The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Important update about the upcoming academic intake (2023-2024)
Please note that as of this year, the application process for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) has been changed. IHS Admissions Office will provide the admitted candidates with further instructions via email. 

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to professionals with relevant experience applying for a master’s degree within the development field. The JJ/WBGSP will cover many of the costs of studying abroad. In return, recipients commit to returning to their home country to contribute to its economic and social development.

How much is the scholarship?

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship will cover tuition fees, air tickets and health insurance. JJ/WBGSP scholars will also receive a monthly contribution to living expenses and a travel allowance. 

Am I eligible?

The JJ/WBGSP opens a call period each year, during which applicants can apply for the scholarship. The eligibility criteria will be provided in the application guidelines for the particular call you are applying for.

Broadly speaking, applicants must:

• Be national of a World Bank member developing country;
• Not hold dual citizenship with a developed country;
• Be of sound health;
• Hold a bachelor’s degree, which was obtained at least 3 years prior to the application deadline;
• Have 3 or more years of work experience in a development-related field, which was completed after receiving the bachelor’s degree;
• Have an unconditional offer for at least one of the JJ/WBGSP preferred or partner master’s degree programs.

When is the deadline?

How do I apply?

To apply for a JJ/WBGSP preferred program scholarship, you will need to hold an unconditional offer for a master’s program at one of the JJ/WBGSP preferred or partner programs. IHS’s Master of Science in Urban Management and Development is stated on the JJ/WBGSP list of preferred programs.

Please note that the nomination procedure has been changed. The admitted students will receive further instructions via email from our Admissions Office. Applicants must complete the JJ/WBGSP scholarship online application form, attaching two professional references and the unconditional offer from the program they intend to study.

Please note that you must submit all documents through the online application form, and any documents sent through other means, such as via email or post, will not be considered. Applicants who send more than one scholarship application will be disqualified. Applicants who have applied for more than one master’s course must choose just one course to apply for the scholarship.  

The application procedure, eligibility requirements and guidelines will be available on the World Bank website.