Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2025/2026

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2025/2026

This fully funded fellowship offers financial support to scholars who hope to further the development of their native nations by covering living expenses, travel expenses, and tuition.

Overview of the JJ/WBGSP

The JJ/WBGSP is a collaboration between the Japanese government and the World Bank. Since its inception in 1987, the program has supported over 6,000 scholars from developing countries to pursue graduate degrees at universities around the world, including some of the top institutions in the USA.

The scholarship is intended for students who are committed to returning to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to social and economic development.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a Citizen of a World Bank Member Country: You must be a national of one of the World Bank member countries that are eligible to receive World Bank assistance. Applicants from developing countries are prioritized.
Hold a Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) at least three years before applying.
Relevant Work Experience: You should have at least three years of recent development-related work experience after earning your bachelor’s degree. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their country’s development goals.
Admission to a JJ/WBGSP-Partnered Master’s Program: Applicants must already be accepted into a development-related master’s program at a partner institution (specific universities in the USA, Europe, Japan, and Africa).
Not be a World Bank Employee or a Close Relative: Current employees of the World Bank and their close relatives are not eligible for this scholarship.

Benefits of the JJ/WBGSP

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offers a comprehensive financial package that includes:

Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition for your chosen master’s program at one of the partner institutions.
Living Allowance: A monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses, including room and board.
Round-Trip Airfare: The scholarship covers economy class airfare to and from the host university.
Health Insurance: Scholars receive health insurance throughout the duration of their studies.
Additional Travel Allowance: The scholarship includes a travel allowance for additional personal expenses related to travel.

Partner Universities in the USA

The JJ/WBGSP is offered at a number of top universities in the USA. Some of the partner institutions for the 2025/2026 academic year include:

Harvard University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
Johns Hopkins University

Each of these institutions offers specialized master’s programs that focus on international development, economics, public policy, and other fields relevant to the scholarship.

How to Apply

The application process for the JJ/WBGSP involves several key steps:

Research Eligible Programs: Before applying, ensure that you apply to one of the partner master’s programs at a participating university.
Submit an Application to the University: You must apply for admission to the partner university’s master’s program first. Only after being accepted can you proceed with the JJ/WBGSP application.
Complete the Online Scholarship Application: Once you receive admission, you will need to submit your scholarship application online via the JJ/WBGSP portal.
Submit Supporting Documents: Required documents typically include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, proof of admission to the partner institution, and professional references.
Submit Before the Deadline: The application period typically runs from February to May each year. Exact deadlines vary, so it’s important to check the official website regularly.

Selection Criteria

The JJ/WBGSP selection committee reviews applications based on the following criteria:

Professional Experience: Applicants with relevant work experience in development projects and who demonstrate a clear commitment to development goals are given priority.
Academic Excellence: Academic records and potential for success in graduate studies are important factors in the selection process.
Development Impact: The program seeks applicants who show strong potential to return to their home countries and contribute to social and economic development through leadership roles.

Tips for a Strong Application

Here are some key tips for a successful application:

Focus on Development: Ensure your application demonstrates your commitment to development and how your studies will contribute to the progress of your home country.
Highlight Relevant Work Experience: Clearly outline your work experience in development-related projects and your contributions to achieving development outcomes.
Choose the Right Program: Research master’s programs carefully to ensure they align with your professional and academic goals.
Submit a Compelling Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should highlight your motivation for applying, your career goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to development in your home country.