Deadline: March 10, 2016
The World Bank Group (WBG) invites applications for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). Funded by the Japanese government, this is by far, the largest scholarship scheme, which contributes to the World Bank Group’s mission of forging new dynamic approaches to capacity development and knowledge sharing in the developing world.
JJ/WBGSP enables mid-career professionals from developing countries to access the latest techniques and knowledge through graduate studies at universities worldwide. It was established over 25 years ago as part of the special Policy and Human Resources Fund set up by the government of Japan to support the development of human resources in less developed countries. There is also a small component awarding scholarships for Japanese nationals graduate students (See Japanese Nationals Program).
JJ/WBGSP has helped create an international community of highly trained professionals working in economic and social development through financing of graduate and post-graduate studies. To date, the Program has awarded over 5000 scholarships selected from over 65,000 applicants, disbursing over US$200 million dollars in funding from the Japanese government.
Eligibility/Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizen of a World Bank member country eligible to borrow;
- Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country;
- Be under the age of 45 on the Application Deadline date;
- Hold a Bachelor (or equivalent) degree earned at least 3 years prior to application deadline;
- Have 3 years or more of recent development-related work experience after earning a Bachelor (or equivalent) degree;
- Not be a staff member (which includes consultants) or relative of a staff member of the World Bank Group;
- Be in good health;
- Be accepted unconditionally to enroll in the upcoming academic year in one of JJWBGSP preferred master programs;
- Submit a completed JJWBGSP application by the Application Deadline date
Award
The Joint Japan / World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) scholarship is fully funded by the Government of Japan and provides for the recipient only the following benefits:
- Recipients will receive a full scholarship in development studies to one of the program’s preferred masters programs (see draft list at www.worldbank.org/scholarships).
- economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start of your study program and immediately following the end of the scholarship period. In addition to the two-way air travel, developing country national scholars will receive a US $500 travel allowance for each trip;
- tuition for your graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance usually obtained through the university. Please noteall JJ/WBGSP partner and preferred masters programs are 2 years or less and the scholarship covers the duration of the program;
- a monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including books, while you are studying at the preferred masters program. The amount of the allowance varies depending on the host country.
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover:
- VISA application(s) costs;
- expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members;
- extra-curricular courses or training;
- language training not provided by the graduate program;
- additional travel during the course of the study program;
- expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, or internships; and
- educational equipment such as computers.
Upon completion of the program, JJ/WBGSP scholars must immediately return to their home countries to apply their new skills to their countries’ social and economic development.
How to Apply
There are two ways citizens of developing countries can apply for this scholarship:
- For scholarships to one of our partner masters programs, applicants must first apply to at least one of our partner university masters programs. The university will provide the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat with a short list of eligible candidates and only those candidates will be invited to apply for a JJWBG Scholarship through our partnership window.
- For scholarships to one of our preferred masters programs, you need to apply to the university and meet their application deadline to get accepted into their program and in parallel also apply directly to JJ/WBGSP for the scholarshi
To begin the web-based application process for a scholarship to one of the Program’s preferred master’s programs, we recommend you:
- Review the Application Guidelines and FAQs posted below. (Application_Guidelines | FAQs)
- Log-into the Web-based Application using the link below to create an online application. Refer to Accessing the Online Application document as needed. Accessing_the_Online_Application
- Apply online here Don’t wait to submit your recommendation requests. These can take time to be processed by the online system. Begin entering the requested documentation on the online application using the Navigating the Online Application document posted below. (Navigating_the_Online_Application)
Please e-mail questions and/or inquiries to [email protected]
For more information, visit Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
