Are you a passionate professional from a developing country looking to further your education and contribute to the development of your home country? If so, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) could be the perfect opportunity for you. This prestigious scholarship program aims to foster a new generation of leaders who will drive social and economic development in their countries by pursuing graduate degrees in development-related fields.
What is the JJ/WBGSP?
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is designed for professionals from developing countries who have a strong background in development and are committed to returning to their home countries after completing their education abroad. The program provides full scholarships to candidates pursuing master’s degrees in key areas of development at selected universities around the world. Through this initiative, the World Bank seeks to help develop human capital that can tackle the complex challenges of economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for 41 participating master’s programs in 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. These programs cover essential fields of development, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
Scholarship Details and Benefits
If selected for the JJ/WBGSP, scholarship recipients are entitled to a wide range of benefits to support their education abroad:
- Tuition Fees – Full coverage of tuition for the graduate program.
- Living Stipend – A monthly allowance to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and books. The stipend varies depending on the host country.
- Travel Allowance – Economy class airfare to and from the host university and a US $600 travel allowance for each trip.
- Health Insurance – Basic medical insurance coverage during the scholarship period.
- Travel Allowance – For other expenses related to travel during the program.
The scholarship is available for the full duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter. This financial support ensures that scholars can focus fully on their studies and research without the burden of financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the JJ/WBGSP, applicants must meet specific criteria. Below is a broad outline of the eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of a World Bank member developing country. You can check the list of eligible countries here.
- Professional Experience: Applicants should have at least three years of paid full-time employment in a development-related field after earning their undergraduate degree (or equivalent). This experience should be acquired within the past six years.
- Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, earned at least three years prior to the application deadline.
- Health: Applicants must be in good health.
- Admission to Participating Master’s Program: Applicants must have been admitted unconditionally to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs outside of their home country. The list of participating programs can be found on the World Bank website.
Additionally, applicants must not be Executive Directors, their alternates, or staff members of the World Bank Group, or close relatives of such individuals.
Application Process
The application process for the JJ/WBGSP is structured into two application windows:
- Window 1: Opens from January 13 to February 28, 2025 (12:00 noon EST).
- Window 2: Opens from March 25 to May 23, 2025 (12:00 noon EST).
To apply, candidates must first be admitted to one of the participating programs and then receive the scholarship application link. Candidates must submit their applications through the World Bank’s online portal during the designated application windows. Detailed instructions and guidelines for the application can be found on the official JJ/WBGSP application page.
Selection Process
The selection of JJ/WBGSP scholars is a highly competitive process. Applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Quality of Professional Experience (30% weight)
- Quality of Professional Recommendations (30% weight)
- Commitment to Home Country (30% weight)
- Educational Background (10% weight)
Two qualified assessors independently review each application, scoring it on a scale from 1 to 10. The final decision takes into account the overall potential of candidates to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Post-Scholarship Commitment
One of the key features of the JJ/WBGSP is its commitment to ensuring that scholars contribute to their home countries’ development. After completing their graduate studies, recipients are expected to return to their countries and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to advance economic and social development. This long-term commitment to home country development is at the heart of the program’s mission.
Additional Details
While the JJ/WBGSP covers many essential expenses, it does not cover:
- Visa application fees
- Expenses for family members
- Extra-curricular courses or training
- Additional travel beyond the scholarship benefits
- Research-related expenses or supplementary educational materials
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship is designed to supplement, not duplicate, other financial sources you may have. If you have been awarded another scholarship or fellowship, you must notify the World Bank and provide relevant documentation.
Important Links
To learn more about the application process, eligibility, and participating programs, visit the official JJ/WBGSP application page here: JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Program.
Conclusion
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers a transformative opportunity for professionals from developing countries who are passionate about making a difference. By pursuing a graduate degree in a development-related field, scholars not only enhance their career prospects but also equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
This is your chance to receive world-class education, network with global professionals, and return to your home country to drive meaningful change. Don’t miss out—apply for the JJ/WBGSP and take the first step toward a brighter future.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the official JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Program website.