The African Development Bank in collaboration with the Government of Japan offers the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program to exceptional 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 available 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.
Scholarship Summary
- Funding Amount: Fully-funded
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): African Development Bank & Government of Japan
- Number of Awards: Several
- Nationality: African Students
- Host Institution(s): Japanese Universities
- Study Level: Postgraduates
About the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
The AfDB and Japan established the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program in 2017 as a capacity-building project to offer two-year scholarship awards to exceptionally outstanding African graduate students to enable them to undergo post-graduate studies (i.e. a two-year Master’s degree program) in selected priority development areas on the continent and Japan.
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.
The primary 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.
Eligibility Criteria for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
To be eligible for the Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program, applicants must fulfill the following:
- Must be a citizen of one of the African Development Bank’s regional member countries.
- Candidates should be 35 years old or younger, and in good health.
- Be in good health.
- Applicants living or working in a country other than his or her home country are not eligible for scholarships.
- Applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in energy, engineering studies, health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, or related areas; and have excellent academic records and relevant professional experience, and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts.
- Candidates should not be enrolled in other graduate degree programs – the program does not support applicants who are already enrolled in graduate degree programs.
- Applicants should have at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or in other African countries after receiving their bachelor’s (or equivalent university) degree within the past 3 years.
- 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 the list of universities and approved courses).
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Benefits
- Tuition fee coverage for the duration of the study program (24 months).
- Health insurance is usually obtained through the university.
- In special circumstances, computer literacy, preparatory language, and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.
- Monthly living stipend for the duration of the study program (24 months).
- For scholars engaged in research, a special grant may be available for research and thesis preparation.
- Air travel from the home country to the host university at the start of the study program and back home at the end of the scholarship period.
- In special circumstances, computer literacy, preparatory language, and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.
- Additional six (6) months for advanced preparatory study or internships after graduation.
​Note: The scholarship only covers the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
The Scholarship does not cover:
- Expenses related to supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops or seminars; or Educational equipment such as computers.
- Extra-curricular courses or training
- Language training not provided by the graduate program; and
- Expenses to bring and/or support scholar’s family members;
Eligible Program for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship
The program offers high-achieving African students a two-year scholarship opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies at the master’s level in:
- Health
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environmental sustainability, and
- Agriculture
Application Procedures for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship
All applications should go through the partner universities, no separate application to the African Development Bank is necessary. For the JADS Program, only applicants who have received an acceptance offer and the university’s sponsorship will be taken into consideration.
To submit your applications, candidates are expected to follow these steps:
- Identify two professional references.
- Look into the details provided on the JADS website and pay close attention to the eligibility requirements.
- Begin gathering required documentation for the scholarship application, including your current curriculum vitae, proof of employment for each record of employment since earning a Bachelor’s degree, and a certified copy of the certificate of your most advanced university degree earned.
- Prepare your research plan and proposal.
- Take TOEFL iBT, TOEC test for English proficiency.
- Identify two professional references.
The Application Deadline for this scholarship is not Specified
Visit the Official Website for More Information
Read Also: