Offres de Bourses

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program for Students

— 4 min read

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a capacity building program offering high-achieving African students a two-year scholarship opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering.

Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program for Students

Unlock Your Future: A Comprehensive Guide to the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)

For high-achieving African professionals with a passion for development, securing funding for a master's degree can be the key to unlocking transformative impact. The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program stands out as a premier opportunity, offering not just financial support but a pathway to becoming a leader in Africa's growth story.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about JADS, from eligibility to application, combining the official program details with specific university requirements.

What is the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)?

JADS is a prestigious capacity-building initiative jointly run by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan. Its core mission is to enhance Africa's human resource capacity by funding graduate studies for the next generation of leaders.

The program is strategically aligned with the AfDB's “High 5” strategic priorities:

  • Feed Africa
  • Light up and power Africa
  • Industrialize Africa
  • Integrate Africa
  • Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa

By focusing on these sectors, JADS ensures scholars are equipped with the skills directly needed to drive continental progress.

What Does the JADS Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship is comprehensive, designed to allow you to focus entirely on your studies. It includes:

  • Full tuition fees for the entire graduate program (up to 24 months).
  • A monthly living stipend.
  • Round-trip economy airfare from your home country to the host university (e.g., APU in Japan).
  • Health insurance (typically arranged by the university).
  • A potential 6-month extension for preparatory study or internships after graduation.
  • A possible research grant for thesis preparation.
  • Coverage for preparatory language or computer literacy courses in special circumstances.

Important Note: The scholarship does not cover family expenses, extra-curricular courses, or educational equipment like computers. Crucially, JADS cannot be combined with other major scholarships; you must disclose any other funding sources, as it may affect your stipend.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The eligibility criteria are specific. You must:

  1. Be a national of an African Development Bank member country.
  2. Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
  3. Hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering, or related areas. You must have an excellent academic record.
  4. Have at least 1 year of paid professional employment (in your home country or another African country) within the last 3 years after earning your Bachelor's degree. You must demonstrate a history of supporting your country's development.
  5. Not be currently living or working outside of Africa.
  6. Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
  7. Not be a staff member (or a close relative of a staff member) of the African Development Bank Group.
  8. Commit to returning to your home country after graduation to contribute to its socio-economic development.

The Award at a Glance (Example: APU University)

If selected to study at a participating institution like Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan, the award includes:

  • Full tuition coverage.
  • A monthly subsistence allowance of 150,000 JPY (including housing; amount subject to change).
  • Economy class air travel to and from Japan.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Process

The application process is a two-stage funnel. You must first apply and be accepted to a participating university, which will then recommend eligible candidates to JADS.

1. Apply to the University (e.g., APU):

Your first crucial step is to secure admission to a graduate program. For APU, you must apply online by the specified deadlines:

2. Prepare Your JADS-Specific Documents:

When applying to the university, you must prepare two critical documents that align with JADS's goals:

  • Research Proposal: This is vital. It is strongly recommended that you develop your proposal in alignment with the AfDB's “High 5s” priorities. Clearly show how your intended research will contribute to one or more of these goals.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Ensure your CV highlights your professional experience and demonstrates your track record in supporting development efforts in your country.

3. University Selection and Recommendation:

  • APU will review applications and select the most suitable candidates to recommend to the AfDB-JADS program.
    • For April 2026 enrollment: Selection in mid-November 2025.
    • For September 2026 enrollment: Selection in mid-March 2026.

4. Final Scholarship Decision:

  • The final decision rests with the AfDB-JADS committee. They aim to notify candidates by the end of June (timing subject to change).

Before you apply, please use these official resources for the most accurate and updated information:

Disclaimer: Scholarship conditions are subject to change. Always double-check all details on the official AfDB and university websites before applying.

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship is more than financial aid—it's an investment in you as a future leader. If your goals align with building a brighter future for Africa, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Start preparing your application today

Explorez plus de contenu

En vedette