If you’re a mid-career professional looking to further your education in development-related fields, the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) may be just what you need.
Since 1987, the JJWBGSP has provided funding for over 6,000 individuals from 160 developing countries and Japan to complete graduate degrees in key areas of development, such as economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
The JJWBGSP offers scholarships for participating Master’s Programs in 27 universities across the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. The program is funded solely by the Government of Japan on an annual basis.
The scholarships cover tuition, a monthly allowance, travel costs, and health insurance.
If you’re eligible, the scholarship will cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, economy class air travel from the host university to Japan or a developing country where you’ve secured employment, and the cost of basic medical insurance.
Overview of the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
If you’re a citizen of a developing country with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience in a development-related field, the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) could be your ticket to a master’s degree in a development-related topic.
The program is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank Group, and it’s been providing scholarships to mid-career professionals since 1987.
Every year, the program provides scholarships to around 150 individuals from developing countries and Japan. The program aims to build the capacity of developing countries and to promote economic development and shared prosperity.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a citizen of a developing country that’s eligible for the program. You must also have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional experience in a development-related field. Additionally, you must be applying to a master’s degree program in a development-related topic at a participating university.
Participating Universities and Programmes
If you are interested in applying for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, you may be wondering which universities and programmes are included in the program.
The JJWBGSP offers scholarships for 45 participating master’s programmes in 27 universities across the world.
Some of the universities and programmes included in the program are:
- Australian National University: Master of Climate Change, Master of Environmental and Resource Economics, Master of Environmental Management and Development, Master of Public Policy
- Brandeis University: Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence
- Columbia University: Master of Public Administration in Development Practice
- Erasmus University Rotterdam-IHS: Master of Science in Urban Management and Development
- Harvard University: Master in Public Administration/International Development, Master in Public Policy/International Development
- IHE Delft Institute for Water Education: Master of Science in Water Management and Governance
- Keio University: Master of Arts in International Governance and Development
- London School of Economics and Political Science: MSc in Development Management, MSc in Development Studies, MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Political Economy of Late Development
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS): Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of International Studies in Public Policy (MISPP)
- Saitama University: Master of Science in Infrastructure Management
- SOAS University of London: MSc Development Economics, MSc Development Studies, MSc Globalisation and Development, MSc Political Economy of Development
- Stanford University: Master of Arts in International Policy, Master of Public Policy
- University of Birmingham: MSc Conflict, State Building and Development
- University of California-Berkeley: Master of Development Practice
- University of Hong Kong: Master of Urban Design (MUD)
- University of Leeds: MSc Economics and Development Economics, MSc Environment and Development, MSc Sustainability and Business
- University of Oxford: MSc in Economics for Development, MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy, MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management
- University of Sussex: MSc Development Economics, MSc Development Studies, MSc Global Political Economy, MSc Science, Society and Development
- University of Tokyo: Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR), Master of Arts in Area Studies (MAAS), Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS)
- University of Tsukuba: Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Master of Science in Development Studies
- Université Clermont-Auvergne: Master of Science in International Development Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Master of International Public Affairs
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the participating universities and programmes may change from year to year. Be sure to check the JJWBGSP website for the most up-to-date information on participating universities and programmes.
Focus Areas and Specialisations
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers scholarships for a wide range of Participating Master’s Programs in various universities across the globe.
These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle key areas of development.
Some of the focus areas and specialisations covered by the scholarship program include:
- Economic Policy Management: This program focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to design and implement effective economic policies that promote sustainable development.
- Infrastructure Management: This program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to plan, design, and manage infrastructure projects that promote economic growth and development.
- Public Health: The scholarship program offers several master’s programs in public health, including Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Global Health Policy and Management, and Master of Public Health (International). These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to address public health challenges in developing countries.
- Climate Change and Environmental Management: The JJWBGSP offers several master’s programs in climate change and environmental management, including Master of Climate Change, Master of Environmental and Resource Economics, and Master of Environmental Management and Development. These programs focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
- Conflict Resolution and Coexistence: The scholarship program offers a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence, which is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to promote peace and coexistence in conflict-prone areas.
- Development Practice: The JJWBGSP offers several master’s programs in development practice, including Master of Development Practice and Master of Public Administration in International Development. These programs focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to design and implement effective development projects.
- Urban Design and Management: The scholarship program offers several master’s programs in urban design and management, including Master of Urban Design (MUD) and MSc in Urban Management and Development. These programs focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to design and manage sustainable urban environments.
- Taxation Policy and Management: The JJWBGSP offers a Master in Taxation Policy and Management, which is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to design and implement effective tax policies.
Overall, the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers a wide range of focus areas and specialisations that are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to address key development challenges in developing countries.
Eligibility for Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship
If you are a citizen of a developing country and have professional experience supporting your country’s development efforts, you may be eligible for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP).
The program provides funding for master’s degree programs in development-related topics at participating universities around the world.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the JJ/WBGSP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a developing country
- Have at least three years of professional experience in a development-related field
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years before the application deadline
- Apply to a master’s degree program in a development-related topic at a participating university
- Be in good health
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the scholarship through the JJ/WBGSP website during the application window.
If you are not eligible for this program, there are other scholarship programs available to study in Canada, USA, UK and other countries (with different requirements).
Requirement Documents and How to Apply
Required Documents
When applying for the scholarship, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Proof of citizenship
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Admission letter from the participating university
- Certificate of employment
The selection process for the scholarship involves two rounds of assessment. In the first round, two assessors independently review each eligible application and score it based on the quality of academic and professional experience, recommendation letters, and the degree of cohesion among them.
The top-ranked applicants are then invited to participate in the second round, which involves an interview with a selection committee.
Application Windows
The program has two application windows per year, and the deadlines vary depending on the participating universities.
Application Window#1
From January 16 to February 28, 2023 at noon Washington time (now closed).
Names of selected applicants will be announced by end of March 2023.
Application Window #2
From March 27 to May 26, 2023 at noon Washington time (now closed).
JJWBGSP Participating Programs accepting applications under Window #2 Application Window #2 is closed.
Names of selected applicants will be announced towards the end of June 2023.
Funding and Support
If you are considering applying for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, it is important to understand the funding and support available to successful applicants.
Firstly, it is worth noting that the Government of Japan solely funds the JJWBGSP. This means that successful applicants will receive full funding for their studies, including tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and round-trip air travel.
In terms of the monthly living allowance, this will vary depending on the program and location of study. However, as a general guide, it is typically enough to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation.
In addition to the financial support provided, successful applicants will also receive a range of other benefits. For example, they will have access to a network of JJWBGSP alumni, who can provide valuable advice and support throughout their studies and beyond.
To apply for the JJWBGSP, you will need to complete the online application form, which will be available during the relevant application window. It is important to note that the application process is highly competitive, and only a small number of applicants are successful each year.
If you are considering applying for the JJWBGSP, it is important to start preparing your application early. This may involve researching the participating programs to find the one that best suits your interests and career goals, as well as gathering the necessary documentation, such as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.