African students now have a golden opportunity to pursue fully funded master’s degree programs through the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) — a joint initiative by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan.
The program is designed to build capacity across Africa by supporting young professionals in fields like energy, health, agriculture, engineering, and environmental sustainability. Through this scholarship, selected candidates can study at top universities in Japan or Africa, with all major expenses covered.
What the Scholarship Covers
JADS offers generous benefits to help students focus entirely on their education and research:
- Full tuition coverage for two years
- Monthly living stipend for the entire study duration
- Return airfare (to and from the host university)
- Health insurance
- Additional support for internships or preparatory studies after graduation
- Research and thesis grants for scholars engaged in research
- In some cases, support for computer literacy or language prep courses
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., energy, health, agriculture, sustainability, engineering)
- Must have graduated within the last 3 years and completed at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or elsewhere in Africa
- Must be 35 years old or younger and in good health
- Must secure admission into an approved master’s degree program at a Japanese or African partner university
- Must not already be enrolled in a graduate program
- Must be a citizen of an African Development Bank member country
- Cannot be a staff member, executive director, or close relative of AfDB staff
How to Apply
If you’re applying to the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo under the JADS program, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Find a Supervisor and Major
Create a research proposal and search for a faculty member who aligns with your academic interests. Reach out to the faculty directly via email, including your introduction, study plan, intended enrollment date, and mention of your JADS scholarship interest.
Faculty Directory: https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/gsfs/faculty/
Step 2: Take the Entrance Exam
The university holds entrance exams twice a year (Schedule A and Schedule B). Check the relevant department’s webpage for exam formats, dates, and application procedures.
Deadline to Apply: November 30, 2025
More Info & Application Page: https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/exam/master/foreign_research_students/afdb_jads/
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