Call for Application: AFDP Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2025/2026 for Young Africans (Fully funded). 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.
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Eligibility
- Should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in energy, agriculture, health, 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
The JADS Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- Economy class air travel between a recipient’s home country and the host university at the start of the study program and immediately following the end of the scholarship period.
- Tuition for a graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance, usually obtained through the university.
- A monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including books.
- 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. Please note that all JADS scholarships cover the duration of the graduate program or two years at most.
The JADS Scholarship does not cover:
- VISA application(s) costs
- Expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members;
- Extra-curricular courses or training;
- Language training not provided by the graduate program;
- Additional travel during the course of the study program;
- Expenses related to supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, or internships; or
- Educational equipment such as computers.
Note: The JADS Scholarship 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.
Important:
No separate application to the African Development Bank is necessary.
Only candidates who have been offered admission and endorsed by the university will be considered for the JADS Program.
Admission by the JADS partner university does not mean that you have been accepted for scholarship support; accordingly you should not take any action with respect to your current employment or otherwise until you have been informed by the African Development Bank that you have been awarded the scholarship.
For more Information: Visit the website for  The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)
 2025/2026 for Young Africans (Fully funded). The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)){kind=link}