Varies by host city; approximately 144,000 JPY to 147,000 JPY per month in Japan
Duration
2 years (standard duration of a Master's program)
Deadline
Varies by intake (typically between May and August annually)
Level
Master's Degree
Acceptance
Approximately 2-5%
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
Aimed at african mid-career professionals and high-achieving graduates, Japan-Africa Scholarship (JAS) Program is a fully funded scholarship for study in Ivory Coast and Japan. The award covers The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living stipends, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and additional allowances for research and books. and is open to master's degree students studying economics, finance, planning, health, education, environment, agriculture, engineering, energy, science, and technology. The scholarship runs for 2 years (standard duration of a master's program). Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be African nationals, hold a relevant Bachelor's degree with superior grades, have professional experience, and be committed to returning to Africa after graduation. The application deadline is Varies by intake (typically between May and August annually), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 2-5%. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for Japan-Africa Scholarship (JAS) Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
5%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Highly Competitive
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by host city; approximately 144,000 JPY to 147,000 JPY per month in Japan
⏳
Duration
2 years (standard duration of a Master's program)
📅
Deadline
Varies by intake (typically between May and August annually)
African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 2-5%
The Japan-Africa Scholarship (JAS) Program is a prestigious initiative by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan. It provides full financial support to African students to pursue Master's degrees in Japanese universities, focusing on priority development areas to strengthen human capital in Africa.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be African nationals, hold a relevant Bachelor's degree with superior grades, have professional experience, and be committed to returning to Africa after graduation.
🏛️ Host University
Various partner universities in Japan and selected African institutions
Monthly allowance for living expenses provided throughout the duration of the study
Total Award
Varies by host city; approximately 144,000 JPY to 147,000 JPY per month in Japan
✈️ Travel: Economy class round-trip air travel between home country and Japan🏠 Accommodation: Included within the monthly stipend or provided through university dormitories💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage provided🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition and admission fees
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly allowance for living expenses provided throughout the duration of the study
🏡 Accommodation
Included within the monthly stipend or provided through university dormitories
✈️ Travel Allowance
Economy class round-trip air travel between home country and Japan
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance coverage provided
🎁 Other Benefits
Thesis preparation allowance, book allowance, and educational travel within Japan for research purposes
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; scholarship is for a fixed term
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizen of an AfDB member country, under 35 years old, Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with high honors
🎓 Academic Level
Master's Degree
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent to First Class or Upper Second Class honors (3.0/4.0 or higher)
🗣️ English Requirement
TOEFL, IELTS, or official certification of English-medium instruction from previous university
🍢 Age Limit
Under 35 years of age at the time of application
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 1 to 3 years of relevant professional experience post-graduation
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated potential for leadership and contribution to the development of the home country
💰 Financial Need
Considered during the selection process for qualified candidates
🎯 Target Students
African mid-career professionals and high-achieving graduates
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Statement of Purpose and a Detailed Research Proposal)
Rec Letters
Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional)
Interview
Yes, shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed by a selection committee
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
TOEFL, IELTS, or official certification of English-medium instruction from previous university
Interview: Yes, shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed by a selection committee
Min GPA: Equivalent to First Class or Upper Second Class honors (3.0/4.0 or higher)
📋 Application Process
Align your research proposal with the AfDB 'High 5' priority areas: Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve Quality of Life.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure your professional experience shows a clear link to the development goals of your home country and contact prospective Japanese supervisors early.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies annually (usually Q1 or Q2)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by intake (typically between May and August annually)
🎤 Interview
Yes, shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed by a selection committee
🎓 Study Starts
September or October
Varies annually (usually Q1 or Q2)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by intake (typically between May and August annually)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes, shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed by a selection committee
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September or October
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, professional potential, relevance of the study program to national development, and quality of the research proposal.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Japan-Africa Scholarship (JAS) ProgramCurrent
Ivory Coast and Japan
Full Funding
Master's Degree
—
🇹🇱 Timor-Leste Government Scholarship (FDCH/MESCC)
Applicants must be African nationals, hold a relevant Bachelor's degree with superior grades, have professional experience, and be committed to returning to Africa after graduation.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship covers full tuition, monthly living stipends, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and additional allowances for research and books.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by intake (typically between May and August annually). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Highly Competitive. Acceptance rate: Approximately 2-5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, TOEFL, IELTS, or official certification of English-medium instruction from previous university, Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.