World Bank-Government of Japan - World Bank Joint Japan Graduate Scholarship Program (Japanese nationals)

What the World Bank Japan scholarship gives you

You will receive a fully funded master's or PhD at a university outside Japan for up to 2 years (the duration of your degree programme or 2 years, whichever is shorter). The Japanese government will cover your tuition fees, basic health insurance through the university, and a monthly living allowance to cover rent, food and books. The exact amount depends on where you study. You will also receive an economy-class flight to your university and a return flight to Japan or to a developing country where you find employment, as well as a flat-rate travel allowance of 600 USD (approximately 550 EUR) per journey. The scholarship complements other funding but does not cover the same costs twice. It does not cover family expenses, research costs, language courses or a computer.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Japanese national.
• Degree already held: You hold a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) which you obtained at least 3 years before the deadline.
• Work experience: You have at least 3 years’ paid professional experience in the field of development, gained after completing your bachelor’s degree and within the last 6 years.
• Study place: You have been admitted to, or are already enrolled as a full-time student on, a Master’s or PhD programme in a development policy subject outside Japan. Alternatively, you are currently working full-time in the field of development cooperation for developing countries.
• Field of study: Fields of study such as poverty alleviation, governance, health, education, agriculture, climate, water, energy and infrastructure are eligible. Diplomacy, business administration (including MBAs), law (including LLMs) and medicine (including MDs) are not eligible. Online degree programmes and joint degree programmes with a Japanese university are also not eligible.
• Career focus: You have dedicated your career to combating poverty and creating prosperity in developing countries.
• Employer: You are neither an employee of the World Bank Group nor a close relative of one. Nor are you employed by the Japanese Government or its agencies, such as JICA, by local authorities or by the Central Bank.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online portal; you may only submit one application. The application period runs from 15 February to 21 April. Each application will be assessed by two assessors, with your commitment to a career in human resources development being the most important factor (40%). A steering committee will then approve the shortlisted candidates.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is presented to only a very small number of people. Only Japanese nationals with a bachelor’s degree, at least 3 years’ professional experience in development and a place at a recognised university abroad are eligible to apply, meaning that the pool of eligible candidates is small. In the selection process, great importance is placed on a genuine, demonstrable commitment to a career in development co-operation, not just on good grades. If you clearly meet these criteria and can demonstrate a strong track record in development co-operation, your prospects are good.