The Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to citizens of certain developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to a master’s degree program in a development-related topic. This scholarship is subject to available funding.
Scholarship Descriptions
The Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a joint venture between Japan Government and the World Bank Group to offer scholarships for 26 Participating Programs at universities in U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan in key areas of development, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
The application process will be organized into two rounds:
- Application Window#1: From January 15, 2024 to February 29, 2024 at noon Washington time for JJWBGSP Participating Programs accepting applications under Window #1
- Application Window #2: From March 25, 2024 to May 24, 2024 at noon Washington time for JJWBGSP Participating Programs accepting applications under Window #2
After earning their degree, developing country scholars commit to returning to their home country to use their new skills and contribute to their countries’ social and economic development.
Award Value
The scholarship provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
Level and Area of Studies
Master’s in any of the participating programs.
Place of Studies
Participating Universities in U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan
See Also: Rotary International Peace Fellowships
Eligibility Criteria
Details on the Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program Eligibility Criteria for each call for applications are provided in that call’s Application Guidelines, and these detailed eligibility criteria are strictly adhered to.
Broadly speaking, Developing Country nationals must:
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country on this list;
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country;
- Be in good health;
- Hold a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree earned at least 3 years prior to the Application Deadline date;
- Have 3 years or more of recent development-related work experience after earning a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree;
- Be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position at the time of submitting the scholarship application. Have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since earning a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent university degree) and acquired within the past 6 years from the date of the Application Deadline.
- On or before the Scholarship Application Deadline date, be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) for the upcoming academic year to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside of the applicant’s country of citizenship and country of residence listed at the time the call for scholarship applications opens. The letter of admission must be uploaded before submitting your application.
- Not be a staff of any type of appointment of the World Bank Group or a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption.
Please note: All eligibility criteria are strictly adhered to. No exceptions are made. Eligibility criteria WILL NOT change during an open call for applications. However, this information is subject to change between the close of one application process and the opening of the next.
Recommended: ISN Fellowship Program for Scholars from Developing Countries
Application Procedure
Please ensure you follow carefully the guidelines on any of the windows of your choice on the Official application page before you apply for any of the Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.
