Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship for African Students
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) provides fully funded Master's degree opportunities for talented African students pursuing critical development fields. Established by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan, the initiative equips future leaders with advanced technical knowledge.
Overview
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a collaborative initiative between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan designed to strengthen human resource capacity across Africa. The programme supports outstanding African students undertaking postgraduate studies in key areas that drive sustainable development and economic growth on the continent.
Benefits
Successful candidates receive comprehensive financial support for the duration of their eligible Master's programme, which covers:
- Full tuition fee coverage for up to 24 months.
- A monthly living allowance to assist with routine expenses.
- Round-trip international economy-class airfare between the home country and the host university.
- Health insurance, typically provided through the host institution.
- Potential additional support for preparatory academic studies, professional internships, research activities, thesis preparation, and required language or computer literacy courses.
How to Apply
Candidates do not apply directly to the African Development Bank through a standalone scholarship form. Instead, the application process follows a university-centered pathway:
- Identify and choose a participating JADS partner university offering an eligible Master's degree.
- Contact the chosen university to request specific admission instructions and application guidelines.
- Submit an application for admission directly to the selected institution.
- Upon receiving provisional admission, the university evaluates candidates and nominates qualified individuals to the African Development Bank and the JADS Programme Implementation Unit for final selection.
Deadline
The post does not specify a closing date for applications. Applicants should verify admission and nomination timelines directly with their chosen partner university.