The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2027 is a fully funded two-year Master’s scholarship jointly run by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan. For students comparing fully funded Master’s scholarships in Japan or AfDB scholarships for African students, it is a strong option to add to your shortlist.
Backed by two major institutions, the JADS Program offers a fully funded Master’s degree with government and development bank support. For anyone searching for a Japan government scholarship for Master’s study or a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for Africans, this program offers a clear pathway into higher education in Japan. Applicants relocating to Japan should also review student visa and health insurance requirements, as valid coverage is typically required before enrollment.
Below, you can find the benefits, eligibility criteria, participating universities, and application process for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2027. With its full funding and strong institutional backing, JADS remains a top choice for students seeking fully funded Master’s study in Japan.
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Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Must be a citizen of a regional member country of the African Development Bank.
Age: Generally 35 years old or younger.
Education: Holds a Bachelor’s degree with strong academic records in fields such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, or engineering.
Work Experience: At least 1 year of paid professional/work experience in Africa after earning the Bachelor’s degree.
Enrollment Status: Must not be currently enrolled in another graduate program or living/working outside your home country.
Return Commitment: Must agree to return to your home country after graduation to support national and continental development.
Initial Application Deadlines (Varies by University)
The application windows for the September/October 2027 intake are currently active. (Note: The application window for April 2027 enrollment closed in September 2026).
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) (September 2027 Intake):
Round 1 Deadline: November 5, 2026
Round 2 Deadline: January 8, 2027
Hiroshima University (October 2027 Intake):
Application Deadline: January 29, 2027
Sophia University (September 2027 Intake):
Web Entry Period: Mid-March to Early April 2027
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Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition fees and admission fees
Monthly living/subsistence allowance (approx. 144,000 to 150,000 JPY per month, including housing)
Economy-class round-trip airfare between your home country and Japan
Health insurance coverage
Opportunities for internships or specialized research grants depending on the host institution
Selection & Screening Timeline
Once you submit your application to the university and select the option to be considered for JADS, the processing timeline generally follows this path:
February – March 2027: Universities review candidate academic profiles and research proposals to issue provisional admission offers.
Mid-March 2027: Partner universities submit their top-ranked nominated candidates to the African Development Bank (AfDB) JADS Secretariat.
April – May 2027: The AfDB panel conducts its final review and selection process.
Late June 2027: Official scholarship award winners are announced and notified directly.
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Application Procedure
Choose a Partner University: Apply directly to an eligible Japanese partner university (such as Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Hiroshima University, or Sophia University) for your target master’s program.
Indicate JADS Interest: Explicitly request or select consideration for the JADS scholarship within the university’s online admission or financial plan section.
Submit Required Documents: Provide a detailed CV, research proposal, academic transcripts, degree certificates, employer verification/support letters, and a motivational essay.
University Screening & Nomination: The university evaluates applications and recommends top candidates to the AfDB-JADS secretariat.
Final Selection: AfDB and JADS review nominated candidates, with final award results typically announced around June.
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