The Embassy of Japan in Haiti has officially announced the opening of applications for the highly anticipated 2027-2028 cohort of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Research Scholarship program, offering life-changing academic opportunities for Haitian scholars seeking advanced study in Japan.
Designed for Haitian students aiming to complete Master’s or Doctoral degrees, or conduct specialized research at accredited Japanese higher education institutions, the scholarship initiative serves as a cornerstone for bilateral academic cooperation. Its core mission is to deepen intellectual and scientific ties between Japan and Haiti, nurture a new generation of highly skilled global professionals, and drive sustainable progress for both nations and the broader international community.
To qualify for the award, candidates must meet a clear set of eligibility criteria. All applicants must hold Haitian nationality, be under 35 years of age (meaning they must have been born on or after April 2, 1992), and hold an undergraduate degree, master’s qualification, or equivalent credential formally recognized by their intended host university in Japan. A strong working proficiency in English is also required, and candidates without prior Japanese language skills are welcome to apply: their coursework and research can be completed entirely in English, with optional opportunities to study Japanese during their time in Japan.
Prospective applicants can access full program details, including the official Application Guidelines and all required submission forms, through the Embassy of Japan in Haiti’s official website. The application deadline for the 2027-2028 intake is June 12, 2026, and completed submissions may be sent via email to culture@ht.mofa.go.jp or delivered in person to the embassy’s offices located on the 2nd floor of the Hexagone Building, at the intersection of Clerveaux and Darguin Streets in Pétion-ville.
The selection process follows a structured, multi-stage timeline. Following the application deadline, a shortlist of qualifying candidates will be compiled and notified in mid-June. Written language assessments in English and Japanese will be administered to shortlisted candidates at the end of June, with in-person interviews held at the Japanese Embassy in early July. Recommended candidates will then begin the process of applying to their selected Japanese universities immediately after interviews, with an August deadline for securing official acceptance letters. Successful scholars are scheduled to begin their academic stays in Japan in either April or September 2027, depending on their program of study.
The embassy has also issued a key administrative note for all applicants: any application document written in French, with the exception of curriculum vitae, passport copies, and official language proficiency certificates, must be accompanied by a certified, accurate translation into either English or Japanese. The embassy does not provide translation services for applicants, so candidates are advised to arrange for this requirement well in advance of the submission deadline.