Host Countries: Japan or African partner universities
Organizers: African Development Bank (AfDB) & Government of Japan
Level of Study: Master’s Degree
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of AfDB regional member countries
Fields of Study:
Energy
Agriculture
Health
Environmental Sustainability
Engineering
Deadline:
April 2026 enrollment: September 16, 2025
September 2026 enrollment: November 12, 2025 or January 9, 2026
Scholarship Overview
The JADS Program aims to build capacity in Africa by providing top-performing young professionals with a fully funded two-year Master’s scholarship. Scholars are trained in areas aligned with AfDB’s High 5 priorities and Japan’s development initiatives. Graduates are expected to return to their home countries to drive socio-economic development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with excellent academic records.
Have at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or another African country after graduation (within the past 3 years).
Be 35 years old or younger and in good health.
Be citizens of an AfDB regional member country.
Gain admission to an approved Master’s course at a Japanese or African partner university (apply directly to the university).
Not be enrolled in another graduate program.
Not be AfDB staff or close relatives of AfDB staff.
Scholarship Benefits
Tuition fee coverage (24 months)
Monthly living stipend (24 months)
Round-trip airfare from home country to host university and back
Health insurance (via host university)
Up to 6 months of preparatory study or internships after graduation
Special research grant (for thesis preparation if applicable)
Preparatory language or computer literacy courses (in special cases)
Not Covered
Family member expenses
Extra-curricular courses not in the graduate program
Language training outside the program
Supplementary materials, field trips, workshops, or personal computers
How to Apply
1. Check eligibility and ensure you meet the academic and work experience requirements.
2. Identify and apply to an approved partner university and course in Japan or Africa.
Example: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University – Graduate Program Application Guide
Full list: AfDB JADS Approved Universities
3. Receive an admission letter from the partner university.
4. Complete the JADS Scholarship Application Form via the AfDB/JADS official website:
Official JADS Program Page
5. Submit all required documents before the relevant deadline:
Admission letter
Academic transcripts
Proof of employment
Passport copy
Medical certificate
Personal statement
Key Dates
April 2026 intake: Apply by September 16, 2025
September 2026 intake: Apply by November 12, 2025 or January 9, 2026
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
