Call for Applications:  African Development Bank (AfDB) Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2026/2027 – Fully Funded for Young Africans to Study in Japan

Application Deadlines: September 15,

About the Scholarship

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 African Development Bank (AfDB) Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program. This scholarship is open to applicants from African Development Bank member countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to a graduate degree program in energy development and related disciplines. The scholarship is offered in partnership with Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan and aims to provide young Africans with opportunities for advanced studies that will contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Be a national of an AfDB member country
2. Be 35 years old or less
3. Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, engineering studies, or related areas; and have excellent academic records and relevant professional experience, and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts
4. Have at least 1 year of paid employment in their home country or in other African countries after receiving their Bachelors (or equivalent university) degree within the past 3 years
5. Not already be enrolled in a graduate degree program
6. Not be an Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of all types of appointments of the African Development Bank Group or a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption
7. Agree to return to your home country to contribute to its economic and social development after completion of studies under the program

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Admissions Fee coverage
• Monthly subsistence allowance of 150,000 JPY (including housing) – amount subject to change
• Economy class air travel between the home country and APU at the beginning and end of the program

Application and Selection Process

1. AfDB-JADS accepts applications for both April and September 2027 enrollment:

1. For April 2027 enrollment: Submit your application by September 15, 2026
2. For September 2027 enrollment: Submit your application by November 5, 2026 or January 8, 2027

2. APU reviews application documents and selects suitable candidates to recommend to the AfDB-JADS, in middle of November for April 2027 enrollment and in middle of March for September 2027 enrollment
3. Applicants selected as candidates for this scholarship are notified of their final APU application results
4. The final scholarship award results are decided by AfDB-JADS by the end of June. Please be aware that the timing of the final scholarship result notification is subject to change depending on the circumstances of the ADB-JSP

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for young African professionals to pursue graduate studies in Japan, one of the world’s leaders in technology and sustainable development. By equipping African professionals with advanced skills in energy development and related fields, the scholarship contributes to Africa’s sustainable development and the achievement of the AfDB’s “High 5s” priorities. For young African professionals from AfDB member countries with relevant experience and a commitment to their countries’ development, this scholarship offers:

• Full financial support for graduate studies in Japan
• Exposure to world-class education and research
• Opportunities to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development
• A pathway to leadership in energy, agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability

Application Deadlines: September 15, 2026 (April 2027 enrollment); November 5, 2026 or January 8, 2027 (September 2027 enrollment)

Required Documents

• Research Proposal: Please refer to the “Research Proposal” section in the APPLICATION PROCESS of the 2027 Graduate Application Handbook and prepare your Research Proposal accordingly. It is strongly recommended that you develop your proposal in alignment with the indicators of “The High 5s” set by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
• Curriculum Vitae: Please refer to the “Curriculum Vitae” section in the APPLICATION PROCESS of the 2027 Graduate Application Handbook and prepare your Curriculum Vitae accordingly

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here

For More Information: Visit the Official AfDB Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Page