Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a fully funded, prestigious scholarship for students from developing countries wishing to study for a master’s degree in development related topics. The program, which is funded by the Government of Japan and managed by the World Bank, helps empower individuals who are interested in development and poverty reduction in their own countries.
Since its establishment, JJ/WBGSP has provided thousands of scholars from all over the world with study opportunities in the United States, Europe, Africa and Japan, at selected universities.
Fields Covered
The scholarship is for development focused disciplines among others such as:
- Public Policy & Governance (e.g., International Development, Public Administration, Political Science)
- Economics & Finance (e.g., Development Economics, Financial Inclusion, Macroeconomics)
- Environmental & Sustainable Development (e.g., Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science)
- Health & Social Sciences (e.g., Public Health, Social Work, Education Policy)
- Infrastructure & Engineering (e.g., Urban Planning, Transportation, Civil Engineering)
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the JJ/WBGSP as follows.
- Be a national of any of the World Bank specified countries (The official website has the full list that includes all the countries involved).
- You should hold a bachelor’s degree obtained three years or more ago.
- You have at least three years of professional fulltime work experience in a development related area.
- At the time of application, be employed in a paid development related position.
- They shall commit to returning to their home country to work in development after they finish their studies.
- And also not hold dual citizenship in any developed country.
- Requirements for the Scholarship
- Applicants must submit:
- Online Application Form via the World Bank scholarship portal.
- Explanation of the Commitment to Development.
- Academic Transcripts & Degree Certificates.
- Proof of Relevant Work Experience (employment verification letter).
- Two Letters of Recommendation (from employers or professors).
- A letter of admission to one of the approved master’s programs.
- Scholarship Benefits & Stipend
- Financial support for the entire cost of a JJ/WBGSP scholarship is provided by the JJ/WBGSP as follows:
- Attend a participating university, and you will be required to cover only the tuition fees.
- Accommodation and food will be covered by the Monthly Living Stipend.
- Airfare Tickets (one round-trip from the home country to the university).
- Health Insurance Coverage for the duration of the study program.
- Gratifications in the form of additional Travel Allowances for the settling in expenses.
- How to Apply
- Clicking Absentee Ballot: It is recommended to verify your eligibility for an Absentee Ballot on the official website.
- Secure Admission: Gain admission in an approved master’s program.
- Gather Recommendation Letters, Proof of Work Experience, Personal Statement:Â Prepare Application Documents:
- You can Submit Application Online through the World Bank’s scholarship portal.
- Some of the candidates may be asked to give an interview as part of interview process.
- Successful applicants are given an official award letter.
Application Deadline
The application is open twice a year in April and October.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides an excellent opportunity for development professionals from developing countries to acquire a world class education and to become a part of the development effort to end poverty. This scholarship covers the entire costs from anywhere in the world, and it provides access to top universities, to build the next generation of leaders committed to poverty reduction and economic growth.
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