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Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded MSc for African Students
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded capacity building program jointly initiated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan. Its main objective is to strengthen Africa’s human resource capacity in alignment with the AfDB’s High 5 strategic priorities: Feed Africa, Light up and power Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. By targeting Africa’s most pressing development challenges, the JADS program equips young professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to the continent’s long-term socio economic transformation.
Through this scholarship, highly talented African students are given the opportunity to pursue a two-year master’s degree in key fields such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering at selected partner universities in Africa and Japan. Beyond financial support, the JADS program creates a strong network of young African leaders who are committed to driving change and fostering innovation in their home countries. Upon completion, scholars are expected to return to their countries and actively contribute to sustainable growth, policy making, and development projects.
Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | African Development Bank (AfDB) & Government of Japan |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of AfDB Regional Member Countries (35 years or younger) |
| Level of Study | Master’s Degree (Energy, Agriculture, Health, Environmental Sustainability, Engineering) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Tuition, Monthly Stipend, Round-trip Airfare, Health Insurance, Research/Thesis Support, Internship/Preparatory Study (up to 6 months) |
| Duration | 2 Years (Master’s Program) |
| Deadline | September 17 2025 (university specific deadlines apply) |
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering, or related fields.
- Have excellent academic records and relevant professional experience supporting their country’s development.
- Possess at least one year of paid employment in their home country or another African country after graduation (within the past three years).
- Be 35 years old or younger and in good health.
- Secure admission into an approved master’s program at a JADS partner university (either in Japan or Africa).
- Be a citizen of one of the AfDB’s regional member countries.
- Must not be currently enrolled in another graduate program.
- Cannot be staff, Executive Directors, or close relatives of AfDB staff.
Benefits
The JADS program is fully funded, ensuring that scholars focus on their studies without financial stress. The scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the 24-month study period.
- A monthly living stipend for up to two years.
- Round-trip air travel from the scholar’s home country to the host university and back after the program.
- Health insurance coverage through the host university.
- Up to six months of additional support for preparatory studies, research, or internships after graduation.
- Research and thesis preparation grants for eligible students.
- In special cases, coverage of computer literacy, language preparation, or other necessary courses.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Copy of passport (bio-data page).
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Employment verification letter from current or past employer.
- At least two professional reference letters.
- Motivation essay outlining career goals and contribution to Africa’s development.
- Research proposal related to chosen field of study.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or TOEIC).
Application Procedures
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2025 application process involves several steps:
- Choose a partner university and request application information.
- Submit an application for admission directly to the university.
- The university evaluates applicants and issues provisional admission letters.
- The university forwards selected candidates to the African Development Bank (AfDB).
- The AfDB and JADS Program Implementation Unit evaluate applications and inform successful candidates.
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Deadline of the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2025
- Application period: September 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m (For Spring (April) 2026 entry).
- Graduate Schools Accepted: Graduate School of Green Science and Engineering, and Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at Sophia University.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
- Collect all necessary documents in advance.
- Draft a clear research plan and ensure it aligns with Africa’s development needs.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from employers or academic mentors.
- Demonstrate commitment to returning home and contributing to Africa’s development.
