Applications are now open for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025. This prestigious program offers fully funded scholarships to individuals from select developing countries who possess relevant professional experience and a commitment to their countries' development. The scholarship supports master's degree studies in development-related fields at renowned universities worldwide. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this exciting opportunity!
JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Snapshot
Host Institutions: 41 participating master's programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
Study Level: Master's degree.
Fields of Study: Development-related fields
Funding: Fully funded. Full tuition, monthly living stipend & other allowances.
Duration: Duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
Eligible to: Citizens of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts.
Application Deadlines:
Window 1: January 13 to February 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST.
Window 2: March 25 to May 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST.
Scholarship Overview
The JJ/WBGSP Scholarships is designed to support mid-career professionals from developing countries in pursuing master's degrees in development-related fields. The program aims to enhance the skills and expertise of individuals committed to contributing to the social and economic development of their home countries.
Participating Universities and Programs
The JJ/WBGSP collaborates with various prestigious universities offering specialized master's programs. Below is a list of participating universities along with their available study programs:
Window 1 (Jan. 13, 2025 - Feb. 28 2025)
1). Columbia University — School of International and Public Affairs
MPA in Economic Policy Management
2. Columbia University — School of International and Public Affairs
MPA in Global Leadership
3. Johns Hopkins University — Bloomberg School of Public Health
Master of Public Health
4. KIT (Royal Tropical Institute) — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
MS in Public Health and Health Equity
5. University of California-Berkeley — Goldman School of Public Policy
Master of Development Practice
6. University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP)
Master of Public Policy, International Program
7. University of Tsukuba
Master’s Program in Economic and Public Policy
8. Williams College — Center for Development Economics
Master of Art in Policy Economics
9. Yale University — School of Management
Master in Systemic Risk
🌐 For detailed Information about each programme, refer to this official webpage
Window 2 (March 25 to May 23, 2025)
1. Australian National University — Crawford School of Public Policy
Master of Climate Change
Master of Environmental and Resource Economics
Master of Environmental Management and Development
Master of Public Policy
2. Brandeis University — The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Master of Arts in Global Sustainability Policy and Management
Master in Global Health Policy and Management
3. Columbia University — School of International and Public Affairs
Master of Public Administration
MPA in Development Practice
4. Erasmus University
MSc in Urban Management and Development
Urban Digital Transformation & Innovation: Governance and Economics of Cities
Urban Housing & Land Justice: Equitable Access to Sustainable Land, Housing & Services
Urban Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change: Integrated Management of Land, Water and Air
Strategic Urban Planning & Policies: Managing Socio-Spatial Dynamics for Sustainable Cities
Master in Development Studies
5. Harvard University — Kennedy School of Government
Master of Public Administration in International Development
6. IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
MSc in Water and Sustainable Development:
Water, Food and Energy Track
Water Hazards, Risks and Climate Track
Water and Health Track
Water Resources and Ecosystem Health Track
7. Keio University
Master in Taxation Policy and Management
8. London School of Economics and Political Science
MSc Development Management
MSc Development Studies
MSc Global Health Policy
MSc International Social and Public Policy
9. National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
Tax Course of the Public Finance Program
10. Saitama University
International Graduate Program on Civil and Environmental Engineering
11. SOAS University of London
MSc Development Economics
MSc Economics
12. Stanford University
Master in International Policy
13. Université Clermont-Auvergne — FERDI
Master in Economic Policy Management
14. University of Leeds
Master of Public Health (International)
MSc Sustainable Cities
MSc Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering
MSc Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security
15. University of Oxford
Master of Public Policy
MSc in Refugees and Forced Migration Studies
16. University of Tokyo
International Program on Agricultural Development Studies
17. Yokohama National University
Infrastructure Management Program (IMP)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Applicants are required to secure unconditional admission to one of the participating programs above before applying for the scholarship.
🌐 For detailed Information about each programme, refer to this official webpage
Scholarship Benefits
Tuition Coverage: Full tuition for your graduate program.
Living Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses, varying depending on the host country.
Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance obtained through the university.
Air Travel: Economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start and end of the program, plus a $600 travel allowance for each trip.
What Is Not Covered?
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
Eligibility Criteria
Be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
Not hold dual citizenship with any developed country.
Be in good health.
Hold a bachelor's degree earned at least three years prior to the application deadline.
Have at least three years of paid development-related work experience acquired within the past six years.
Be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position at the time of application.
Be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to one of the participating master's programs outside your country of citizenship and residence by the application deadline.
Commit to return to their home country to use their new skills and contribute to their countries’ social and economic development.
Not be an Executive Director, their alternate, or staff of any type of appointment of the World Bank Group, or a close relative of the aforementioned.
Application Procedure
1). Check Eligibility and Guidelines
Before Starting your application:
Check the eligibility criteria above
Carefully Read the Application Guidelines [PDF]
Check if you are a national of an eligible country (Available here)
2. Choose a Participating Programme
Select a master’s program from the list of 41 Participating Master’s Programs in 24 universities located in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
3. Obtain Admission
Apply and obtain an unconditional admission (except for funding) to the chosen master’s program.
Ensure you upload the letter of admission before submitting the scholarship application.
4. Prepare Application Documents
Gather the necessary documents:
Completed application form (You will only be able to access the application form after submitting your unconditional admission document from step 3)
Letter of admission from the chosen master’s program.
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
Personal statement outlining your career goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
Two reference letters from individuals familiar with your professional work.
Academic transcripts and diplomas.
Proof of language proficiency (if applicable).
5. Submit Application
Submit your application online through the JJ/WBGSP website before the deadline.
🗓️ Deadlines
Application Window 1: Jan. 13, 2025 - Feb. 28 2025)
Application Window 2: March 25 to May 23, 2025
📂 Resources (PDF)
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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