Universities Canada Tanaka Fund 2026

🌟 About Universities Canada Tanaka Fund

The Tanaka Fund was established in 1974 as a result of an exchange of gifts between the governments of Canada and Japan. Canada contributed $1,000,000 to Japan to promote Canadian studies in Japanese universities, while Japan provided 300 million yen to enhance 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”. According to guidelines developed by The Japan Foundation, the Trust Fund is administered as an endowment, and its income is used to support and promote Japanese Studies at universities and colleges in Canada. Universities Canada has been administering the Fund since 1975.

🎁 Benefits of Universities Canada Tanaka Fund

Eligible Expenses:

• Airfare: Roundtrip economy-class airfare via the most direct route from the scholar’s residence.
• Research Expenses: As per the guidelines.
• Daily Stipend: $150.00 CAD.

Ineligible Expenses:

• Indirect costs that are not essential to the specific project.
• Materials or equipment for permanent/ongoing use, such as:
  • Computers, PC supplies, office supplies (e.g., photocopiers, electric appliances).
  • Furniture (e.g., desks, chairs).
• International airfare exceeding the estimated fare for the shortest route using economy class.
• Entertainment, recreation, or costs related to language study or other skills acquisition.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 Tanaka Fund competition is open to:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Doctoral or Master’s level students who:
  • Are enrolled in a Canadian university.
  • Are conducting research related to Japan (including comparative research) using methods in the humanities and social sciences.
• Master’s students conducting research towards their master’s thesis.
• Doctoral students conducting research towards their dissertation proposal.

Note:

• PhD candidates are not eligible for the Tanaka Fund.
• Priority will be given to applicants whose most recent degree was obtained no more than five years ago.

📅 Application Date and Process

Application Deadline:

• Friday, January 30, 2026

Application Process:

1. Applications must be submitted through the Universities Canada online portal.
   • Register an account by clicking on the “Register” button.
   • Confirm your email and set up a password.
   • Search for the Tanaka Fund and apply.
2. Emailed, faxed, or hard copy applications will not be considered.
3. Incomplete applications will not be submitted to the selection committee.

Required Documents:

To be considered complete, an application must include:

• A complete application form (submitted through the online portal).
• Transcripts.
• A complete budget form.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Two reference forms or equivalent letters of reference.

🔗 Scholarship Application Portal

• View the detailed program guidelines for the Universities Canada Tanaka Fund here.
• Apply for the Universities Canada Tanaka Fund here.

📌 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

• 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.