World Bank-Government of Japan - World Bank Joint Japan Graduate Scholarship Programme

What the World Bank Japan Scholarship gives you

You will receive a full scholarship for a two-year master's degree abroad. Your tuition fees will be covered in full, and you will receive a monthly living allowance. The exact amount depends on your host country and will not be disclosed in advance. Your university will take out basic health insurance on your behalf. You will also receive a return economy-class flight between your home country and your university, as well as a flat-rate travel allowance of 600 USD (approx. 550 EUR) per journey. Funding covers the duration of your Master’s programme or 2 years, whichever is shorter. The programme is funded by the Japanese Government and administered by the World Bank. The following are not covered: visa fees, costs for family members, language courses (unless these form part of your degree programme) and research costs.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of one of the approximately 90 developing countries classified by the World Bank as eligible for assistance. You must not hold the nationality of an industrialised country at the same time.
• Degree: You hold a bachelor’s degree which you obtained at least 3 years before the application deadline.
• Work experience: You have at least 3 years’ paid, development-related professional experience gained over the last 6 years and are currently working in such a role.
• Admission: You have already been offered a place on one of the 44 participating Master’s programmes at 23 universities in the USA, Europe, Africa, Oceania or Japan. The only issue still to be resolved is funding.
• Where you study: The programme must take place outside your country of nationality and outside your country of residence.
• Field of study: Your master's must be in a development-related field, such as economic policy, public health, education, environment, climate, energy, water, agriculture, infrastructure or governance.
• Age: There is no minimum or maximum age.
• Previous awards: You have not yet declined or given up this scholarship.

How to apply

First, apply directly for one of the participating Master’s programmes and secure a confirmed place on the course. Only once the university has shortlisted you will you receive the link to the online scholarship application. You must submit this together with two professional reference letters and proof of your work experience. There are two application deadlines, ending on 26 February and 21 May. Each application is then assessed by two independent assessors. In doing so, they place the greatest emphasis on your professional experience, your references and your commitment to your home country.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is highly sought-after. It is aimed at mid-career professionals from around 90 countries, and you must have already secured a place at one of the leading participating universities before you reach the funding phase. Your chances depend less on your academic grades than on a convincing track record of work in development policy and a clear commitment to your home country, which together account for the bulk of the assessment. For applicants from fragile and conflict-affected countries, the limited employment opportunities in these countries are taken into account in the assessment.