About the Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. It supports citizens of eligible developing countries who have professional experience in development-related work and are committed to contributing to their home countries after completing graduate studies.
Scholarships Program
The program offers scholarships for 44 participating master’s programs across 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Areas of study include economic policy management, tax policy, infrastructure management, and other development-related fields. Applications are organized in two windows to align with academic calendars.
Benefits
- Tuition fees covered
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare plus US $600 travel allowance per trip
- Basic health insurance
- Support for up to two years of study
Note: Visa costs, family expenses, extracurricular courses, computers, and research-related costs are not covered.
Requirements
- Citizen of a World Bank member developing country
- No dual citizenship with a developed country
- Good health status
- Bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before application deadline
- Minimum of three years paid development-related work experience within the past six years
- Unconditional admission to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs outside applicant’s country of citizenship or residence
- Not a staff member, Executive Director, or close relative of World Bank Group employees
Eligibility
Applicants must be nationals of developing countries. Exceptions may apply for those from fragile or conflict-affected states. Previous scholarship recipients who did not graduate or declined the award are not eligible to reapply.
Application Process
- Apply and gain admission to one of the participating master’s programs
- Receive JJ/WBGSP application form link from the university
- Submit required documents including proof of admission
- Applications reviewed by independent assessors based on professional experience, recommendations, commitment to home country, and educational background
- Finalists selected by the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat and approved by the Steering Committee
Due Dates
- Window 1: January 15 – February 27,
- Window 2: March 30 – May 29,
- Japanese Nationals: Closed April 17,