Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships 2025
Key Details
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Regions: Japan, USA, Africa, Europe, Oceania
- Degree Level: Master’s Programs
- Fields of Study: Economic Policy Management, Tax Policy, Public Administration, Environmental Sustainability
- Target Audience: International Students
- Application Deadline: May 23, 2025
Description
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025 (JJ/WBGSP) offers a unique and fully funded opportunity for international students pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields. This scholarship is aimed at supporting individuals from developing countries, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to their countries’ development efforts.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is designed for professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the socio-economic development of their home countries. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to deepen their expertise in key areas such as economic policy management, tax policy, and public administration.
Financial Support
The JJ/WBGSP provides a comprehensive financial package for students accepted into one of the 42 participating master’s programs across 24 universities worldwide. These programs focus on fostering development leadership and expertise, which are crucial for driving progress in developing countries.
Available Subjects
Participating universities collaborate with the JJ/WBGSP to offer programs in several sought-after fields, including:
- Economic Policy Management
- Tax Policy
- Public Administration
- Environmental Sustainability
Important Note
Applicants must secure admission into one of the participating master’s programs to be eligible for the scholarship. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective candidates to reach out to the universities offering these programs early in the application process to ensure they meet both academic and scholarship criteria.
Benefits of the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Recipients of the JJ/WBGSP scholarship receive extensive support throughout their studies. The benefits include:
Comprehensive Support
- Tuition Coverage
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the master’s program.
- Living Stipend
- A monthly allowance to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and books while studying abroad.
- Round-trip Airfare
- Economy class tickets to and from the host university, along with a travel allowance of $600.
- Health Insurance
- Basic medical insurance provided through the host university.
Expenses Not Covered
While the scholarship offers substantial support, it does not cover certain expenses, such as:
- Visa application fees
- Family support or dependents
- Language training not included in the graduate program
- Research or extracurricular activities
- Resident permit fees or other administrative costs
Commitment to Development
A fundamental principle of the JJ/WBGSP is that scholars are required to return to their home countries after completing their studies. This commitment ensures that the knowledge and skills acquired during their master’s programs are utilized to contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities. Scholars are expected to foster growth in critical areas, including economic policy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Eligible Nationalities
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship is open to citizens of developing countries that are members of the World Bank.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the JJ/WBGSP, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. This scholarship is designed for individuals from developing countries who are passionate about contributing to their nation’s socio-economic growth. Below are the key eligibility requirements:
Main Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality
- Applicants must be citizens of a developing country that is a member of the World Bank. Dual citizenship with any developed country is not permitted.
- Health
- All applicants must be in good health.
- Academic Background
- Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) that was earned at least three years prior to the application deadline.
- Professional Experience
- Applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time, paid, development-related work experience, which must have been acquired within the last six years prior to applying.
- Admission to a Master’s Program
- Applicants must have been unconditionally admitted (except for financial support) to one of the 42 master’s programs participating in the JJ/WBGSP.
- World Bank Employees
- Individuals who are staff members or close relatives of World Bank employees, particularly Executive Directors or their alternates, are ineligible to apply.
Selection Process
The selection process for the JJ/WBGSP is highly competitive and employs a merit-based approach to evaluate applications. Candidates are assessed based on four main factors:
- Quality of Professional Experience (30%)
- Applicants are evaluated on the relevance and impact of their professional work, particularly in development.
- Professional Recommendations (30%)
- Recommendations from supervisors or academic mentors are critical in assessing the candidate’s qualifications.
- Commitment to Home Country (30%)
- Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to returning to their home country and utilizing their education to contribute to its development.
- Educational Background (10%)
- The strength and relevance of the applicant’s academic qualifications are also taken into account.
Once the applications are reviewed, the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee finalizes the list of scholarship recipients, ensuring a balanced geographical and gender distribution among the selected candidates.
Application Procedure
The application process for the JJ/WBGSP is rigorous and entails a thorough review of each applicant’s professional background, academic qualifications, and personal commitment to their home country’s development. The selection process is organized into two application windows for 2025:
Application Windows
- Application Window #1: January 13 – February 28, 2025
- Application Window #2: March 25 – May 23, 2025
Important Guidelines
- Applicants are allowed to submit only one application within a calendar year.
- It is essential to ensure that all required documents, including the admission letter from a JJ/WBGSP-participating university, are submitted by the specified deadlines.
By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can effectively navigate the application process and increase their chances of securing a scholarship.
