The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a capacity building program by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan. The overarching goal of the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan is to enhance human resources capacity in Africa, in keeping with the Bank’s High 5 strategic priorities, namely Feed Africa, Light up and power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa. These priorities are also in line with key Japanese development assistance initiatives.
The program offers high-achieving African students a two-year scholarship opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies at master’s level in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. The scholarship is open to applicants from regional member countries of the African Development Bank, with relevant educational and professional experience and a track record of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Upon completion of their studies, the scholars are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to national and continental socio-economic development, using the newly acquired knowledge and skills.
Eligibility Requirements
- 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.
Benefits
- 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.
Note: The scholarship only covers the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
The Scholarship does not cover:
Expenses to bring and/or support scholar’s family members;
Extra-curricular courses or training;
Language training not provided by the graduate program; and
Expenses related to supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars; or Educational equipment such as computers.
Note: The JADS program may only supplement, and does not duplicate, any other source of financial support/fellowship you might have. If selected as a finalist or if you are awarded a scholarship, you must inform the JADS Secretariat if you have other sources of financial support. The JADS stipend may be withdrawn completely or partially if during the scholarship period the program has evidence of additional sources of support.
Timeline:
- AfDB-JADS accepts applications for both April and September 2026 enrollment. For April 2026 enrollment please submit your application by September 16, 2025.
- For Sepember 2026 enrollment, please submit your application by November 12, 2025 or January 9, 2026.
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