Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program for international students | A complete guide

Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship | An overview

The Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) of the World Bank offers scholarship to students and young researchers. The World Bank Scholarships align with the organization’s mission to foster innovative approaches to educational development and knowledge sharing in developing nations. These are crucial to the World Bank’s commitment to promoting economic development. It creates shared prosperity by investing in education, enhancing skills, and boosting human resources in developing countries. Since 1982, the DEC’s scholarship initiatives have been pivotal in cultivating more than 6,000 skilled development professionals and scholars. These professionals can make transformative contributions to their countries, leaving a lasting positive impact on future generations.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship | Features

• The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) is one of the two programs offered under the World Bank Scholarship initiative. 
• It is a fully funded scholarship program that invites applications from working professionals from developing countries to study master’s degree programs in development-related fields.
• The program requires applicants to possess prior experience volunteering for their country’s development.
• JWBGSP offers scholarships for 14 Partner programs and 200 preferred programs at universities in the U.S., Africa, Netherlands, France, and Japan.
• Students must pursue a master’s degree in key development study areas such as economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
• The deadline to complete JWBGSP applications was April 20, 2023. The committee will soon announce the result in the month of July.
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program successfully formed a community of over 6,000 well-trained and experienced development professionals, transforming their countries and impacting future generations.

Active scholarship programs

JJWBGSP

It has helped over 6,000 mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries and Japan acquire graduate degrees in development-related subjects since 1987. The Japanese government entirely funds the JJWBGSP on a yearly basis.

The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) has supported young scholars on a wide range of development-related topics since 1982. The program now connects bright young researchers to World Bank research, data resources, and technical experience. Selected fellows work on DEC research projects as a cohort at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., obtaining formal training and participating in policy-relevant research.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, candidates must meet certain requirements and be admitted to a master’s degree program. Applicants from developing countries must fulfill the following eligibility criteria-

• They must be nationals of a developing country that is a member of the World Bank.
• Applicants should not hold dual citizenship in any developed country.
• Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Good health is a prerequisite for eligibility.
• Applicants must be employed full-time in a development-related field at the time of submitting the scholarship application.
• Three years of relevant work experience in related areas is mandatory.
• Applicant must present an unconditional admission letter to one of the partners or preferred master’s programs offered by the JJ/WBGSP if necessary.
• The admission letter can be obtained on or before the application deadline and must be uploaded before submitting the scholarship application.
• Applicants must have taken the necessary examinations to study abroad.
• Executive Directors, staff members of the World Bank, or their close relatives are ineligible for the scholarship.

Candidates must carefully review and fulfill these eligibility criteria to avail the benefits of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.

Application process

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program requires applicants to submit their applications online. For the 2020 applications, the following documents are necessary-

• Two professional references
• An unconditional offer letter from the preferred/partner master’s degree program.
• Although the application requirements are the same for both Preferred and Partner Programs, the application process differs.
• For Preferred Master’s Programs, applicants need to fill up the program admission form. Once they secure admission into one of the preferred programs, they can apply for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship.
• On the other hand, for Partner Master’s Programs, applicants must apply for admission to one or more of the partner programs. Each Partner Master’s Degree Program will review the submitted applications and shortlist eligible candidates.
• The JJ/WBGSP Secretariat will then invite eligible candidates to apply for the scholarship.

The deadline to apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is in April. Applicants can expect to receive notifications via email at three different stages of the successful application process.

Grant details

Recipients of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program receive the following benefits-

• Full coverage of tuition fees.
• A monthly living stipend to support expenses.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Round-trip airfare for travel to and from the study destination.
• A travel allowance of 500 USD.

It’s important to note that the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program does not cover the following expenses-

• Visa application costs
• Accommodation expenses for family members of the scholar
• Extra-curricular courses or training
• Language training
• Additional travel expenses beyond the allocated travel allowance
• Resident permit fee
• Expenses related to any research work undertaken

The application process for the scholarship typically begins in March and concludes in April. For the latest updates and detailed information, candidates must visit the official website of the scholarship program.

Key takeaways

• The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides opportunities for students and young researchers from developing countries to pursue fully funded master’s degree programs in development-related fields.
• The program aims to foster global collaboration, nurture future leaders, and address development challenges in participating countries.
• Eligibility criteria include being a national of a developing country, having relevant work experience, and obtaining an unconditional admission letter to a preferred/partner master’s program.

We hope you found this blog helpful! If you have any questions or need further information, do reach out to us. Click here to get in touch with our team and explore the exciting opportunities to study abroad. We are here to assist you and provide the guidance you need.

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FAQs

Q1. Is it difficult to get a scholarship in Japan?

Ans- Full scholarships are only available through the Japanese government and a few private foundations, organizations, or local governments. As there are just a few slots available, the competition is fierce.

Q2. Can I apply for multiple master’s degree programs under the JJ/WBGSP?

Ans- Yes, applicants can apply for admission to multiple master’s programs. Each partner program will review the applications and shortlist eligible candidates.

Q3. Can I reapply for the JJ/WBGSP if my application was not successful in the previous year?

Ans- Applicants who were not successful in a previous application cycle can reapply for the JJ/WBGSP in subsequent years, provided they still meet the eligibility criteria.