Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program For 2025. Take advantage of participating universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan to further your education. That’s great news! Applications for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program are now open. This article will guide you through the application process and explain how this scholarship program works in detail.
International students can apply for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025-2026. The scholarship is fully funded. The JJ/WBGSP scholarship covers the full tuition fee, accommodation, economy flight tickets, as well as a monthly living stipend.
The WBGSP is open to women and men from developing nations who are applying to a master degree program with relevant professional experience and a history of contributing to their countries’ development efforts.
JJWBGSP offers scholarships for 26 Participating Programs at universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan in key development areas, such as economic policy management and tax policy. The JJWBGSP Scholarship is not available to applicants who have not been accepted to one of these programs. The majority of students from developing nations intend to return home after graduation so that they can contribute to the cultural and economic development of their home country with their newly acquired skills.
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Masters
- Institution(s): World Bank and Japan Government
- Study at: U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan
- Opportunity Focus Areas: View the available master’s programs here
- Program duration: 2 years
- Deadline: (The next windows for scholarship applications will open in January and March 2024.)
- Application Window#1: January 13 through February 28, 2025 at noon Washington time.
- Application Window#2: March 25 through May 23, 2025 at noon Washington time.
Coverage of scholarships
This scholarship program is funded by the Japan World Bank and provides the following benefits to the recipients:
- When you start your study program at the host university and immediately after the scholarship period ends, you will be entitled to economy class air travel between your home country and the host university. A US $500 travel allowance will be provided for each trip in addition to the two-way air travel;
- The cost of your graduate program tuition and the cost of basic medical insurance obtained from the university.
- During the scholarship period, the student will receive a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). There is a variation in the amount of the allowance depending on the country of residence.
It is important to note that all JJ/WBGSP scholarships cover the duration of a graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter.
- The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover the following expenses:
- The cost of the visa application(s)
- A scholar’s family member’s travel and/or support expenses;
- Courses or training that are extracurricular;
- Graduate courses that do not meet the minimum credit requirements;
- The graduate program does not offer language training;
- Travel during the course of the study program;
- Participation in workshops, seminars, or internships; as well as research expenses, supplementary educational materials, field trips, or workshops/seminars.
- Computers are used as educational equipment.
- The fee for a resident permit
Eligibility Criteria for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP)
To apply for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP), applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language Requirement: You must be able to read, write, and understand English.
- Eligible Countries: Applicants from all countries are welcome, except those holding dual citizenship with a developed country.
- Health Status: You must be in good health.
- Education Requirement: You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent at least three years before the application deadline.
- Work Experience: You need to have at least three years of recent, paid, full-time work experience in a development-related field after earning your Bachelor’s degree.
- Current Employment: At the time of applying, you must be employed in a paid, full-time job related to development.
- Exception: If you are from a country listed as a Fragile or Conflict-Affected State, you may be exempt from this requirement. This list will be included in the scholarship application guidelines.
- University Admission: You must receive unconditional admission (excluding financial aid) for the upcoming academic year into at least one of the JJWBGSP preferred master’s programs.
- This program must be offered outside your country of citizenship and country of residence.
- The admission letter must be uploaded before submitting your scholarship application.
- World Bank Employment Restrictions
- You cannot be employed by the World Bank Group in any capacity (including Executive Directors or their alternates).
- You also cannot be a close relative (by blood or adoption) of a World Bank Group staff member.
- “Close relatives” include: Mother, Father, Sister, Half-sister, Brother, Half-brother, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Niece, or Nephew.
Note: All eligibility requirements are strictly enforced. There are no exceptions during an open application cycle. However, these requirements may change between application periods.
How to Apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
To apply for this scholarship, follow these steps:
- Apply for Admission: First, submit your application to one or more of the approved Partner Master’s Degree Programs. For details on how to apply, contact the university offering the program directly.
- Create an Account: Next, visit the official scholarship website and create an account to begin your application process.
FAQs About JJWBGSP 2025–2026
Can I apply if I haven’t been accepted to a university yet?
Ans: No, you must have an unconditional letter of admission from one of the participating master’s programs before applying.
Does the scholarship cover family expenses?
Ans: Unfortunately, the JJWBGSP does not cover travel, accommodation, or living expenses for family members.
Can I choose any master’s program?
Ans: No. You must choose one from the 26 eligible master’s programs listed on the JJWBGSP website.
Conclusion
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program opens a world of opportunity for committed professionals from developing countries. By offering fully funded education at top global institutions, the JJWBGSP equips scholars with skills to impact their nations. Apply today, follow the simple steps, and take a bold step toward building a better future through global education.
