Are you a mid-career professional from 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) offers a fully funded opportunity to study at top universities across the globe. The 2025 application cycle is open for Window 2, running from March 25 to May 23, 2025.
About the JJ/WBGSP
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. It supports individuals from developing countries who have relevant professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to their countries’ development.
The program enables recipients to gain the knowledge and skills required to contribute effectively to economic and social transformation in their home countries.
Participating Programs and Universities
The scholarship supports 41 master’s programs offered at 24 universities located in:
Eligible programs focus on high-impact areas such as:
Applicants must be unconditionally admitted to one of these participating programs, excluding any financial conditions, to be eligible for the scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits
The JJ/WBGSP offers comprehensive financial support, including:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly living stipend
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Round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and host university
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Health insurance during the scholarship period
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Travel allowance
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Funding for books and study materials
This funding package is designed to eliminate financial barriers and allow scholars to focus fully on their studies.
Application Timeline: 2025 Window 2
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Application window: March 25 – May 23, 2025 (12:00 noon EST)
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Only candidates shortlisted by participating master’s programs will be invited to apply for the scholarship
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Applicants must apply directly to their desired master’s program and secure unconditional admission before the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application can be submitted
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 JJ/WBGSP, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country (see full list on the official website)
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Not hold dual citizenship with any developed country
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Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline
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Have at least three years of recent paid work experience in a development-related field
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Be in good health
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Be unconditionally admitted to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs
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Not be an employee or close relative of someone working for the World Bank Group
Note: These eligibility conditions are strictly enforced. No exceptions are made.
Selection Process
Each eligible application is reviewed independently by two assessors based on the following criteria:
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Quality of professional experience (30%)
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Strength of professional recommendations (30%)
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Level of commitment to development (30%)
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Educational background (10%)
Additional factors influencing selection include:
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Gender and geographic balance
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Consideration of hardship or unusual life circumstances
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Limited access to financial resources for study abroad
Finalists are selected by the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat and approved by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee, which includes members of the World Bank Board of Directors and senior management.
Post-Scholarship Commitment
Recipients of the JJ/WBGSP are required to return to their home countries after completing their graduate programs. This return requirement is intended to ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired are applied directly to development efforts at the local, national, or regional level.
How to Apply
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Review the list of eligible master’s programs on the JJ/WBGSP website
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Apply directly to the program of your choice
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Obtain an unconditional offer of admission
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If shortlisted, you will receive a link to complete the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application
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Submit your application no later than May 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST
Applicants are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible to meet both university and scholarship deadlines.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers a unique and fully funded opportunity for individuals who are committed to contributing to development in their countries. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference, this program can be a transformative step in your career and leadership journey.
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