Deadline
Varies
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship, $11,420 per year, Travel Costs, Health Insurance & Postgraduate Internship
$11,420
$11,420
Country Tenable
Japan
Renewable
No
Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026 Now Open
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a fully funded capacity-building initiative established by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the Government of Japan. It offers talented African students the opportunity to pursue a two-year master’s degree in fields critical to the continent’s development, including:
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Health
- Environmental sustainability
- Engineering
The program targets applicants from AfDB member countries who have relevant work experience and a demonstrated commitment to their country’s development. Candidates must be applying to graduate programs focused on energy development or related disciplines.
Program Objective
The JADS initiative supports the AfDB’s “High 5” development priorities:
- Feed Africa
- Light Up and Power Africa
- Industrialize Africa
- Integrate Africa
- Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
Upon graduation, scholars are expected to return home and contribute to the social and economic growth of their countries using the skills and expertise gained.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS), applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an AfDB member country
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field: energy, agriculture, health, environmental sciences, engineering, etc.
- Have excellent academic records
- Have at least 1 year of paid work experience in your home country (or another African country) acquired within the last 3 years after graduation
- Not be living, working, or studying outside your home country
- Not currently enrolled in any graduate degree program
- Not be affiliated with AfDB as a staff member, Executive Director, or close relative of such individuals (close relatives include parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews)
- Be committed to returning to your country after the program to contribute to national development
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the entire 2-year program
- Monthly living stipend of 144,000 JPY (approximately $11,420/year)
- Round-trip airfare from your home country to the host university
- Health insurance (typically arranged by the university)
- Up to 6 additional months for preparatory studies or internships
- Research support grant (for thesis or research-focused scholars)
- Possible funding for language or computer literacy courses, if needed
How to Apply for JADS 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the Official Website – Click the link below to access the scholarship application portal.
- Contact Your Chosen University – Reach out to a JADS partner university to request information and application materials.
- Apply for Admission – Complete and submit your application directly to the university.
- University Evaluation – The university will assess your application and issue a provisional admission offer if selected.
- University Submits Nominations – The list of shortlisted candidates is sent to the AfDB for review.
- Final Selection by AfDB – The AfDB, in collaboration with the JADS Program Implementation Unit (PIU), evaluates applications and notifies selected scholars and universities.
Note: All applications must go through the partner universities. There is no direct application to the African Development Bank.
Only candidates who receive a university admission and endorsement will be considered for final selection under the JADS program.
Scholarships are not only for the smart students. Anyone can get scholarships
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