About the scholarship
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a capacity-building program by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan.
The program offers high-achieving African students a two-year scholarship opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies at master’s level in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering.
This scholarship is available to African Development Bank member countries applicants with relevant professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to advancing their countries’ development. It is intended for those pursuing a graduate degree in energy development or related fields.
Scholarship's Objectives
The primary objective of the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan is to strengthen human resource capacity in Africa, aligning with the Bank’s High five strategic priorities:
- Feed Africa,
- Light Up and Power Africa,
- Industrialize Africa,
- Integrate Africa, and
- Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
Scholarship Summary
- Host country: Japan
- Level of study: Graduate
- Departments: energy development or related fields.
- Eligible countries: African development bank member countries
- Benefit: Fully funded
- Deadlines: Jan. 15, and Jun. 15 every year. see count down below
Deadline:
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
•Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in fields such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering, or related areas.
•Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
2. Professional Experience
•Possess relevant professional experience and a proven record of contributing to their country’s development efforts.
•Have at least one year of paid employment in their home country or another African country after earning their Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree within the past three years.
3. Age and Health
•Be 35 years old or younger.
•Be in good health.
4. Program Admission
•Secure admission to an approved master’s degree program at a designated Japanese or African partner university. (Applicants must apply directly to the partner universities. Refer to the list of approved universities and courses.)
5. Program Enrollment Status
•Not be enrolled in another graduate degree program at the time of application.
6. Citizenship
•Be a citizen of one of the African Development Bank’s regional member countries.
Benefits of the JADS Scholarship
The JADS Scholarship offers recipients the following benefits:
- Travel Support
- Economy class air travel between the recipient’s home country and the host university at the start of the study program and immediately after the scholarship period ends.
- Tuition and Insurance
- Coverage of tuition fees for the graduate program.
- Basic medical insurance, typically provided through the host university.
- Living Expenses
- A monthly subsistence allowance to cover living costs, including books.
- Research Support
- For scholars involved in research, a special grant may be provided to support research and thesis preparation.
- Additional Courses
- In special cases, the scholarship may cover costs for preparatory language courses, computer literacy training, or similar programs.
- Duration: The scholarship covers the full duration of the graduate program, up to a maximum of two years.
Expenses Not Covered by the Scholarship
The JADS Scholarship does not include:
- VISA application fees.
- Costs related to bringing or supporting family members.
- Extra-curricular courses or training.
- Language training is not included in the graduate program.
- Additional travel during the study program.
- Expenses for supplementary educational materials, field trips, workshops, seminars, or internships.
- Educational equipment, such as computers.
Application Steps:
- Request Information and Application Forms
- Contact your chosen JADS partner university using the provided details to obtain application forms and procedures.
- Submit application
- Complete and submit your application for admission directly to the university.
- University Evaluation and Selection
- The university evaluates applications and issues provisional offer letters to selected candidates.
- The university sends a list of selected candidates to the African Development Bank.
- Evaluation by JADS Program Implementation Unit (PIU)
- The African Development Bank shares the list with the JADS PIU, which evaluates applications based on specific criteria.
- Final Notification
- The African Development Bank contacts successful candidates and informs the partner universities of the scholarship decisions.
How to Prepare for Your Application:
- Review Program Details
- Read the information on the JADS website and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Gather Required Documentation
- Current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Proof of employment for each job held since earning a Bachelor’s degree.
- Certified copy of your most advanced university degree certificate.
- Secure References
- Identify two professional references who can provide letters of recommendation.
- Prepare Research Materials
- Develop your research plan and proposal for the intended program of study.
- Demonstrate English Proficiency
- Take the TOEFL iBT or TOEIC test and obtain proof of English language proficiency.
Important Notes:
•All applications must be submitted through the JADS partner universities; separate applications to the African Development Bank are not required.
•Admission by a JADS partner university does not guarantee scholarship support.
•Wait for official notification from the African Development Bank regarding scholarship awards before taking any action related to your current employment or other commitments.
