Varies by host country (estimated $45,000 - $65,000 USD total value)
Duration
Maximum of 24 months (or length of the Master's program)
Deadline
Window 1: February; Window 2: May (Annual cycle)
Level
Master's Degree
Acceptance
Highly Competitive
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in Multiple (USA, UK, Japan, Australia, France, Netherlands), Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a fully funded scholarship from World Bank Group and the Government of Japan. The award covers Covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance for the duration of the graduate program. and is open to master's degree students studying development-related fields (economics, public policy, health, agriculture, environment). The scholarship runs for maximum of 24 months (or length of the master's program). Eligibility is generally based on must be a developing country national under 45 with 3+ years of relevant work experience and an unconditional admission offer from a participating program. The application deadline is Window 1: February; Window 2: May (Annual cycle), with an acceptance rate of approximately Highly Competitive. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Estimated 1% to 3%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by host country (estimated $45,000 - $65,000 USD total value)
⏳
Duration
Maximum of 24 months (or length of the Master's program)
📅
Deadline
Window 1: February; Window 2: May (Annual cycle)
🏥
Fields
Development-related fields (Economics, Public Policy, Health, Agriculture, Environment)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 150 to 200 per year
🌏
Study Country
Multiple (USA, UK, Japan, Australia, France, Netherlands)
🏛️
Provider
World Bank Group and the Government of Japan
📊
Acceptance
Highly Competitive
The JJ/WBGSP provides scholarships for professionals from developing countries to pursue Master's degrees in development-related fields at top-tier universities. Upon completion, scholars are required to return to their home countries to contribute to national development.
👥 Who Should Apply
Must be a developing country national under 45 with 3+ years of relevant work experience and an unconditional admission offer from a participating program.
Development-related fields (Economics, Public Policy, Health, Agriculture, Environment)
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance for the duration of the graduate program.
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career professionals from World Bank member developing countries
Monthly subsistence allowance (amount varies based on the host city and country)
Total Award
Varies by host country (estimated $45,000 - $65,000 USD total value)
✈️ Travel: Round-trip economy class air travel and US $500 travel allowance per trip🏠 Accommodation: Included within the monthly living stipend💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance provided for the duration of the scholarship🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition and mandatory fees
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly subsistence allowance (amount varies based on the host city and country)
🏡 Accommodation
Included within the monthly living stipend
✈️ Travel Allowance
Round-trip economy class air travel and US $500 travel allowance per trip
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance provided for the duration of the scholarship
🎁 Other Benefits
Professional development opportunities and inclusion in the World Bank alumni network
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
National of a World Bank member developing country; not a dual citizen of a developed country; hold a Bachelor's degree; have 3+ years of paid development-related work experience.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's Degree
📊 Minimum GPA
Check official website (High academic standing is required)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency required as per the specific host university's admission standards
🍢 Age Limit
Under 45 years old at the time of application
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 3 years of full-time paid development-related work experience within the last 6 years
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to the development of the home country
💰 Financial Need
High priority (Targets mid-career professionals from developing countries)
🎯 Target Students
Mid-career professionals from World Bank member developing countries
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Statement of purpose and professional impact essays)
Rec Letters
2 professional recommendation letters
Interview
No
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
2 professional recommendation letters Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency required as per the specific host university's admission standards
Interview: No
Min GPA: Check official website (High academic standing is required)
📋 Application Process
Ensure you have an unconditional offer from a 'Partner' or 'Preferred' program before the scholarship application window opens.
💡 Insider Tip: Highlight the specific impact your degree will have on your home country's development goals in your essays.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Window 1: January; Window 2: March (Annual cycle)
⏰ Deadline
Window 1: February; Window 2: May (Annual cycle)
🎤 Interview
No
🎓 Study Starts
August/September or January depending on the chosen university program
Window 1: January; Window 2: March (Annual cycle)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Window 1: February; Window 2: May (Annual cycle)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
August/September or January depending on the chosen university program
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, professional experience, development impact of the study plan, and commitment to returning home.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)Current
Multiple (USA, UK, Japan, Australia, France, Netherlands)
Full Funding
Master's Degree
—
🇱🇷 Liberia Government Scholarship (Local and Bilateral)
Liberia
Tuition, monthly stipends, and travel for international bilateral programs
Must be a developing country national under 45 with 3+ years of relevant work experience and an unconditional admission offer from a participating program.
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance for the duration of the graduate program.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Window 1: February; Window 2: May (Annual cycle). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Estimated 1% to 3%. Acceptance rate: Highly Competitive. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency required as per the specific host university's admission standards, 2 professional recommendation letters recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.