Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program for International Students: Complete Guide

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The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a collaboration between the Government of Japan and the World Bank Group. This unique initiative aims to contribute to developing human resources in developing countries, fostering a new generation of leaders who will drive sustainable economic growth and social progress.

This program allows exceptional and aspiring professionals from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies at renowned universities worldwide. By offering scholarships in various fields, ranging from economics and public policy to engineering and social sciences, the program equips scholars with the knowledge and skills necessary to address their countries’ complex challenges.

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In this blog, we will explore the details of this scholarship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process. 

Provided byJoint Japan/ World Bank Scholarship Programs (JJ/WBGSP)
LevelMasters
FundingFully Funded
Deadline26th May 2023 at noon, Washington Time (9:30 pm IST)

Eligible Programmes

You should be accepted in one of the following participating programmes to be eligible for the scholarship,

  • 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
    • Master in Global Health Policy and Management
  • Columbia — School of International and Public Affairs
    • MPA in Development Practice
    • Master of Public Administration
  • Erasmus University Rotterdam-IHS
    • MSc in Urban Management and Development — Urban Digital Transformation & Innovation: Governance and Economics of Cities 
    • MSc in Urban Management and Development — Urban Housing & Land Justice: Equitable Access to Sustainable Land, Housing & Services
    • MSc in Urban Management and Development — Urban Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change: Integrated Management of Land, Water and Air
    • MSc in Urban Management and Development — Strategic Urban Planning & Policies: Managing Socio-Spatial Dynamics for Sustainable Cities
  • Harvard — Kennedy School of Government
    • Master of Public Administration in International Development
  • IHE Delft Institute
    • MSc in Water and Sustainable Development — Water, Food and Energy Track
    • MSc in Water and Sustainable Development — Water Hazards, Risks and Climate Track
    • MSc in Water and Sustainable Development — Water and Health Track
    • MSc in Water and Sustainable Development — Water Resources and Ecosystem Health Track
  • Keio University
    • Master in Taxation Policy and Management
  • London School of Economics
    • MSc Development Management 
    • MSc Development Studies
    • MSc Global Health Policy
    • MSc International Social and Public Policy
  • National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
    • Tax Course of the Public Finance Program
  • Saitama University
    • International Graduate Program on Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • SOAS University of London
    • MSc International Finance and Development
  • Stanford University
    • Master in International Policy
  • Université Clermont-Auvergne – FERDI
    • Master in Economic Policy Management
  • University of Leeds
    • Master of Public Health (International)
  • University of Oxford
    • Blavatnik School of Government: Master of Public Policy
    • Department of International Development: MSc in Refugees and Forced Migration Studies
  • University of Sussex
    • MA Environment, Development and Policy
    • MA Food and Development
    • MSc Climate Change, Development and Policy
    • MA Migration and Global Development
  • University of Tokyo
    • Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP):  Master of Public Policy, International Program
    • Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Science: International Program on Agricultural Development Studies
  • University of Tsukuba
    • Master’s Program in Economic and Public Policy
  • Yokohama National University
    • Infrastructure Management Program (IMP)|Institute of Urban Innovation, Yokohama National University (ynu.ac.jp)

Eligibility Criteria

  • You should be accepted in one of the above-mentioned participating programmes
  • You should be a citizen of a developing nation that is a member of the World Bank
  • You should not possess dual citizenship with any developed nation
  • You should possess a Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) earned at least three years before the application deadline
  • You should possess at least 3 years of recent, a paid, full-time job experience in the development field after receiving a Bachelor’s (or comparable) degree
  • Be admitted unconditionally (apart from funding) for the following academic year to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programmes outside the applicant’s place of citizenship and country of residence on or before the scholarship application deadline date
  • People who previously got a JJWBGSP scholarship but did not graduate or who previously obtained a scholarship but declined it is ineligible to apply

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Scholarship Benefits

  • Your graduate program’s tuition, as well as the expense of your basic health insurance through the university
  • A monthly subsistence grant to cover all living costs (housing, food, etc., including books) while on campus throughout the scholarship period. Depending on the host nation, the allowance varies in size
  • At the beginning of your study programme and shortly after the scholarship period’s conclusion, economy-class air travel from your home country to the host university is included. Scholars will also get two round-trip flights and a US$500 (41,075 INR) travel reimbursement for each journey
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program for International Students: Complete Guide

How to apply?

  • Submit the application form online through the official portal
  • Documents required to complete the application are
    • Two professional recommendation letters
    • Documentation that proves the applicant meets the eligibility requirement
    • with regard to the number of years of recent development-related work
    • Educational transcripts for the recent degree achieved by the applicant
    • CV 
    • Unconditional Letter of Admission for the upcoming academic year

Note: Only those applicants who JJWBGSP Participating Programmes have shortlisted are given the link to the online JJ/WBGSP Application Form. Please get in touch with the targeted Participating Programme directly. The documents should be in an acceptable format before submission.

Conclusion

The program has provided scholars with the opportunity to pursue higher education at renowned universities worldwide and has nurtured a group of people with similar beliefs and a shared vision of sustainable development and social progress. The relationships and collaborations forged through this program are invaluable, creating a global community of change-makers dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges.

From economic policies and infrastructure development to social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program scholars have contributed to diverse fields and sectors, making a tangible difference in their home countries. Their research, projects, and initiatives have influenced policy decisions, improved livelihoods, and empowered communities.

Also Read: The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship for Indian Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a collaborative initiative between the Government of Japan and the World Bank Group. It offers scholarships to outstanding individuals from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies at renowned universities worldwide. The program aims to develop human resources and foster future leaders who can contribute to the sustainable development of their countries.

Q. Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship program?

Eligibility criteria may vary from year to year, but generally, applicants must be citizens of a World Bank member country and must hold a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) earned at least three years prior to the application deadline. Other criteria include having a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and proficiency in the language of instruction at the selected university.

Q. How are scholars selected for the program?

The selection process is highly competitive and rigorous. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, professional experience, and their proposed study program’s relevance to the development needs of their home country. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews, and the final selection is made by a committee consisting of representatives from the Government of Japan and the World Bank Group.

Q. What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship provides financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and other related costs, such as health insurance. The exact details of the scholarship coverage may vary, so it is important to refer to the program’s official documentation for the specific benefits provided.

Q. Is the scholarship program available every year?

The scholarship program typically has a specific application cycle and may not be available yearly. It is advisable to refer to the program’s official website or contact the program administrators for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the availability of the scholarship.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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