, and other specified allowances. Please consult the attached General Information for full details and excluded expenses.
5. Can I choose any university in Japan?
No. Applicants must choose eligible courses from the attached University Information list and meet the relevant university requirements.
6. Can I bring my family to Japan?
The guidelines state that inviting family members is not recommended during the first six months in Japan. Applicants should clarify the relevant arrangements and costs before making plans.
For further information, please carefully read the attached General Information, application form and University Information list.
Should you have any questions or enquiries, please submit them through the following link:
Enquiry Form
Questions and enquiries sent to the Embassy’s email address will not be answered. Please use eoj.culture.libya@tr.mofa.go.jp only to submit application documents.
The programme aims to develop human resources who can contribute to Africa’s economic growth and strengthen business connections between Japan and Africa. It targets applicants with relevant private-sector experience and government personnel involved in industrial policies or fields of interest to Japanese companies.
The programme is conducted in English, with studies expected to begin in September 2027. It includes a one- or two-year master’s course, up to six months as a research student where applicable, and up to six months of post-graduation internship for interested participants.
Please see the attached General Information document for detailed programme guidelines, complete the attached application form, and refer to the attached University Information list when selecting your preferred universities and courses.
The non-exhaustive list of required qualifications is as follows:
- Those who hold Libyan nationality.
- Those who are under 40 years of age as of 1 April 2027.
- Those who hold a bachelor’s degree, equivalent to at least 16 years of academic education, subject to university requirements.
- Those who have relevant work experience. Government applicants must have more than six months of experience at their current organisation, obtain permission to apply and secure reinstatement upon return. Private-sector applicants must not be employed by a Japanese company when joining the programme in Japan.
- Those who have sufficient English proficiency, equivalent to TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, CEFR B2 or Duolingo 120-125. Individual university requirements may differ.
- Those who have a clear research and career plan relevant to development in Libya and cooperation with Japan.
- Those who are in good health and able to complete the programme in Japan.
Selection Schedule 2026-2027:
- 4 October (Sunday) 2026: Start of the call for applications.
- 19 October (Monday) 2026: Application deadline. Application emails must be received by the Embassy no later than 23:59 on 19 October 2026, Libyan time.
- October 2026 (to be confirmed): Screening of application documents.
- End of October 2026 (to be confirmed): Interview in English. The interview will be held online for applicants who pass the screening of application documents.
- Beginning of November 2026 (to be confirmed): Announcement of interview results.
- December 2026 to January 2027: Pre-matching and screening by Japanese universities.
- Approximately February to July 2027: Formal university applications, entrance examinations and interviews.
- April 2027: Submission of the required JICA Health Certificate and Medical History, according to JICA’s instructions.
- July to early August 2027: Expected notification of final selection results by JICA.
- August to October 2027: Pre-departure arrangements, arrival in Japan and commencement of studies.
- Completed JICA Application Form, including Part A, Part B, Annex 1 and Annex 2, with required signatures and endorsements where applicable.
- Officially certified copy of the graduation or degree certificate.
- Officially certified copy of the academic transcript, showing all university grades.
- Copy of an English language test certificate, subject to applicable requirements.
- Copy of a passport or photographic identity document.
- Two photographs, 4 cm × 3 cm, attached as instructed in the application form.
Annex 2 must include a research plan of more than 700 words, covering at least three pages, and a career plan of 400-500 words.
Points to Note:
- Applicants must send all required documents by email to eoj.culture.libya@tr.mofa.go.jp
- Applications received after 23:59 on 19 October 2026, Libyan time, will not be considered.
- The application form must be completed in English, using a computer. Complete all required yellow cells and write “N/A” where a question does not apply.
- Incomplete applications or applications missing required documents will not be considered.
- Applicants must check the attached University Information list for course requirements, including any requirement to identify or contact a prospective supervisor.
- Applicants proceeding to formal university admission may apply to only one university, even if they receive more than one positive matching result.
- Passing university admission does not guarantee final acceptance. JICA’s notification constitutes the final selection result.
- Selected participants must return to their home country upon completion of the programme.
- Applicants must comply with university policies concerning the use of generative AI in application documents and research plans.
FAQ:
1. Is this the same as the MEXT Scholarship?
No. The ABE Initiative is a separate JICA programme combining master’s studies with internships and professional networking.
2. Is the programme only for government employees?
No. Applicants with relevant private-sector experience may also apply. Different employment and endorsement requirements apply to each category.
3. Do I need to speak Japanese?
The programme language is English. Japanese language training is planned as part of the programme.
4. What expenses are covered?
Under JICA’s applicable rules, support includes university fees, a monthly living allowance of JPY 143,000-148,000, airfare to and from Japan, and other specified allowances. Please consult the attached General Information for full details and excluded expenses.
5. Can I choose any university in Japan?
No. Applicants must choose eligible courses from the attached University Information list and meet the relevant university requirements.
6. Can I bring my family to Japan?
The guidelines state that inviting family members is not recommended during the first six months in Japan. Applicants should clarify the relevant arrangements and costs before making plans.
For further information, please carefully read the attached General Information, application form and University Information list.
Should you have any questions or enquiries, please submit them through the following link:
Enquiry Form
Questions and enquiries sent to the Embassy’s email address will not be answered. Please use eoj.culture.libya@tr.mofa.go.jp only to submit application documents.