The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a joint initiative by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan to build Africa’s human resource capacity in critical development sectors.
It aligns with AfDB’s High 5 Strategic Priorities:
- Feed Africa
- Light up and Power Africa
- Industrialize Africa
- Integrate Africa
- Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
Through JADS, exceptional African students can pursue fully funded two-year master’s degrees in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering at leading Japanese or African partner universities.
Upon graduation, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and drive socio-economic transformation using their acquired skills and expertise.
Quick Program Summary: Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) |
| Organizer | African Development Bank & Government of Japan |
| Level of Study | Master’s Degree |
| Eligible Fields | Energy, Agriculture, Health, Environmental Sustainability, Engineering |
| Funding | Fully funded (tuition, living stipend, travel, insurance, research support) |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of AfDB regional member countries |
| Application Deadline | January 9, 2026 |
About the African Development Bank (AfDB)
The African Development Bank Group is dedicated to promoting economic and social development across Africa. Founded in 1964, AfDB consists of three main entities:
- African Development Bank (AfDB) – The parent institution created in 1964.
- African Development Fund (ADF) – Established in 1972 to provide concessional financing.
- Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF) – Created in 1976 to support low-income African countries.
About the JADS Program
JADS offers a two-year fully funded master’s degree scholarship for high-achieving African students. Fields of study include:
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Health
- Environmental Sustainability
- Engineering
Students can study in partner universities in Japan or Africa, to return home to contribute to national development.
Scholarship Benefits
The JADS Program provides:
- Full tuition coverage for 24 months.
- Monthly living stipend for 24 months.
- Round-trip airfare from home country to host university.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Up to 6 months post-graduation support for internships or preparatory studies.
- Research and thesis preparation grants (for eligible scholars).
- Computer literacy, language, or preparatory courses in special cases.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an AfDB regional member country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering).
- Have at least 1 year of paid work experience in their home country or another African country after earning their Bachelor’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger and in good health.
- Secure admission to an approved master’s program at a partner university in Japan or Africa.
- Not be enrolled in another graduate degree program.
- Not be an AfDB staff member, Executive Director, or close relative as defined by the program.
Application Deadline
January 9, 2026
How to Apply
- Research approved partner universities and eligible programs.
- Apply directly to the university for admission.
- If admitted, submit your JADS scholarship application via the AfDB portal.
Official Application Page: AfDB JADS Scholarship Website
FAQs
Is JADS open to PhD students?
No. The scholarship is strictly for master’s degree programs.
Can I apply if I’m over 35?
No. Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Do I need to know Japanese?
Not necessarily. Many programs are offered in English, though language preparation may be covered.
Can I choose any university in Japan?
No. Only partner universities approved by AfDB and the Government of Japan are eligible.
Will the scholarship cover family expenses?
No. Funding is strictly for the scholar’s educational and living costs.
Can I work while studying?
It depends on the host country’s student visa rules, but your studies must remain the priority.
What happens after graduation?
Scholars are expected to return home and contribute to national and regional development.
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