Application Deadline: Varies by participating university
Are you an African graduate looking to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Japan? The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for talented professionals from eligible African countries to study at leading Japanese universities without worrying about tuition or living expenses.
Funded through a partnership between the Government of Japan and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the scholarship aims to develop Africa’s future leaders by supporting postgraduate studies in fields that contribute directly to the continent’s economic and social development.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Study Destination: Study in Asia
- Scholarship Type: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of eligible African countries
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Financial Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend of approximately US$11,420 per year
- Round-trip airfare
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Opportunity for a postgraduate internship
- English Test: No IELTS Required (language requirements depend on the chosen university)
- Application Deadline: Varies by participating university
- Study Duration: Up to 2 years (Master’s degree)
About the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) was created to strengthen Africa’s human capital by enabling outstanding students to earn advanced degrees in Japan.
The programme supports Master’s studies in development-focused disciplines such as:
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Environmental Sustainability
- Health
- Other development-related fields
Recipients are expected to return to their home countries after graduation and contribute to national and regional development through the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- Annual living allowance of approximately US$11,420
- Round-trip international airfare
- Medical and health insurance
- Monthly maintenance support
- Access to internship opportunities
- Study at internationally recognized Japanese universities
- Exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation
- Networking opportunities with global development professionals
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to nationals of eligible African Development Bank Regional Member Countries. Applicants must be citizens of an eligible African country and meet the admission requirements of a participating Japanese university.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship, applicants are generally expected to:
- Be a citizen of an eligible African country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
- Obtain admission into a participating JADS Master’s programme at a Japanese university.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Possess relevant professional experience.
- Show commitment to contributing to Africa’s development after completing the programme.
- Meet any additional admission requirements specified by the selected university.
Required Documents
While document requirements may vary slightly by university, applicants are commonly asked to submit:
- Completed university application form
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or statement of purpose
- Two professional or academic recommendation letters
- Proof of employment or professional experience (where applicable)
- Valid passport or national identification
- Any additional documents requested by the chosen university.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through participating Japanese universities, not directly to the African Development Bank.
Follow these steps:
- Choose a participating JADS partner university and an eligible Master’s programme.
- Apply for admission through the university’s official application process.
- Indicate your interest in the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship where required.
- Submit all requested supporting documents before the university’s deadline.
- The university evaluates applications and nominates qualified candidates.
- Final scholarship selection is conducted by the African Development Bank and the JADS Programme.
Application Deadline
Deadline: Varies by participating institution.
Each Japanese university sets its own admission and scholarship timeline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the deadline for their preferred university well in advance and submit their applications early.
Official Application Link
Begin your application through the official JADS programme page:
Apply Here: Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Official Application Page
You can also explore the programme overview and participating universities here:
Programme Information: Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Overview
