Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s in Japan

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS), sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan, is now open for the 2026 academic year. This fully funded opportunity offers African students the chance to pursue two-year Master’s programs in Japan in fields related to energy, health, agriculture, engineering, and sustainability.

🗂 Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Japan 🇯🇵

• Study Level: Master’s Degree

• Eligible Countries: AfDB Member Countries (All African Countries)

• Fields of Study: Energy, Agriculture, Engineering, Health, Environmental Sustainability

• Duration: 2 years

• Funding Type: Fully Funded

• No IELTS Required

• Deadline: Varies by Institution

🎓 What You’ll Get (Scholarship Benefits)

• Tuition fees fully covered

• Monthly stipend of ¥144,000 (~$950/month or $11,420/year)

• Travel cost from your country to Japan and back after studies

• Health insurance through the university

• Additional support:

  • 6-month internship or preparatory study after graduation

  • Research/thesis grants for scholars pursuing academic research

  • Coverage of computer literacy or language courses, if needed

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, you must:

• Be a national of an African Development Bank (AfDB) member country

• Be 35 years old or younger

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Energy, Agriculture, Engineering, etc.)

• Have at least 1 year of paid work experience in Africa (after your degree, within the past 3 years)

• Not currently enrolled in any graduate program

• Not reside or work outside your home country

• Not be an AfDB staff member or related to one

• Commit to returning to your home country after graduation to support development

📄 Required Documents

• Academic transcripts & degree certificate

• Valid ID/passport

• Proof of work experience (in Africa)

• Recommendation letters

• Statement of purpose

• Provisional admission letter from a JADS partner university in Japan

• Any additional documents required by the university

🧭 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official JADS webpage:
   👉 https://www.afdb.org/en/jads

2. Select a partner university and program in Japan.

3. Contact the university directly and request information about:

   • Application forms

   • Program details

   • Submission instructions

4. Apply for admission to the chosen JADS-approved program.

5. If selected, you’ll receive a provisional offer letter from the university.

6. The university submits your name to AfDB for endorsement.

7. AfDB and the JADS Implementation Unit will review and finalize selections.

8. Only students endorsed by universities will be considered.
   You do not apply directly to the AfDB.

📝 Important Note

• No direct application to the African Development Bank is required.

• Admission to a partner university is mandatory to be considered.

• Prepare and apply early as deadlines vary by institution.