Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025; April 3, 2025
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Introduction
Are you a citizen of a developing country looking to pursue a master’s degree in a development-related field? The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) could be your gateway to world-class education, fully funded by the World Bank.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the JJ/WBGSP, including eligibility criteria, application process, scholarship benefits, and selection details for the 2025 intake.
What is the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship?
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious scholarship for nationals of World Bank member developing countries who have professional experience in development-related fields. The program supports students pursuing master’s degrees in key development areas such as:
- Economic policy management
- Tax policy
- Infrastructure management
- And other related disciplines
The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowances.
Key Features of JJ/WBGSP 2025
- 41 Participating Master’s Programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
- Two application windows in 2025 (more details below).
- Full financial support for the duration of the master’s program (up to two years).
- Commitment to home country development—scholars must return to contribute to their nation’s growth after graduation.
Important Note:
You must be admitted to one of the JJ/WBGSP Participating Programs to apply for the scholarship. If your chosen program is not on the list, you are not eligible.
JJ/WBGSP 2025 Application Timeline
The scholarship application is divided into two rounds, each with its own deadlines:
Application Window #1
Application Window #2
⚠️ Important:
- You must already have an unconditional admission offer (except for funding) from a participating university before applying for the scholarship.
- The scholarship application link is only shared with shortlisted candidates by the participating university.
Who is Eligible for JJ/WBGSP 2025?
The eligibility criteria are strict, and no exceptions are made. To qualify, you must:
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- Be in good health.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years before the application deadline.
- Have at least 3 years of paid, full-time, development-related work experience (acquired within the past 6 years).
- Be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs.
- Not be a World Bank Group employee, Executive Director, or their relative.
- Not have previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP scholarship.
Exception: Applicants from Fragile and Conflict States (listed in Annex 3 of the Application Guidelines) may have relaxed employment requirements due to limited opportunities.
How to Apply for JJ/WBGSP 2025
Step 1: Apply to a Participating Master’s Program
- Choose a program from the official list.
- Secure an unconditional admission offer (except for funding).
Step 2: Check if You’re Shortlisted by the University
- Only applicants shortlisted by their university will receive the scholarship application link.
Step 3: Submit the JJ/WBGSP Application
- Complete the form within the designated application window.
- Upload all required documents, including:
- Admission letter
- Proof of employment
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendations
🔗 Full Application Guidelines Here
Selection Process: How Are Winners Chosen?
Applications are reviewed by two independent assessors who score candidates on:
- Quality of professional experience (30%)
- Strength of recommendations (30%)
- Commitment to home country development (30%)
- Academic background (10%)
Final selection considers:
- Geographical diversity
- Gender balance
- Financial need
- Special circumstances (e.g., applicants from conflict zones)
Winners are approved by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee and notified shortly after.
What Does the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Cover?
Covered Expenses:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (varies by country)
- Round-trip economy airfare (home country ⇨ university)
- Health insurance
- $600 travel allowance per trip
Not Covered:
- Visa fees
- Family expenses
- Additional travel or research costs
- Language training outside the program
- Computers or study materials
Note: The scholarship cannot be combined with other funding sources. If you have another scholarship, you must declare it.
For more details, visit the Official JJ/WBGSP Website.
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