World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025–2026:

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The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025–2026 is a fully funded initiative supporting mid-career professionals from developing countries to pursue Master’s degrees in development-related fields.

Funded by the Government of Japan since 1987, the program has empowered over 7,000 scholars from 160 countries, fostering expertise in areas like economic policy, infrastructure management, and public health.

With 41 participating Master’s programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan, JJ/WBGSP aims to build human resource capacity for economic and social development.

Recipients are required to return to their home countries to apply their skills. This guide details eligibility, benefits, application process, and tips for success. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Why Choose the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship?

The World Bank, a global leader in development, partners with Japan to support professionals committed to their countries’ progress. Benefits of JJ/WBGSP include:

• • Fully Funded Education: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance for up to two years.
  • Top Universities: Access to prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Australian National University.
  • Global Network: Join over 7,000 alumni driving development in their home countries.
  • Career Impact: Scholars like those from Nigeria and Somalia have transformed communities using acquired skills.

• Development Focus: Study fields aligned with global challenges, such as governance and climate resilience.

With a competitive selection process, JJ/WBGSP prioritizes candidates with professional experience and a commitment to development. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria for JJ/WBGSP 2025–2026

The JJ/WBGSP targets mid-career professionals from World Bank member developing countries. Eligibility requirements include:

• Citizenship: Be a national of a World Bank member developing country (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Kenya; 96 eligible countries listed in Annex 1 of the Application Guidelines). No dual citizenship with a developed country.
• Educational Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years before the application deadline.
• Professional Experience: Have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience within the past six years. Exceptions apply for nationals of fragile/conflict-affected countries (Annex 3).
• Employment: Be employed in a paid, full-time, development-related role at the time of application.
• University Admission: Secure unconditional admission (except for funding) to one of the 41 JJ/WBGSP participating Master’s programs outside your country of citizenship/residence.
• Restrictions: Not be a World Bank Group employee, Executive Director, or their close relative (e.g., parent, sibling, child).

Check eligibility details and apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Benefits of the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship

The scholarship covers the full duration of the Master’s program (up to two years) with the following benefits:

• Tuition Fees: Fully covered for the chosen Master’s program.
• Monthly Stipend: Varies by host country to cover living expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, books).
• Travel Costs: Economy-class round-trip airfare between your home country and the host university, plus a $600 travel allowance per trip.
• Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance provided through the university.

Exclusions: The scholarship does not cover visa costs, family expenses, research materials, or educational equipment like computers. Scholars must return to their home country post-graduation to contribute to development. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Fields of Study Covered

JJ/WBGSP supports 41 Master’s programs across 24 universities in fields critical to development, including:

• Economic Policy Management
• Tax Policy
• Infrastructure Management
• Public Health
• Water and Sustainable Development
• Urban Development
• Governance and Innovation

Examples include the Master’s in Development Practice at UC Berkeley, MSc in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft, and Infrastructure Management at Yokohama National University. Only designated programs qualify. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Application Process for JJ/WBGSP 2025–2026

The application process involves two stages and two windows to accommodate university calendars:

1. Apply for Admission: Secure unconditional admission (except for funding) to a participating Master’s program by the university’s deadline (e.g., March 1, 2025, for Erasmus University; March 7, 2025, for IHE Delft).
2. Scholarship Application:
   • Window 1: January 13–February 28, 2025, for programs like ANU’s Crawford School.
   • Window 2: March 25–May 23, 2025, for programs like IHE Delft’s MSc.
   • Submit one online application via the JJ/WBGSP portal, including:
     • Completed application form (in English or the program’s language).
     • Two professional recommendation letters attesting to development-related work.
     • Unconditional admission letter.
     • Proof of employment and Bachelor’s degree.
3. Selection: Applications are reviewed by two independent assessors based on professional experience, academic merit, and development commitment. Finalists are notified by June 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates receive the application link from their university. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Tips for a Successful JJ/WBGSP Application

The JJ/WBGSP is highly competitive, with only 5–30 slots per program. Maximize your chances with these tips:

• Secure Admission Early: Apply to participating programs by February–March 2025 to meet scholarship deadlines.
• Highlight Development Impact: In your application, link your experience and goals to your country’s development challenges.
• Strong Recommendations: Secure letters from professionals familiar with your work, confirming your development contributions.
• Tailor Your Application: Show how the Master’s program aligns with your career and country’s needs.
• Prepare Documents: Ensure all documents (e.g., CV, admission letter) are complete and uploaded by May 23, 2025.

Contact recommenders early and review guidelines at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates for JJ/WBGSP 2025–2026 include:

• Window 1: January 13–February 28, 2025 (noon EST).
• Window 2: March 25–May 23, 2025 (noon EST).
• University Admission Deadlines: Vary (e.g., March 1, 2025, for Erasmus; February 15, 2025, for ANU).
• Notification: Finalists informed by end of November 2025.

Japanese nationals apply separately from mid-February to mid-April 2026. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Life as a JJ/WBGSP Scholar

Scholars study at world-class universities, gaining skills to address development challenges. For example, a Gambian scholar at IHE Delft advanced water and sanitation initiatives. The program fosters a global network of over 7,000 alumni, with 80% returning to contribute to their home countries. Cities like Tokyo, Delft, and Berkeley offer vibrant academic and cultural experiences. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Other World Bank Opportunities

If ineligible for JJ/WBGSP, explore:

• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships: For PhD researchers in development fields.
• World Bank Group Africa Fellowship: For African PhD candidates.
• World Bank Internship Program: For graduate students in development-related fields.

Learn more at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Conclusion

The JJ/WBGSP 2025–2026 offers a transformative opportunity for development professionals to pursue fully funded Master’s degrees at top global universities. With comprehensive support and a focus on sustainable development, it equips scholars to drive change in their home countries. Start your application early to join this prestigious network. Apply at Apply for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

 

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