AfDB-Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) 2026/2027

• Citizen of an African Development Bank member country
• Aged 35 or below
• A strong undergraduate degree in a qualifying field
• At least one year of relevant work experience
• Not currently enrolled in any graduate programme

Who is not eligible: applicants from non-member countries of the African Development Bank, and AfDB staff or their close relatives.

What you need to apply

• Research proposal aligned with the AfDB's development priorities
• Curriculum vitae
• Admission application to a JADS partner university

Position yourself

A scholarship like this rewards applicants who can clearly connect their proposed study to a real development need back home. Spend real time refining that connection in your proposal.

What to do if you are not eligible

If your country is not an AfDB member, or your field does not align, look at other Japan focused scholarships such as MEXT, which has broader eligibility.

1. Contact your chosen JADS partner university directly, not the AfDB
2. Complete the university's graduate admission application
3. If provisionally admitted, the university forwards your details to AfDB for final review

Application tip

Be specific in your research proposal about the problem you want to work on and why studying in Japan specifically helps you address it.

Frequently asked questions

Is this scholarship fully funded?
Yes, covering tuition, living costs and travel.

Do I apply directly to the African Development Bank?
No, there is no separate application to AfDB. All applications go through JADS partner universities.

What is the age limit?
35 years old or below at the time of application.

Other opportunities for African undergraduates and recent graduates: browse the full, current list on our Opportunities & Updates page.

Official application: contact your chosen JADS partner university, or see the African Development Bank's JADS programme page for details.