Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is one of the two programs offered under the World Bank Scholarship programs. It is a fully-funded scholarship program that invites applications from working professionals from developing countries to study master’s degree programs in development-related fields.

  • The program requires applicants to possess prior experience of volunteering for their countries’ development.
  • JWBGSP offers scholarships for 14 Partner programs and 200 preferred programs at universities in the U.S., Africa, Netherlands, France, and Japan.
  • Students must pursue a master’s degree in key areas of development that includes economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
  • The deadline to complete JWBGSP applications was April 20, 2023. Committee will soon announce the result in the month of July.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program has helped to form a community of over 6,000 well-trained and experienced development professionals, transforming their countries and impacting future generations.


Highlights

Scholarship TypeMerit-Based
Offered byGovernment bodies
OrganizationGovernment of Japan
Application Deadline Apr 20 ,2023
Number of ScholarshipsN/A
AmountVariable Amount
RenewabilityYes
International Student EligibleYes
Scholarship Website Linkhttps://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships#JJ Scholarship_Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

In order to avail the benefits of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, applicants must be admitted to a master’s degree program.

Applicants from developing countries must fulfill the eligibility criteria listed below:

  • A national of a World Bank member of developing country
  • Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
  • Must hold a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree.
  • Must be in good health
  • Must be a full time paid employee in any development-related work while submitting the scholarship application.
    • Three years of relevant experience in related areas is mandatory.
  • Must have an unconditional admission letter to any one of the partner or preferred master’s programs offered by JJ/WBGSP.
    • It can on or before the application deadline.
  • An admission letter must be uploaded before submitting the scholarship application.
  • Must have taken exams to study abroad.
  • Executive Director, any staff member or any close relative is ineligible.

Note: Information is subject to change between the close of one application process and the opening of the next.


Application Process

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program applications must be submitted online. JJ/WBGSP 2020 applications should include

  • Two professional references
  • An unconditional offer letter from the Preferred/ Partner master’s degree program.

While the application requirements are the same for both Preferred and Partner Programs, the application process varies.

Preferred Master’s Programs

All an applicant has to do is complete the program admission form. After securing admission in any one of the preferred programs, an applicant can apply for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application.

Partner Master’s Programs

An applicant must apply for admission to one or more of the Partner Master's programs. After reviewing submitted applications, each Partner Master's Degree Program will shortlist eligible candidates.

JJ/WBGSP Secretariat will then invite the eligible candidates to apply for the scholarship.

  • The deadline to apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is April 20, 2023.
  • The applicant will be notified three times via email during a successful application process.

Applicants are advised to not fill the application form using mobile phones.


Selection Process

The selection of The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program recipients is a rigorous process. The panel aims to identify candidates with the highest potential. It is significant to evaluate the recipients who will contribute to the development of their country after completing the graduate study.

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program Selection Step I

Evaluation of application will be done by two qualified assessors. Rating will be given on a scale of 1-10 taking into account four main factors:

  1. Quality of Professional Experience (30% weight)
  2. Quality of Professional Recommendations (30% weight)
  3. Quality of Commitment to return to Home Country (30% weight)
  4. Quality of Education Background (10% weight)

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program Selection Step II

The JJ/WBGSP Secretariat will take into consideration the average score given by two assessors and the following criteria to select the finalists:

  • Maintaining a wide geographical distribution of awards
  • Maintaining distribution of awards across gender
  • Offering scholarships to applicants who are in need of financial aid to study abroad.
  • Unusual conditions, when judging employment experience and other aspects of an application.

Recipients of the scholarship will be informed only after the approval of the JJWBG Steering Committee. This will take place around mid-July 2023.

Successful applicants will be asked to submit a copy of passport for identification and health certificate (21 days after the scholarship has been granted)


Grant Details

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program encouraged applicants from developing countries to apply for the scholarship. The preferred and partner masters program can be undertaken at universities in USA, Africa, Japan, etc.

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides the recipients with the following benefits:

  • Tuition fees
  • A monthly living stipend
  • Health insurance
  • Round-trip airfare
  • 500 USD for travel allowance

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program will NOT cover the following expenses:

  • VISA application(s) costs
  • Accommodation Expenses for scholar's family members
  • Extra-curricular courses or training
  • Language training will not be provided.
  • Additional travel expenses.
  • Resident permit fee
  • Expenses related to any kind of research work done.

The application process for the scholarship will start in March and end on April 20, 2023. For more updates, candidates are advised to visit the official website.

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