University of Tokyo African Development Bank - Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Program 2025 (Fully Funded)

Apply for a fully funded master’s degree in Japan under the prestigious JADS Scholarship by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan. Start your journey at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) today.

About the JADS Program

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a capacity-building initiative launched by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the Government of Japan. The program provides fully funded, two-year scholarships to highly motivated and academically excellent students from African countries, enabling them to pursue master’s degrees in select Japanese universities.

1. Fully funded scholarship
2. Focus on sustainable development, science, and innovation
3. Study in top Japanese universities
4. Aimed at capacity building for African nations

The Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) at the University of Tokyo is one of the designated host institutions for the JADS Program. It is renowned for its interdisciplinary programs and commitment to sustainability, innovation, and advanced scientific research.

Designated Division for JADS:

Only the Division of Environmental Studies and the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science (GPSS) are eligible under JADS.

Eligible Departments:

1. Department of Natural Environmental Studies
2. Department of Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment
3. Department of Environment Systems
4. Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies
5. Department of Socio-Cultural Environment Studies
6. Department of International Studies
7. Graduate Program in Sustainability Sciences (GPSS) (All courses in English)

Open to applicants of African countries.

Citizenship:

1. Must be a national of an AfDB member country in Africa.

Education Background:

1. Must have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
2. Must be admitted unconditionally to a participating master’s degree program in one of the designated universities (e.g., University of Tokyo GSFS).

Work Experience:

1. Must have relevant professional experience in a development-related field.
2. Preference is given to mid-career professionals.

Language Proficiency:

1. Must demonstrate proficiency in English or the language of instruction at the host institution.
2. Some institutions may require official test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).

Age Limit:

1. Should preferably be under 35 years of age, though exact age limits may vary by institution.

Health:

1. Must be in good health, as confirmed by a medical certificate if required.

No Prior Scholarships:

1. Cannot be a recipient of other scholarships at the time of JADS application.

Willingness to Return:

1. Must demonstrate a strong commitment to return to their home country upon graduation and contribute to its development.

Admission First:

1. You must first gain admission to a participating university (like GSFS, University of Tokyo) before being considered for the JADS scholarship.

Follow these steps to apply for the JADS master’s scholarship at GSFS, University of Tokyo:

Step 1: Find a Supervisor and Prepare a Research Proposal

Prospective applicants must choose a suitable supervisor aligned with their research interests. Create a detailed research proposal and contact the faculty member directly.

Use the official GSFS Faculty Search Tool

Step 2: Apply and Pass the Entrance Examination

GSFS conducts entrance exams twice a year - Schedule A (April enrollment) and Schedule B (October enrollment). Dates and formats vary by department.

Application Deadlines:

1. Schedule A:
2. Application: June
3. Exam: July–August
4. Results: Early September
5. Enrollment: April (next year)
6. Schedule B:
7. Application: November
8. Exam: January–February
9. Results: Mid-February
10. Enrollment: October (next year)

Application Process Details

Note: Some departments allow online or remote exams (no travel to Japan required).

Step 3: Recommendation to JADS

GSFS will recommend eligible, successful candidates for the JADS scholarship.

Step 4: JADS Scholarship Result Notification

Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status directly by the graduate school.

Step 5: Visa and Enrollment

Non-Japanese nationals must apply for a student visa before entering Japan.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding the JADS Scholarship and application process:

International Liaison Office

Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo

[email protected]

FAQs – JADS Scholarship at University of Tokyo

Q1. Who can apply for the JADS Scholarship?

Only citizens of AfDB member countries in Africa are eligible. Candidates must also meet GSFS and JADS academic requirements.

Q2. Are the courses at GSFS taught in English?

Yes, especially the Graduate Program in Sustainability Sciences (GPSS) is fully taught in English.

Q3. Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?

Yes. It's mandatory to find a supervisor who agrees to guide your research before applying.

Q4. Do I need to travel to Japan for the entrance exam?

Not for all programs. The following do not require travel:

1. Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies
2. Department of International Studies
3. Department of Natural Environmental Studies
4. GPSS

Q5. Is this scholarship open to applicants from countries outside Africa?

No. The JADS Program is exclusively for African nationals from AfDB member states.

Conclusion

The African Development Bank - Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) offers an incredible opportunity to earn a fully funded master's degree in Japan. With internationally renowned faculty and research facilities, the University of Tokyo is a perfect destination for students committed to sustainable development and leadership in Africa.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to contribute to your country’s growth, apply for the JADS Scholarship at GSFS today