Are you a dedicated professional from a developing country, eager to advance your career and make a substantial impact on your community? Look no further than the prestigious Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025. This opportunity is designed to foster future leaders who will contribute to the development of their home countries.
What is the JJ/WBGSP?
The JJ/WBGSP is a highly competitive scholarship program that supports outstanding individuals from developing countries in pursuing a master’s degree in development-related fields. This scholarship is a joint initiative by the Government of Japan and the World Bank aimed at nurturing talented professionals who can drive sustainable development.
Why You Should Apply
- Comprehensive Financial Support: The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. This ensures you can focus entirely on your studies without financial worries.
- Global Network: Join a diverse alumni network from around the globe, providing you with valuable connections and collaboration opportunities.
- Enhanced Career Prospects: Association with the World Bank and the Government of Japan adds significant prestige to your resume, opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
- Impactful Contributions: By returning to your home country after completing your studies, you’ll be equipped to make a tangible difference in your community and contribute to national development efforts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the JJ/WBGSP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years prior to the application deadline.
- Have at least three years of paid development-related employment since earning your bachelor’s degree.
- Be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
- On or before the scholarship application deadline date, be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) for the upcoming academic year to at least one of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025.
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- Be in good health.
Participating Programs
The JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for 41 participating master’s programs in 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. These renowned institutions include:
- Australian National University
- Brandeis University
- Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs
- Erasmus University
- Harvard University — Kennedy School of Government
- IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
- Johns Hopkins University — Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Keio University
- London School of Economics and Political Sciences
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
- Saitama University
- SOAS – University of London
- Stanford University
- University of California-Berkeley
- Université Clermont-Auvergne — FERDI
- Université Félix Houphouët Boigny
- University of Leeds
- University of Oxford
- University of Tokyo
- University of Tsukuba
- Williams College — Center for Development Economics
- Yale University — School of Management
- Yokohama National University
Application Process
The application process is organized in two rounds:
- Application Window #1: January 13 to February 28, 2025
- Application Window #2: March 25 to May 23, 2025
To apply, you must first be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs and shortlisted as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant by the participating university.
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FAQs for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025
Q1: What is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)?
The JJ/WBGSP is a scholarship program that supports individuals from developing countries in pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields at renowned universities worldwide. The aim is to foster future leaders who will contribute to the development of their home countries.
Q2: What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. This comprehensive support ensures that scholars can focus on their studies without financial stress.
Q3: Who is eligible to apply for the JJ/WBGSP?
Applicants must be nationals of World Bank member developing countries, hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of paid development-related work experience, and be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position. Additionally, applicants should not hold dual citizenship of any developed country and must be in good health.
Q4: What are the application deadlines for the JJ/WBGSP 2025?
The application process is divided into two windows:
- Application Window #1: January 13 to February 28, 2025
- Application Window #2: March 25 to May 23, 2025
Q5: How do I apply for the JJ/WBGSP?
Applicants must first secure unconditional admission (except for funding) to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs. After that, they must be shortlisted as eligible JJ/WBGSP applicants by the participating university.
Q6: Can I apply for multiple participating programs?
Yes, applicants can apply to multiple participating programs. However, they must submit separate applications for each program and meet the specific admission requirements of each.
Q7: What are some of the participating universities in the JJ/WBGSP?
Some of the renowned participating institutions include Harvard University, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Stanford University, University of Oxford, Columbia University, Australian National University, and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, among others.
Q8: Can I pursue a PhD with the JJ/WBGSP?
No, the JJ/WBGSP is designed specifically for master’s degree programs. It does not cover PhD studies.
Q9: What are the selection criteria for the JJ/WBGSP?
Selection is based on the applicant’s professional experience, academic qualifications, commitment to contributing to their country’s development, and potential for leadership.
Q10: How can I find more information about the JJ/WBGSP?
Detailed information about the program, including application guidelines and participating programs, can be found on the World Bank’s official website and the JJ/WBGSP webpage.
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