AfDB Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025/2026 for African Students (Fully Funded): (Deadline 9 January 2026)
AfDB Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025/2026 for African Students (Fully Funded): (Deadline 9 January 2026)
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 AfDB Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program.
This scholarship is a capacity building initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan, aimed at enhancing Africa’s human resource capacity in line with AfDB’s High 5 strategic priorities: Feed Africa, Light up and Power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for Africans.
The program provides two-year fully funded master’s scholarships for outstanding African students in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering at African and Japanese partner universities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be citizens of an AfDB regional member country.
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Hold a bachelor’s degree in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering, or related fields with excellent academic results.
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Have at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or another African country after graduation.
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Be 35 years or younger and in good health.
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Gain admission to an approved master’s degree course at a partner university (application done directly through the universities).
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Not be enrolled in another graduate degree program.
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Not be AfDB staff, Executive Director, Alternate Director, or their close relatives.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition fee coverage (up to 24 months).
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Monthly living stipend (up to 24 months).
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Air travel to host university and back home after studies.
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Health insurance (through the host university).
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Up to 6 months of internship or preparatory study after graduation.
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Special research/thesis grant for scholars conducting research.
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Coverage for computer literacy, language, or other preparatory courses (in special cases).
Note: Family expenses, extra-curricular courses, language training not part of the program, or equipment like laptops are not covered.
Application Timeline
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For April 2026 enrollment: Apply by 16 September 2025.
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For September 2026 enrollment: Apply by 12 November 2025 or 9 January 2026.
Partner Universities
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Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan)
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(Other African and Japanese partner universities available on official list)
