Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: Scholarships for Development
The pursuit of higher education is a dream for many individuals around the world. However, financial constraints often pose significant barriers, especially for students from developing countries. Recognizing this challenge, the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) was established to offer opportunities for talented individuals to pursue master’s degree programs in development-related fields.
About the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a unique initiative that aims to empower individuals from developing countries to contribute effectively to their nations’ development efforts. This program is a collaboration between the Government of Japan and the World Bank, combining the expertise and resources of both entities to provide exceptional educational opportunities.
Scholarship Duration and Coverage
A JJ/WBGSP scholarship covers the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less. The scholarship package includes:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
These comprehensive benefits ensure that recipients can focus on their studies and make the most of their educational experience.
Participating Programs and Institutions
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for 52 Participating Programs at universities located in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. These esteemed institutions provide a diverse range of academic disciplines, allowing scholars to pursue their passion in development-related fields.
Eligibility Criteria for the JJ/WBGSP
To be considered for the JJ/WBGSP, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria are designed to select individuals who have the potential to make a significant impact on their countries’ development efforts. The following factors determine eligibility:
- Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of World Bank Member Countries.
- Dual Citizenship: Applicants should not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- World Bank Affiliation: Applicants should not be affiliated with the World Bank Group in any capacity.
- Educational Background: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree earned at least three years prior to the application deadline.
- Work Experience: Applicants should have three or more years of recent development-related work experience after earning a Bachelor’s degree.
- Current Employment: Applicants must be employed in a paid full-time position related to development work at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
- Admission to Participating Programs: Applicants must be unconditionally admitted to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside of their country of citizenship and residence.
It is essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying to ensure that all requirements are met.
Scholarship Selection Process
The selection process for the JJ/WBGSP is rigorous and competitive. Applications undergo a thorough evaluation by a panel of experts, taking into consideration the applicant’s academic achievements, professional experience, leadership potential, and commitment to development. The selection process typically follows these steps:
- Eligibility Screening: The scholarship administrators review the applications to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met.
- Technical Review: Experts in the field assess the technical aspects of the applications, including academic qualifications, professional experience, and the relevance of the proposed program of study.
- Committee Review: A committee comprising representatives from the Government of Japan, the World Bank, and partner institutions evaluates the applications based on the selection criteria.
- Final Selection: The committee selects the most outstanding candidates, taking into account geographical distribution, gender balance, and other factors to ensure diversity among scholarship recipients.
Benefits of the JJ/WBGSP
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship offers numerous benefits to successful applicants. These benefits are designed to alleviate financial burdens and create an optimal learning environment. Here are the key advantages of the scholarship:
- Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the chosen graduate program.
- Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive a monthly living stipend to cover their accommodation, meals, and other living expenses.
- Round-Trip Airfare: The scholarship provides round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the host institution.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage ensures that scholars receive the necessary medical support during their studies.
- Travel Allowance: A travel allowance is provided to cover travel expenses related to research, conferences, and other academic activities.
These benefits enable scholars to focus on their studies and fully immerse themselves in their chosen field of study.
Participating Programs and Institutions
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for various development-related master’s programs across multiple countries. Scholars have the opportunity to study at esteemed institutions in different regions, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and approaches to development. Here are some of the participating programs and institutions:
| Country | Institution | Program |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Harvard University | Master in Public Administration |
| Europe | University of Oxford | Master of Public Policy |
| Africa | University of Cape Town | Master in Development Studies |
| Oceania | Australian National University | Master of International Development |
| Japan | University of Tokyo | Master of International Public Policy |
These are just a few examples of the wide range of programs and institutions available to JJ/WBGSP scholars. Each program offers unique opportunities to delve into specific aspects of development and gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Application Process for the JJ/WBGSP
Applying for the JJ/WBGSP involves a detailed and structured process. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must first apply and be unconditionally accepted for admission to at least one of the participating programs. Click on Apply Now below:
