Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Programme

Japan and World Bank Institute

The Program awards scholarships to individuals from World Bank member countries to undertake graduate studies at universities renowned for their development research and teaching. The World Bank administers the Program through the World Bank Institute (WBI).

The World Bank and the Government of Japan require the scholars to return to their home countries on completion of their study programmes and apply their enhanced knowledge and skills to contribute to the development process in their respective regions and communities.

Applicants should:
1. Submit evidence of current unconditional admission (copy of formal admission letter) to at least one development-related university master's degree program and proof of application to another university located in any World Bank member country except the applicant's country. The application will not be processed without this requirement. Preference is given to applicants with more than one admission.
2. Be a national of a World Bank member country eligible to borrow (see website)
3. Be between the ages of 25 and 45.
4. Have at least 2, preferably 4 to 5, years of recent full-time professional work experience after a university degree in the applicant's home country or in another developing country and usually in public sector.
5. Hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a development-related field; have a superior record in previous academic work.
6. Propose a program of study related to development at the master's level, in fields such as .
7. Be in good health and be of good character.

The Program does not sponsor applicants who received their undergraduate degree from an industrialized country unless they spent three years in their home country or another developing country.

The Program does not support those who are residing, working, or studying for a graduate degree in an industrialized country or permanent residents or nationals of industrialized countries.
The Program does not support those with refugee or asylum status.
The Program does not support applicants for MBA, Mphil or PhD
The Program does not support legal studies such as JD, LLM or SJD unless related to human rights, or environment.
The Program does not support individuals who are enrolled in a graduate study program in industrialized countries or whose professional experience has mostly been accrued in these countries.

Applicants should note that:
The Program gives priority to applicants from World Bank member countries which are currently eligible to borrow, especially low income countries.
The Program gives priority to public sector employees.
Promising female candidates are strongly supported by the Program.
To the extent permitted by Program requirements and selection standards, JJ/WBGSP seeks to maintain a geographical balance among the applicants selected.
Priority is given to applicants who have admission to studies in line with the Millenium Development Goals (MDG), among which are poverty, education, gender equality, maternal health, etc.