The prestigious Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is accepting applications for 2025. This program is tailored for citizens of eligible developing countries who possess relevant professional experience and are actively contributing to their nation’s development. If you’re pursuing a master’s degree in a development-related field, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to advance your education and career.
Scholarship Overview
With funding for 41 Master’s Programs at 24 universities across the globe—including institutions in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan—this scholarship focuses on critical areas like economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
Benefits include:
- Travel Support: Economy-class airfare to and from your home country at the start and end of the program, plus a $600 travel allowance per trip.
- Full Tuition: Coverage of tuition fees and basic medical insurance through the university.
- Monthly Stipend: A subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including accommodations, food, and books, adjusted based on the host country.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Hold citizenship in a World Bank member developing country (dual citizens of developed countries are ineligible).
- Possess a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline.
- Have a minimum of three years’ full-time, paid, development-related work experience acquired in the past six years.
- Be currently employed in a development-related role.
- Gain unconditional admission to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside their home country and country of residence by the application deadline.
- Be in good health and not affiliated with the World Bank Group in a capacity outlined in the eligibility guidelines.
Selection Process
Applications are rigorously reviewed to identify candidates with the greatest potential to contribute to their country’s development. The selection process evaluates:
- Professional Experience (30%)
- Recommendation Letters (30%)
- Commitment to Home Country (30%)
- Educational Background (10%)
Additional considerations include geographical and gender diversity, financial constraints, and personal hardships.
Important Dates
The first application window runs from January 13 to February 28, 2025, closing at 12:00 noon EST.
