The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program aims to provide two-year Japan scholarships for Africans. Furthermore, this grant enables driven young Africans to undergo post-graduate studies. Selected priority development areas on the continent, as well as the opportunity to study in Japan, are presented.
The program’s core areas of study include energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering.
SEE: List of universities under the JADS program
In partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan, JADS seeks to enhance the skills and human resources development in Africa. The scholarship functions under Japan’s key development assistance initiatives and AfDB’s High 5s agenda. These are as follows:
-Feed Africa
-Light up Africa
-Industrialize Africa
-Integrate Africa and
-Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa
Program benefits
Other than an opportunity to study abroad, this scholarship for Africans covers the following:
- Economy class air travel between the recipient’s home country and the host university shall be provided.
- Additionally, the grant will cover tuition for a graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance usually obtained through the university.
- Finally, a monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including books.
All JADS scholarships cover the duration of the study in Japan graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
Meanwhile, research scholars may be given a special grant for research and thesis preparation. In special circumstances, computer literacy, preparatory language, and other similar courses may be covered under the scholarship.
Please do note, however, that the JADS Scholarship does not cover:
- VISA application(s) costs
- Expenses to bring and/or support scholar’s family members;
- Extra-curricular courses or training;
- Language training not provided by the graduate program;
- Additional travel during the course of the study program;
- Expenses related to supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, or internships; or
- Educational equipment such as computers.
Upon completion of their studies, the JADS scholars shall return to their home countries to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the public and private sectors. Similarly, they are encouraged to contribute to national and continental socio-economic development.
Eligibility of African Scholar
Overall, the scholarship program is open to all residents of an AfDB member African country who:
- Is 35 years old or younger
- Are interested for study in Japan
- Is in good health with an excellent academic record
- Has a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a related area
- Has been accepted unconditionally to enroll in the upcoming academic year in at least one of the JADS partner universities for a master’s degree
- Is NOT an Executive Director, an alternate, and/or staff of all types of appointments of the African Development Bank Group. He or she must also NOT be a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption. JADS defines the term “close relative” as: Mother, Father, Sister, Half-sister, Brother, Half-brother, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Niece, or Nephew.
How to Apply for Study in Japan
To qualify for the scholarship, young Africans must follow and complete the following application procedures:
- First, the applicant must request information and application forms and procedures from the chosen JADS partner university.
- Next, the applicant should complete the required documents and sends them to the university.
- The university then evaluates and selects applicants.
- After a certain screening period, the university will send selected candidates to the AfDB.
- The AfDB shall proceed to review submissions from universities, prepares and will approve the final list.
- Lastly, the AfDB will contact selected awardees, and then informs the universities.
For further inquiries and concerns, you may contact jads@afdb.org. Full scholarship details are available on the African Development Bank Group’s JADS program webpage.