by The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Program (JADS) is a capacity-building project organized by the African Development Bank and the government of Japan. They provide two-year scholarship awards to African students studying at master level at their designated institutions.
About The Award:
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a fully funded scholarship program jointly offered by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan. It supports talented African students to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in Japan, focusing on fields that promote Africa’s development, particularly in science, technology, and sustainability.
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Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Program Requirements and Eligibility
Which Fields are Eligible?
Applicable departments under the Division of Environmental Studies at GSFS, University of Tokyo:
- Department of Natural Environmental Studies
- Department of Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment
- Department of Environment Systems
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies
- Department of Socio-cultural Environment Studies
- Department of International Studies
- Graduate Program in Sustainability Science (GPSS) (taught in English)
Type:
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
Who can Apply?
- Must be a citizen of an AfDB member country in Africa
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application
- Have at least 1 year of work experience (preferred)
- Must be admitted to one of the approved GSFS departments
- Must be committed to returning to Africa to contribute to its development
How are Applicants Selected?
- Choose a research topic and supervisor from GSFS faculty
- Apply for the entrance examination at GSFS
- Successfully pass the entrance exam
- Receive recommendation to JADS from GSFS
- JADS Committee makes the final scholarship award decision
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All African countries that are members of the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Where will the Award be Taken?
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS)
- University of Tokyo, Japan
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Visa support and guidance
- Academic and research support from GSFS faculty
How Long Will the Award Last?
2 years (duration of the Master’s program)
How Many Awards?
The number of awards varies based on selection and program funding availability.
How to Apply:
- Review eligible programs and identify a supervisor: Faculty Search
- Contact the supervisor with a research proposal
- Apply for GSFS entrance examination GSFS Admission Info
- If admitted and recommended by GSFS, you’ll be considered for the JADS scholarship
- If selected, complete visa processing and travel to Japan
Visit the AfDB JADS Main Page and University of Tokyo – JADS Info Webpage for more details.
When is the Application Deadline:
There are two application schedules for admission into the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS), University of Tokyo:
- Schedule A:
- Application Period: June 2025
- Entrance Exams: July–August 2025
- Results: Early September 2025
- JADS Recommendation: September 2025
- Start of Program: April 2026
- Schedule B:
- Application Period: November 2025
- Entrance Exams: January–February 2026
- Results: Mid-February 2026
- JADS Recommendation: February 2026
- Start of Program: October 2026
