Apply For The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) at The University of Tokyo

Higher education is a powerful tool for transformation. For many African students, pursuing a master’s degree in a world-class university can be life-changing—but financial barriers often stand in the way. That’s where the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) steps in.

Offered in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and funded by the Government of Japan, this prestigious scholarship allows qualified African students to earn a fully funded master’s degree in Japan. The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) is one of the participating institutions.

In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about applying for the JADS scholarship at the University of Tokyo, eligibility, programs, benefits, deadlines, and practical tips to improve your application.

What is the JADS Scholarship?

The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) is a two-year, fully funded master’s program designed to build capacity in African countries through higher education.

It supports African students from AfDB member nations to pursue master’s degrees in fields critical to sustainable development such as climate change, energy, agriculture, and environmental management.

The Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) at the University of Tokyo, known for its interdisciplinary research, offers multiple programs eligible for the JADS scholarship.

Eligible Programs at GSFS – University of Tokyo

JADS applicants must apply to programs under the Division of Environmental Studies, including:

Natural Environmental Studies
Ocean Technology, Policy, and Environment
Environmental Systems
Human & Engineered Environmental Studies
Socio-Cultural Environmental Studies
International Studies
Graduate Program in Sustainability Science (GPSS) – taught entirely in English

Tip: GPSS is a highly suitable option for non-Japanese speakers as it offers all courses in English.

Program details at GSFS

Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Choose a Research Supervisor

Before applying, you must find a professor at GSFS who aligns with your research interest.
Email the professor with:

A brief introduction and academic background
Your proposed research topic
The intended enrollment period (April or October)
Your intention to apply for the JADS scholarship

Find supervisors here

2. Prepare Your Research Proposal

Craft a compelling proposal showing how your research supports development goals in Africa. Your chances improve when your topic:

Aligns with AfDB’s High 5 priorities (e.g., Feed Africa, Power Africa, etc.)
Contributes to sustainability or environmental impact

3. Sit for the Graduate Entrance Exam (Schedule A or B)

You must pass the University of Tokyo entrance examination before being recommended for JADS.

Schedule	Application	Exam	Enrollment
A	June	July–August	April (following year)
B	November	Jan–Feb	October (same year)

Important: JADS recommendations are only made after you’ve passed the exam and been accepted.

4. Get Nominated by GSFS

If accepted and eligible, GSFS will recommend you to the AfDB/JADS program. Final decisions are made by the JADS committee, and successful applicants will be contacted to begin visa processing.

What the Scholarship Covers

The JADS scholarship is fully funded, covering:

Full tuition fees
Round-trip airfare (from your home country to Japan)
Monthly living stipend
Medical insurance
Enrollment and examination fees

Why Choose the University of Tokyo?

Ranked #1 in Japan and among the top universities in Asia
Strong focus on sustainability science, innovation, and policy
Offers an international environment with students from all over the world
Located in Tokyo, a global tech, research, and business hub

Studying in Japan provides a unique blend of academic excellence, culture, and global exposure—valuable for future African changemakers.

Also check: United Nations Online Volunteers program 2025

JADS Scholarship Eligibility Summary

Must be a national of an AfDB member country
Must be admitted to one of the GSFS Environmental Studies programs
Must not hold dual citizenship with a non-AfDB country
Should not be over 35 years old at the time of application
Must have a strong academic background and leadership potential

🔗 Full eligibility is listed on the official page: UTokyo JADS Info

Common FAQs

Q1. Can I apply if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes! The GPSS program is fully taught in English, and many professors are comfortable supervising in English.

Q2. What if I already hold a master’s degree?
You can still apply if your new degree is in a different field and meets your country’s development goals.

Q3. Can I bring my family?
The scholarship covers the student only. If you bring dependents, it will be at your own cost.

Expert Tips to Increase Your Chances

Start early – finding a supervisor and preparing for entrance exams takes time.
Craft a development-driven research proposal with real-world impact.
Highlight leadership roles, volunteerism, or projects in your home country.
Follow the instructions for each application phase carefully.
Mention how you plan to apply your knowledge to develop your country after graduation.

Upcoming Deadlines (Tentative)

Schedule A Application: June
Schedule B Application: November
Enrollment Periods: April or October (depending on the schedule)

Keep checking GSFS Entrance Info for updates.

Final Thoughts

The JADS scholarship offers more than just funding—it’s a transformative journey that equips young Africans with the tools and network to shape a sustainable future.

Whether your passion lies in environmental science, sustainable energy, or international development, the University of Tokyo’s JADS track opens doors to global impact. Apply now and take a bold step toward becoming a leader for Africa.

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