Are you a development professional from a low- or middle-income country dreaming of a fully funded master’s degree abroad? The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) 2025, may be your opportunity to study at top global universities while building the skills to drive progress in your home country. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) 2025, World Bank graduate scholarships 2025
This competitive scholarship offers funding for development-related master’s programs in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. JJ/WBGSP scholarships for developing countries, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) 2025
What is the JJ/WBGSP?
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is designed to empower mid-career professionals from developing countries. It provides full financial support for eligible candidates to pursue master’s degrees in high-demand development fields.
Programs focus on areas such as:
- Economic Policy Management
- Tax Policy
- Infrastructure Management
- Public Administration
- Sustainable Development
Scholars can choose from 41 approved master’s programs at 24 universities worldwide.
2025 Application Timelines
The JJ/WBGSP application process is divided into two rounds:
- Application Window 1: January 13 – February 28, 2025 (12:00 PM EST)
- Application Window 2: March 25 – May 23, 2025 (12:00 PM EST)
Important: Only candidates who have received unconditional admission (except for funding) to a JJ/WBGSP-participating program can apply.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for JJ/WBGSP 2025, applicants must:
- 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 3 years before the application deadline
- Have a minimum of 3 years of paid, development-related work experience within the last 6 years
- Not be a World Bank employee or close relative of World Bank staff
Special consideration: Applicants from fragile or conflict-affected states may be eligible for adjusted work experience requirements.
How to Apply
Follow these three main steps:
- Apply to a Participating Master’s Program
Choose from the 41 approved programs and gain unconditional admission (except for funding). - Obtain the JJ/WBGSP Application Link
Only eligible candidates admitted to a participating university will receive access to the scholarship application portal. - Submit the JJ/WBGSP Application
Complete the application with supporting documents such as your admission letter, employment records, and recommendation letters.
Be sure to consult the Application Guidelines and FAQs before submission.
Selection Process
Eligible applications are reviewed by two independent experts. Scoring is based on the following weighted criteria:
| Evaluation Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Professional experience | 30% |
| Quality of recommendation letters | 30% |
| Commitment to home country development | 30% |
| Academic background | 10% |
Other considerations include:
- Geographic diversity
- Gender balance
- Personal hardships or challenges
- Financial need
Top-ranked applicants are approved by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee, and selected scholars are notified soon after.
What the Scholarship Covers
The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded scholarship, offering comprehensive financial support to help scholars focus entirely on their studies. Specifically, it includes the following benefits:
- Round-trip airfare between your home country and the host university, ensuring your travel to and from your study destination is fully covered.
- A $600 travel allowance per trip, provided in addition to the flight tickets, to help cover incidental travel costs.
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of your master’s program, relieving you of any academic fee burden.
- Basic health insurance, arranged through the host university, so you have medical coverage throughout your studies.
- A monthly living stipend, which is designed to cover your accommodation, meals, transportation, and other daily expenses while studying abroad. The exact amount varies based on the cost of living in the host country.
Duration: All benefits are provided for the entire length of the master’s program or up to two years, whichever is shorter.
What the Scholarship Does Not Cover
While the JJ/WBGSP offers extensive financial support, there are several expenses that are not included in the scholarship coverage. These exclusions are important to keep in mind when planning your overall budget. Specifically, the scholarship does not cover:
- Visa application fees, which must be handled by the applicant independently
- Support for accompanying family members, including travel, living, or other related costs
- Non-credit or extra-curricular courses, even if offered by the host institution
- Computers and personal educational equipment, such as laptops or tablets
- Travel beyond the designated round-trip flights, including personal trips or additional academic travel
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Commitment After Graduation
This is a core requirement of the program. By doing so, graduates can apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired to support economic, social, and institutional development at home. Ultimately, the scholarship aims to build a network of development professionals who lead transformative change in their own communities and contribute meaningfully to global development goals.
