The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

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;
• Be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position at the time of submitting the scholarship application. Have at least three years of paid development-related employment since earning a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent university degree) and have acquired it within the past six years from the date of the application deadline. Please see FAQs on how to count qualified part-time employment toward this 3-year requirement. 
• Have an unconditional offer for at least one of the preferred JJ/WBGSP or partner master’s degree programs. IHS’s Master of Science in Urban Management and Development (with all four tracks) is stated on the JJ/WBGSP list of preferred programs.

Check the Program FAQ here for more information about the eligibility. 

When is the deadline?

How do I apply?

Step 1: Check your eligibility

This scholarship programme has very strict eligibility criteria. Only if you meet all criteria are you allowed to apply. Therefore, please make sure you have carefully checked the above session, "Am I eligible?" before you proceed. 

Step 2: Apply for academic admission to your chosen master track by 28 February 2025

By the time you apply for the scholarship, you must hold an unconditional admission to the academic programme. You should secure your admission by submitting your academic application to us by 28 February 2025.

You can find detailed information on the academic admission requirements and application procedure here. 

Step 3: Await further instructions from the IHS Admissions office

If you have secured unconditional admission to the academic programme and come from an eligible country for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship, you will receive all further instructions on the scholarship application from the IHS Admissions Office. Please remain patient until we share the information with you. 

Step 4: Submit the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application

Applicants must complete the JJ/WBGSP scholarship online application form, attach two professional references, and provide an 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 scholarship application procedure, eligibility requirements and guidelines will be available on the World Bank website.

Want to make sure you are well prepared?

Read the tips & tricks of a recent scholarship awardee below.