Joint Japan world Bank Graduate Scholarship program 2025 (fully funded)

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious, fully funded initiative designed to support talented individuals from developing countries in pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields.

The program, established through collaboration between the Government of Japan and the World Bank, aims to nurture a new generation of leaders committed to driving socio-economic development in their home countries.

Program Overview

The JJ/WBGSP covers all necessary costs for students to pursue a master’s degree at one of the program’s partner institutions across the globe.

By alleviating financial burdens, the scholarship empowers scholars to focus entirely on their studies and professional development.

The program supports various fields related to development, including economics, public policy, infrastructure, health, and education.

Scholarship Benefits

The financial support offered by JJ/WBGSP is comprehensive and includes the following key components:

• Full Tuition Fees: Complete coverage of tuition costs for the duration of the master’s program.
• Living Stipend: Monthly allowance to cover accommodation, food, and books.
• Round-trip Airfare: Economy-class travel to and from the host university, along with a travel allowance of $600.
• Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance provided through the host university.

However, certain expenses are not covered, such as visa fees, language training, research costs outside the curriculum, and family support​

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet stringent eligibility requirements:

• Nationality: Must be citizens of a World Bank member country classified as developing. Dual citizens with a developed country are ineligible.
• Academic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years before the application date.
• Professional Experience: At least three years of full-time, paid, development-related work experience acquired in the past six years.
• Health Status: All candidates must be in good health.
• Admission Requirement: Must have an unconditional offer of admission to one of the 42 eligible master’s programs supported by JJ/WBGSP​
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Notably, close relatives of World Bank staff are disqualified from applying.

Application Process

The JJ/WBGSP operates two application windows for the 2025 cycle:

• Window 1: January 13 – February 28, 2025
• Window 2: March 25 – May 23, 2025

Applicants can apply only once per calendar year and must submit all required documentation, including an admission letter from a participating university, before the deadline. The application process includes uploading professional and academic recommendations and demonstrating a commitment to returning to one’s home country after graduation​

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Selection Criteria

The program follows a rigorous merit-based selection process, with candidates evaluated on four criteria:

1. Professional Experience (30%): Relevance and impact of work in development.
2. Professional Recommendations (30%): Endorsements from supervisors or mentors.
3. Commitment to Home Country (30%): A pledge to contribute to the socio-economic development of the applicant’s home country.
4. Academic Background (10%): Strength and relevance of academic qualifications.

The JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee ensures a balanced distribution of scholars across regions and genders​

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Participating Universities and Fields

Renowned institutions such as the London School of Economics (LSE) participate in this program, offering master’s degrees in areas like Development Management, Global Health Policy, and International Social and Public Policy. Scholars must choose programs that align with the development goals of their home countries​

Commitment to Development

A cornerstone of the JJ/WBGSP is the requirement for scholars to return to their home countries after completing their studies. This ensures that the knowledge and skills acquired are utilized to foster economic growth, infrastructure development, and social progress, contributing to a sustainable future for their communities​

FAQS

1. What is JJ/WBGSP?
It is a fully funded scholarship program by the World Bank and the Government of Japan for students from developing countries pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields.

2. Who can apply?
Applicants must be nationals of World Bank member countries, hold a bachelor’s degree, and have at least three years of development-related work experience.

3. What expenses are covered?
Tuition, living allowance, travel expenses, health insurance, and other related costs.

4. What are the application deadlines?
Applications usually open in early 2025 with deadlines around April-May. Specific dates will be announced on the official website.

5. How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online with required documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of work experience.

Conclusion

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025 is an invaluable opportunity for individuals from developing nations to pursue advanced education in critical fields of development.

By investing in human capital, the program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of the global development sector.

For eligible candidates committed to making a significant impact in their countries, the JJ/WBGSP offers not just financial support but also a platform for long-term professional growth.

For further details, applicants are encouraged to visit the official World Bank website