The JADS program is an elite partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan. It targets mid-career professionals from Africa and sends them to top Japanese universities to study highly technical fields relevant to Africa's development.
Quick Overview
Full Requirements & Details
Academic Requirements
- Min. CGPA
- 3.5
- Offer Degrees
- Masters
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine
- Seats Available
- Limited annually
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- Optional
- Work Experience
- Yes (1 yrs)
- Age Range
- No Min - 35
Language Requirements
- IELTS
- No
- TOEFL
- No
- GRE
- Not Required
- Local Language
- English
- Local Lang Test
- No
- Study Languages
- English, Japanese
Financial Details
- Type
- Full
- Fund Details
- See Description
- Monthly Stipend
- USD 0/mo
- Tuition
- Full
- Living Costs
- Full
- Travel & Health
- Yes / Yes
- Application Fee
- Free (No Application Fee)
- Spouse Allowed
- No
What Matters Most
Required Documents
Why You Should Apply
It is one of the most prestigious mid-career scholarships available. It pays your complete tuition in Japan, a massive monthly living stipend, round-trip flights, and provides an unmatched professional network linking Japanese technological firms with African infrastructure projects.
Application Process
You do not apply to the AfDB first. You must first secure admission to a Master's program at one of the JADS partner universities in Japan (e.g., Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kyoto University). Once admitted, the university essentially nominates you to the AfDB for the funding.
How to Win This Scholarship
You must have at least one year of paid, relevant work experience in your home country. This is not for fresh graduates who want to 'find themselves.' The AfDB wants mid-level bureaucrats, engineers, or NGO managers who are already deeply involved in national infrastructure projects. Your essay must aggressively link your proposed studies in Japan to the AfDB's 'High 5s' (Light up Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve Quality of Life).
Benefits After Completing Study
Upon return, alumni are highly sought after for consultancy roles within the AfDB and Japanese international development agencies (JICA).
You are legally required to return to your home country immediately upon graduation. You cannot use this scholarship to permanently migrate to Japan or seek a work visa in Tokyo after your master's degree.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source