Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2027:Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship

Scholarship Details

Applications are open for the 2027 Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program, a fully funded postgraduate scholarship jointly run by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan.

The programme supports qualified African students and professionals who want to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in Japan and develop the skills needed to contribute to economic and social development across Africa.

The scholarship provides financial support covering full tuition fees, admission fees, monthly living allowances, round-trip international airfare and health insurance.

For African graduates interested in fields such as energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability and engineering, the JADS programme offers an opportunity to gain advanced education in Japan without bearing the full cost of studying abroad.

Benefits of the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2027

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:

• Full tuition fees: Coverage of tuition fees for the eligible Master’s programme.
• Admission fees: Payment of applicable university admission fees.
• Monthly living allowance: Approximately JPY 144,000–150,000 per month to support living expenses, including housing.
• Round-trip airfare: Economy-class international travel between the scholar’s home country and Japan.
• Health insurance: Health insurance coverage during the scholarship period.
• Additional opportunities: Depending on the host institution, scholars may have access to internships or specialised research grants.

The scholarship is designed to support students throughout their Master’s studies, which generally last two years.

Eligible Fields of Study

The opportunity is intended for African professionals and graduates interested in development-related fields.

The listed areas include:

• Energy.
• Agriculture.
• Health.
• Environmental sustainability.
• Engineering.

Applicants should check the available Master’s programmes at participating universities to identify courses that match their academic background and professional interests.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2027, applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of a regional member country of the African Development Bank.

2. Age

Applicants should generally be 35 years old or younger.

3. Academic Qualification

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. Their previous studies should be relevant to their intended postgraduate programme.

4. Work Experience

Applicants must have at least one year of paid professional or work experience in Africa after obtaining their Bachelor’s degree.

5. Current Enrolment Status

Applicants must not currently be enrolled in another graduate programme or living and working outside their home country.

6. Return Commitment

Successful scholars must agree to return to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to national and continental development.

Participating Universities and Application Deadlines

The JADS scholarship is accessed through participating Japanese universities. Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible Master’s programme and request consideration for the scholarship.

The following university application opportunities are listed for the September/October 2027 intake:

1. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

• Intake: September 2027.
• Round 1 deadline: 5 November 2026.
• Round 2 deadline: 8 January 2027.

2. Hiroshima University

• Intake: October 2027.
• Application deadline: 29 January 2027.

3. Sophia University

• Intake: September 2027.
• Web entry period: Mid-March to early April 2027.

Important: The application window for the April 2027 enrolment has already closed. The dates above relate to the September/October 2027 intake and are university-specific. Applicants should confirm the availability of JADS consideration for their chosen programme before applying.

Required Application Documents

The application listing identifies the following documents:

• Detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
• Research proposal.
• Academic transcripts.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate.
• Employer verification or support letters.
• Motivational essay.

Applicants should also check the individual university’s admission requirements because additional documents may be required for the chosen Master’s programme.

How to Apply for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2027

The application process involves applying directly to a participating Japanese university and requesting consideration for JADS.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Participating University

Select an eligible Japanese university offering a Master’s programme that matches your academic background and career goals.

The listed institutions include Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Hiroshima University and Sophia University.

Step 2: Apply for Master’s Admission

Visit the university’s official admissions website and begin your application for the September or October 2027 intake.

Step 3: Indicate Your Interest in JADS

Explicitly request or select consideration for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship in the university’s online admission or financial plan section.

Step 4: Submit the Required Documents

Prepare and upload your CV, research proposal, academic transcripts, degree certificate, employer verification or support letters, and motivational essay.

Step 5: University Screening and Nomination

The university will assess applications and recommend its strongest candidates to the African Development Bank’s JADS Secretariat.

Step 6: Final Scholarship Selection

The African Development Bank and JADS selection panel will review the nominated candidates and make the final scholarship decisions.

Selection and Screening Timeline

The general selection schedule for the 2027 scholarship is as follows:

These dates are the general selection timeline provided in the scholarship announcement.

Important Links

Applicants should use the official university websites to review admission requirements and submit their applications.

• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University: https://admissions.apu.ac.jp/
• Hiroshima University: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en
• Sophia University: https://piloti.sophia.ac.jp/eng/

Official African Development Bank JADS Information:
https://www.afdb.org/en/about-us/careers/japan-africa-dream-scholarship-jads-program

Conclusion

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship 2027 provides African graduates with an opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Japan while gaining advanced knowledge and professional experience.

With full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance, international airfare and health insurance, the programme can help eligible African professionals develop the expertise needed to contribute to their home countries after graduation.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, review the participating universities and their admission deadlines carefully before submitting your application.