Universities Canada is currently accepting applications for its Tanaka Fund 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Universities Canada Tanaka Fund
The Tanaka Fund was established in 1974 as the result of an exchange of gifts between the governments of Canada and Japan. Canada offered $1,000,000 to Japan to promote Canadian studies in Japanese universities, while Japan provided 300 million yen for the enhancement of Japanese Studies in Canadian universities. The funds were used to establish the “Japan Foundation Trust Fund for the Promotion of Japanese Studies in Canadian Universities”. Guidelines developed by The Japan Foundation stipulated that the Trust Fund would be administered as an endowment and that the income thereof should be made available for the support and promotion of Japanese Studies at universities and colleges in Canada. Universities Canada has administered the Fund since 1975.
Benefits of Universities Canada Tanaka Fund
Eligible expenses:
- Airfare – roundtrip economy-class airfare; the most direct route from the scholar’s residence.
- Research expenses (please refer to the list of ineligible expenses). • Daily stipend - $150.00 CAD.
Ineligible expenses:
- Indirect costs – expenses that are not essential to carrying out the specific project.
- Materials/equipment that may be used on a permanent/ongoing basis, such as computers, PC supplies, office supplies (e.g., photocopiers, electric appliances), or furniture (e.g., desks, chairs).
- International airfare exceeding the estimated fare for the shortest route from the city of boarding to the destination using economy class.
- Entertainment costs, recreation costs, and costs related to language study or other skills acquisition.
Universities Canada Tanaka Fund Requirements
The 2026 Tanaka Fund competition is open to:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Doctoral or master’s level students who: o Are enrolled in a Canadian university. o Are conducting research related to Japan (comparative research included) with methods in the humanities and social sciences.
- Master’s students who are conducting research towards their master’s thesis.
- Doctoral students who are conducting research towards their dissertation proposal.
- PhD candidates are not eligible for the Tanaka Fund.
- Priority will be given to applicants whose most recent degree was no more than five years ago
Application Date and Process
- All applications must be received by Universities Canada no later than Friday, January 30, 2026.
- Applications must be submitted through the Universities Canada online portal Register an account through the link by clicking on the “Register” button. Once your email has been confirmed and the account password is set up, you will be redirected to the landing page. Here, you can search for the Tanaka Fund and apply.
- No emailed, faxed or hard copy applications will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be 3 submitted to the selection committee.
To be considered complete, an application must include:
- A complete application form (through the online portal).
- Transcripts.
- A complete budget form.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- Two reference forms or equivalent letters of reference.
Application Deadline
30 January, 2026
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Universities Canada Tanaka Fund
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