Fully Funded to Japan: Apply Now for the 2025–2026 Japan-Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)
If you’re an ambitious African student or early-career professional seeking a life-changing opportunity, here’s some excellent news: the Japan-Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)—a fully funded postgraduate program jointly offered by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan—is now open for applications for its 2025/2026 cycle.
This initiative aligns closely with both the AfDB’s “High-5” continental priorities and Japan’s overarching development cooperation goals. It’s designed to strengthen Africa’s human capacity by investing in transformative academic training across disciplines essential to sustainable development on the continent.
What’s the JADS all about?
- Purpose & Partners
JADS represents a partnership between the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan, aiming to build the professional capacity of African youth through master ”” s-level education in Japan.
It directly supports the AfDB’s “High-5” agenda: Feeding Africa → Light up & Power Africa → Industrialise Africa → Integrate Africa → Improve the Quality of Life of Africans. At the same time, the program advances Japan’s strategic commitment to global education and development. (Opportunities For Africans, Velox Global Consultancy) - Fields of Study
The scholarship covers a two-year master’s in areas critical to Africa’s future: energy, food security, public health, environmental sustainability, engineering, and related fields. (Opportunities For Africans, Velox Global Consultancy) - Target Audience
This opportunity is open to high-performing citizens of AfDB regional member countries who demonstrate strong academic and professional potential and a dedication to their home countries’ development. Upon completion of the degree, scholars are expected to return home and contribute actively to their nations’ growth. (Opportunities For Africans, Opportunity Tracker)
Who is Eligible?
To stand out in this program, you must:
- Be a citizen of an African Development Bank regional member country.
- Be 35 years old or younger and in good health.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)—preferably obtained within the past three years.
- Have at least one year of paid work experience in your home country or elsewhere in Africa following the completion of your undergraduate degree.
- Not currently enrolled in any other graduate (postgraduate) program.
- Not be affiliated with the AfDB (e.g., as an Executive Director, their close relatives, or staff, including by blood or adoption, such as parent, sibling, child, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew).
- Be admitted or in the process of being admitted to an approved master’s program at a partner institution in Japan or Africa. (Opportunities For Africans, APU Admissions, Opportunity Tracker)
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
JADS is a fully funded scholarship, covering:
- Full tuition fees for the two-year master’s program.
- A monthly living stipend to support daily expenses.
- Round-trip airfare between your home country and the host university at the beginning and end of the program.
- Health insurance, typically arranged through the host institution.
- Up to six months of additional support for preparatory study or internships after graduation.
Note: Some expenses are not included—such as relocation with family, extracurricular training, personal electronic equipment, non-program materials, or field trips.
Key Deadlines You Can’t Miss
Applicants for both April and September 2026 intakes are welcome—but deadlines vary.
- April 2026 Intake: Submit your application by September 16, 2025.
- September 2026 Intake: You have two deadlines to choose from—November 12, 2025, or January 9, 2026. (APU Admissions, Opportunities For Africans, Opportunity Track
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Research Eligible Programs
Explore the list of universities and approved master’s programs participating in the JADS scheme. These include, among others, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Hiroshima University, Sophia University, and others. Each offers different fields—particularly energy, engineering, agriculture, environment, and health. (Velox Global Consultancy, Hiroshima University) - Gain Admission to a Partner Institution
Identify your preferred graduate program and secure admission. This may involve contacting potential supervisors, preparing research proposals, completing standardized tests (if required), and submitting necessary documentation through each university’s international admissions process. (Hiroshima University, k.u-tokyo.ac.jp) - Submit Your JADS Application
Each host university may coordinate the scholarship endorsement differently. Typically, once you’re admitted, the university nominates eligible candidates to JADS. You will then continue through the selection process as guided. (APU Admissions, k.u-tokyo.ac.jp) - Prepare Required Documents
Key documents often include: academic transcripts, degree certificates, curriculum vitae, research proposal, statement of purpose, proof of language proficiency, letters of recommendation, a valid passport, and any other institutional requirements. Ensure you tailor your research proposal around the AfDB’s High-5 agenda. (APU Admissions, k.u-tokyo.ac.jp) - Track and Respond
After nomination, the AfDB/JADS secretariat reviews applications. Final scholarship decisions are typically announced by the end of June 2026, though timings may vary by university. (APU Admissions) - Prepare for Departure
If selected, you’ll need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for a student visa in your home country, make travel arrangements, and get ready to start your master’s in Japan—usually in either April or September 2026, depending on the intake. (Hiroshima University)
Why You Should Apply
- Full financial support—tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance are covered, freeing you to focus fully on your studies.
- Global academic environment—study in some of Japan’s most innovative graduate schools, gain exposure to cutting-edge research facilities, and immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences.
- High-impact focus—your studies contribute directly to sectors vital for Africa’s development, in alignment with the prestigious AfDB “High-5” priorities.
- Professional network and development—connect with African peers and global mentors and build a foundation for long-term career impact.
- Return mindset—this program encourages you to bring your enhanced expertise home, equipping you to drive transformative change on the continent.
Want More Details?
- Visit the African Development Bank’s official JADS program page for authoritative information on eligibility, application instructions, and updates.
- Check university websites—such as Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University’s AfDB-JADS page—for application schedules, procedures, and available master’s programs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a committed, academically accomplished African graduate desiring to deepen your expertise and contribute to Africa’s sustainable development, the 2025/2026 Japan-Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is your golden ticket. The deadlines—September 16, 2025 (April 2026 intake) and November 12, 2025 / January 9, 2026 (September 2026 intake)—are approaching swiftly. Start preparing now: identify your preferred study program, review eligibility, and plan your application journey. Your pathway to impactful, globally recognized postgraduate education may begin here.
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