Applications are now open for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026, a fully funded postgraduate opportunity jointly established by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan.
This scholarship program provides outstanding African students with the chance to pursue two-year master’s degree programs in fields such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering in leading institutions in Japan.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: African Development Bank (AfDB) | Government of Japan
- Host Country: Japan
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $11,420/year | Travel Costs | Health Insurance | Internship
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Institution
Scholarship Details
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is designed to build professional capacity and expertise among African youth by supporting postgraduate studies in strategic sectors aligned with the African Development Bank’s High 5 priorities: Feed Africa, Light Up and Power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
The program targets talented individuals who have already demonstrated a commitment to national development efforts through their academic and professional work. Upon completion of the scholarship, recipients are expected to return to their home countries and actively contribute to economic and social development using their enhanced knowledge and skills.
This program is implemented through selected partner universities in Japan, and only applicants with confirmed admission from these universities are considered for final selection.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026, applicants must:
- Be a national of an AfDB member country
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering, or related fields
- Have excellent academic records and relevant professional experience
- Have at least one year of paid employment in Africa following graduation within the last three years
- Not be living or working outside their home country at the time of application
- Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program
- Not be an Executive Director, alternate, or staff member of the African Development Bank Group, nor be closely related to any of the above individuals (including parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews by blood or adoption)
- Be willing to return home after completing the program to contribute to national development
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship will receive:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire 24-month study period
- Monthly living stipend of 144,000 JPY (approximately $11,420 per year)
- Round-trip airfare from home country to Japan at the beginning and end of the program
- Health insurance, typically provided through the university
- Up to 6 additional months of support for preparatory courses or post-graduate internships
- Optional research and thesis support grant for research-intensive programs
- In special cases, support for computer literacy or language preparation courses
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- University application form (requested from a JADS partner university)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
- Proof of professional experience (at least one year)
- National identity or passport
- Statement of purpose
- Admission letter from a JADS partner university (required for scholarship nomination)
How to Apply
To apply for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2026:
- Visit the official scholarship application webpage via the link provided by AfDB
- Contact your chosen JADS partner university for program information and application procedures
- Complete and submit the university’s admission application
- The university will evaluate and shortlist candidates, providing them with provisional admission letters
- Shortlisted names will be sent to the African Development Bank, which will finalize selection
- Successful applicants will be contacted directly by the Bank after final review
Important: Applications are only accepted through the partner universities. Do not apply directly to the African Development Bank. Only those with confirmed university admission and nomination will be considered.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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