In the realm of global development, education stands as a beacon of hope, empowering individuals to drive positive change in their communities. Recognizing this, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program emerges as a transformative initiative, offering aspiring leaders from developing countries the chance to pursue higher education in areas crucial to sustainable development.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, commonly known as JJ/WBGSP, is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. Launched in 1987, this initiative aims to support outstanding students from developing countries in pursuing graduate studies at renowned universities around the world. The program primarily focuses on fields crucial to the World Bank Group’s mission of poverty reduction and sustainable development, including economics, finance, education, public health, engineering, and more.
Subject to available funding, JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for 53 Participating Master’s Programs in 27 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan in key areas of development, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of this esteemed scholarship program, exploring its significance, application process, and the impact it has on shaping future leaders worldwide.
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Key Information
- Level of Study: Masters
- Institution(s): World Bank and Japan Government
- Country: USA, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan
- Duration: 2 years
- Deadline: 24th May 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country on this list. Indians are eligible to apply.
- 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 development-related work in a paid full- time 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 university degree) and acquired within the past 6 years from the date of the application deadline.
- 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 JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside of the applicant’s country of citizenship and country of residence listed at the time the call for scholarship applications opens.
- Not be an Executive Director, his/her alternate, and/or staff of any type of appointment of the World Bank Group or a close relative of the aforementioned by blood or adoption with the term “close relative” defined as: Mother, Father, Sister, Half-sister, Brother, Half-brother, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Niece, or Nephew.
- Individuals who have previously been offered a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but declined it, or have previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not graduate, are not eligible to apply again.
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Benefits
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- Economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start of your study program and immediately following the end of the scholarship period. In addition to the two-way air travel, scholars will receive a USD 600 or INR 50,000 travel allowance for each trip
- Tuition for your graduate program
- Cost of basic medical insurance obtained through the university
- A monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). The amount of the allowance varies depending on the host country.
Please note all JJ/WBGSP scholarships cover the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover:
- Visa application(s) costs
- Expenses to bring and/or support a scholar’s family members;
- Extra-curricular courses or training;
- Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required to earn the graduate degree;
- Language training not provided by the graduate program;
- Additional travel during the course of the study program;
- Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, or internships; or
- Educational equipment such as computers.
- Resident permit fee
How to apply?
- An application will be accepted and reviewed if the applicant submits only one completed application electronically through the JJ/WBGSP application portal by the W2 application deadline: May 24, 2024 at 12:00 noon EST.
- You must first apply for admission to one or more of the Partner Master’s Degree Program(s).
- You can draft but DO NOT SUBMIT a JJ/WBGSP scholarship application UNTIL YOU UPLOAD AN UNCONDITIONAL LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE from a participating master’s degree program.
- The link to the online application form will only be communicated by JJ/WBGSP Participating Programs to the applicants they have shortlisted as eligible.
- Official link – https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgspÂ
- To accommodate the academic calendar of JJ/WBGSP Participating Programs, the application process is organized in two rounds:
- Application Window#1
Window1 closed on February 29, 2024 and names of selected applicants will be announced shortly - Application Window #2
From March 25 to May 24, 2024 at 12:00 noon EST
JJ/WBGSP Participating Programs accepting applications under Window #2
Names of selected applicants will be announced towards the end of June 2024
- Application Window#1
Conclusion
In a world where education serves as the cornerstone of progress, initiatives like the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program play a pivotal role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders and change-makers. By investing in human capital and fostering global partnerships, this program paves the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
So, if you’re passionate about driving positive change and making a difference in the world, seize the opportunity offered by JJ/WBGSP to embark on your journey of impact and transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Can I receive this scholarship for undergraduate studies, PhD studies, or non-degree graduate studies?
A. No, this scholarship does not sponsor PhD studies, undergraduate studies, distance learning programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, or research projects.
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Q. Can I complete multiple applications, one for each participating master’s degree program for which I am seeking a JJ/WBSP scholarship?
A. No, you can complete only one application and choose only one participating master’s degree program for which you seek JJ/WBGSP funding.
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Q. Can I draft the recommendation for my recommender, in part or in its entirety?
A. No. The recommendation must be drafted and submitted by the recommender.
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Q. Can I ask JJ/WBGSP Secretariat a question about my application?
A. Please read carefully all documentation provided, including these FAQs, as the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat will NOT answer any inquiries addressed to Scholarshipapplicants@worldbank.org unless the response cannot be found within the information already provided. See the Application Guidelines for further guidance.
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Q. How will I find out if I was awarded the scholarship?
A. All successful applicants will hear from the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat likely by mid-July.
