Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2026 (JADS) | Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship for African Students
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026, a fully funded postgraduate opportunity, is now open for African students passionate about driving change in critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering.
Funded by the Government of Japan in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the JADS program offers bright young minds across Africa the chance to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Japan—along with travel, monthly stipends, health insurance, and internship support.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Study Region: Asia
- Scholarship Type: Master’s Degree
- Eligibility: Citizens of AfDB Member Countries
- Funding Coverage: Tuition, $11,420/year stipend, travel, insurance, internship
- Duration: 2 years
- IELTS: Not required
- Deadline: Varies by Partner Institution
About the JADS Program
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship is a capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering African professionals to contribute to national and continental development goals. It aligns with AfDB’s “High 5s” priorities:
- Feed Africa
- Light up and Power Africa
- Industrialize Africa
- Integrate Africa
- Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
Through high-quality education and practical research, scholars are expected to return home and apply their new knowledge to critical development challenges across Africa.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the AfDB-JADS Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African Development Bank member country
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field: energy, agriculture, health, engineering, or environmental sustainability
- Have at least one year of paid work experience in their home country or another African country after their undergraduate studies
- Not be currently enrolled in a graduate program
- Not reside or work outside their home country at the time of application
- Not be related to African Development Bank staff or Executive Directors
- Commit to returning to their home country to contribute to socio-economic development after their studies
JADS Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition for two years at a JADS partner university in Japan
- Monthly stipend of 144,000 JPY (~$11,420/year) to cover living expenses
- Round-trip airfare from home country to Japan
- Health insurance provided through the host university
- Research and thesis support (for students engaged in academic research)
- Additional internship or preparatory period support (up to 6 months)
- Coverage of language or computer literacy training if necessary
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Interested and qualified applicants must apply through one of the JADS partner universities in Japan. Follow these steps:
- Identify and contact a JADS partner university to request the application form and instructions
- Apply for admission to a master’s program related to energy, health, agriculture, or sustainability
- If selected, the university will issue a provisional offer letter
- The university will submit a list of recommended candidates to the African Development Bank
- The AfDB and the JADS Program Implementation Unit (PIU) will evaluate candidates and notify final awardees
- Note: You must apply through the university—no direct application to AfDB is accepted
Important: Only students who have secured admission and been nominated by their university will be considered.
The JADS 2026 Scholarship is your gateway to a world-class education in Japan with full support from one of Africa’s largest development institutions. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to become a leader in Africa’s transformation.
