Are you a young African professional with a passion for contributing to your country’s development?
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) program, offered by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan, provides an incredible opportunity to pursue fully funded graduate studies in Japan.
Read on to learn about the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for the 2025 cohort.
What is the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship?
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a joint capacity building program established by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan.
It aims to enhance human resources development in Africa in line with the Bank’s.
High 5 strategic priorities: Feed Africa, Light up and power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.
JADS provides young African professionals with opportunities to pursue master’s degrees in priority development areas on a full scholarship at selected universities in Japan.
The program aligns with key Japanese development assistance initiatives to foster sustainable development in Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
JADS scholars receive a comprehensive scholarship package covering:
- Full tuition for a master’s degree program
- Monthly subsistence allowance of 140,000 JPY to cover living expenses (subject to change)
- Round-trip economy class airfare between the scholar’s home country and Japan
- Cost of basic medical insurance
The scholarship duration is for the full length of the graduate program, up to a maximum of two years.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the JADS scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a national 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, environmental sustainability, engineering, etc.) with excellent academic records
- Have at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or another African country within the past 3 years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree
- Currently reside in their home country (not living or working outside Africa)
- Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program
- Not be an Executive Director, alternate, or staff member of the African Development Bank Group
- Commit to returning to their home country after completing the program to contribute to Africa’s development.
How to Apply for the JADS Scholarship
The application process for the 2025 JADS cohort involves the following steps:
- Apply Now for admission to a relevant master’s degree program at a JADS partner university in Japan. Submit your online application by the deadline:
- September 16, 2024 for April 2025 enrollment
- January 10, 2025 for September 2025 enrollment
- Within the online application, request to be considered for the JADS scholarship. No separate scholarship application or additional documents are required at this stage.
- If you are selected for admission, the university will endorse you for the JADS scholarship and forward your application to the African Development Bank for final selection.
Important note: Admission to a JADS partner university does not guarantee acceptance to the scholarship program.
Wait for official confirmation from the African Development Bank before making any employment changes or travel arrangements.
The African Development Bank will contact successful applicants directly to award the scholarship and provide further instructions.
Conclusion
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship offers an incredible, fully funded opportunity for young African professionals to expand their expertise and contribute to their countries’ development.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply now for April or September 2025 enrollment at a JADS partner university in Japan and take a step towards realizing your dream of graduate study abroad.
For more information, visit the official JADS program page on the African Development Bank website.
Also Read:
2024 University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship: Fully Funded Opportunities for Top Students
University of Lincoln Africa Scholarships 2024/25 – Your Ultimate Guide to Studying in the UK
