The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a capacity-building initiative by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan aimed at enhancing human resources in Africa. Aligned with the Bank’s High 5 strategic priorities—Feed Africa, Light up and Power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve quality of life—the program supports key Japanese development goals.
JADS provides high-achieving African students with a two-year scholarship for master’s level studies in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. Open to applicants from African Development Bank member countries, candidates should possess relevant educational and professional experience and demonstrate commitment to their countries’ development. Scholars are expected to return home upon graduation and contribute to national and continental socio-economic progress using their new skills and knowledge.
About African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Established to promote economic and social development efforts on the continent, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB) which is the parent institution, created following an agreement signed by 23 founding member states on August 14, 1963 in Khartoum, Sudan. This became effective on September 10, 1964.
Japan Scholarship Program 2025
The African Development Bank Group is offering scholarships to African students who wish to pursue their master’s degrees in Japan.
Why You Should Apply Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
- Tuition fee coverage for the duration of the study program (24 months).
- Monthly living stipend for the duration of the study program (24 months).
- Air travel from the home country to the host university at the start of the study program and back home at the end of the scholarship period.
- Health insurance, usually obtained through the university.
- Additional six (6) months for advance preparatory study or internships after graduation.
- For scholars engaged in research, a special grant may be available for research and thesis preparation.
- In special circumstances, computer literacy, preparatory language and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements for Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
- environmental sustainability, engineering studies or related areas; and have excellent academic records and relevant professional experience, and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts.
- Applicants should have at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or in other African countries after receiving their Bachelors (or equivalent university) degree within the past 3 years.
- Candidates should be 35 years old or younger, and in good health.
- Candidates should gain admission to an approved master’s degree course at a Japanese or African partner university – application for admission to be done directly through the partner universities (Refer to list of universities and approved courses).
- Candidates should not be enrolled in another graduate degree programs – the program does not support applicants who are already enrolled in graduate degree programs.
- Must be a citizen of one of the African Development Bank’s regional member countries.
- Applicants must not be an Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of all types of appointments of the African Development Bank Group or a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption with the term “close relative” defined as: Mother, Father, Sister, Half-sister, Brother, Half-brother, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Niece, or Nephew.
Note: All eligibility criteria are strictly adhered to unless otherwise communicated. Eligibility criteria will not change during an open call for applications. However, this information is subject to change between the close of one application process and the opening of the next.
Application Deadline For The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
The deadline for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program application is January 9, 2026.
How To Apply For The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
For more details, visit AfDB Scholarship webpage
