Deadline: Unspecified
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025–2026 is now accepting applications from talented African students who aspire to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Japan. This unique opportunity is a collaboration between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan, designed to strengthen Africa’s human capacity in key development areas such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering.
About the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship
The JADS Program is part of the AfDB’s broader “High 5” strategic priorities and supports outstanding African graduates to study in selected Japanese universities. Successful applicants receive a scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more — enabling them to focus entirely on their academic and professional growth.
Application Deadlines
Applications for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025–2026 are open with two main intakes:
- April 2026 intake: Deadline – 16 September 2025
- September 2026 intake: Deadlines – 12 November 2025 or 9 January 2026
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive:
- Full tuition for the duration of the programme (up to 24 months)
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare between home country and Japan
- Health insurance
- Up to six additional months for preparatory studies or internships
- Possible research support and funding for thesis work
- In some cases, language or computer training
Not covered: family-related expenses, non-university language training, field trips, laptops or educational equipment, and visa costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African Development Bank member country
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with strong academic results
- Have at least one year of paid work experience in Africa within the last three years
- Not already be enrolled in another graduate degree programme
- Not be a staff member or close relative of senior AfDB personnel
How to Apply
The JADS Program does not accept direct applications to the AfDB. Instead:
- Secure admission to an approved JADS partner university in Japan (examples include the University of Tokyo, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Sophia University, Kyoto University, Hiroshima University, and others).
- Once admitted, your university will endorse and forward your scholarship application to the AfDB for final selection.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Period | Now open |
| Deadlines | April 2026: 16 Sep 2025 Sept 2026: 12 Nov 2025 or 9 Jan 2026 |
| Eligibility | African national, ≤35, bachelor’s degree, ≥1 year work experience, not in other graduate study |
| Application Route | Admission at a partner university; university endorsement to AfDB |
| Coverage | Tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance, prep/internship time, research support |
| Exclusions | Family expenses, non-university training, workshops, equipment, visa fees |
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025–2026 offers a rare chance for African students to gain world-class education in Japan while building skills to address the continent’s development challenges.
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