Online applications are invited for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025. The last to apply for this program is February 28, 2025.

About Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to citizens of eligible developing countries with relevant professional experience and a proven history of contributing to their countries’ development. Applicants must be pursuing a master’s degree in a development-related field. Subject to funding, the program provides scholarships for 41 participating master’s programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan, in key development areas such as economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management. Applicants must gain unconditional admission (except for financial requirements) to one of these programs and be shortlisted by the participating university to qualify for the scholarship.

The application process for World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025 includes two rounds:

  • Application Window 1: January 13 to February 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST
  • Application Window 2: March 25 to May 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST

Scholarship benefits include tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their degree to contribute to social and economic development. Potential candidates should contact the universities offering the participating master’s programs to verify their eligibility and requirements.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a national of a World Bank member developing country listed in the application guidelines.
  • Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
  • Be in good health.
  • Hold a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree earned at least 3 years prior to the application deadline date.
  • Be employed in a paid, full-time, development-related position at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
  • Have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since earning a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), acquired within the last 6 years from the application deadline. Part-time employment may be counted toward this requirement as specified in the FAQs—Window 1.
  • The employment requirement may be waived for applicants from Fragile and Conflict States as listed in the Application Guidelines.
  • Be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to at least one JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program located outside of the applicant’s country of citizenship and residence, by the application deadline. The admission letter must be uploaded before submitting the scholarship application.
  • Not be an Executive Director, their alternate, staff of any type, or a close relative (as defined by the guidelines) of the World Bank Group.
  • Individuals who previously declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship or received a scholarship but did not graduate are not eligible to apply again.
  • Note: All eligibility criteria are strictly enforced, and no exceptions are made. The criteria will not change during an open call for applications, but may be updated between application periods.

How to Apply?

Selection Process

  • Two qualified assessors independently review each eligible application and score it on a scale of 1 to 10, considering four main factors and their cohesion:
  • The average score of the two assessors is used to select the finalists, based on the following criteria:
    • Maintaining a reasonably wide geographical distribution of awards
    • Ensuring a reasonable distribution of awards across gender
    • Considering unusual circumstances/hardships when assessing employment experience and other aspects of the application
    • Giving priority to applicants with limited access to financial resources for graduate studies abroad
  • The JJ/WBGSP Secretariat presents the list of finalists to the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee for approval.
  • Winners are notified soon after the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee approval.

Benefits

  • Benefits of the JJ/WBGSP scholarship:
    • Economy class air travel between the scholar’s home country and the host university at the start and end of the scholarship period, with a US $600 travel allowance for each trip.
    • Tuition for the graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance obtained through the university.
    • A monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodation, food, etc., including books). The amount varies depending on the host country.
    • The scholarship covers the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter.
  • The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover:
    • Visa application costs.
    • Expenses for bringing or supporting the scholar’s family members.
    • Extra-curricular courses or training.
    • Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required for the graduate degree.
    • Language training not provided by the graduate program.
    • Additional travel during the study program.
    • Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, or internships.
    • Educational equipment such as computers.
    • Resident permit fees.
  • Note: The World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025 may only supplement other sources of financial support and does not duplicate them. If another scholarship or fellowship is awarded, relevant documents must be sent to the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat.

Click here to view the official notification of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025