Apply for the World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025 (Window 2 Now Open)

Are you a mid-career professional from a developing country looking to pursue a master’s degree that can empower you to contribute to your country’s development? The Joint Japan & World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025 is now open for its second application window, and this is your chance to study in world-class institutions with full financial support.

Whether you’re passionate about economic policy, infrastructure, climate resilience, or public health, the JJ/WBGSP equips you with the knowledge and skills to drive real change in your home country.

What is the JJ/WBGSP?

The Joint Japan & World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a collaboration between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. Since 1987, the programme has awarded over 6,000 scholarships to professionals from developing countries who are committed to addressing critical development challenges.

Who Can Apply for the Joint Japan & World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

To be eligible for the JJ/WBGSP 2025, you must:

• Be a national of a World Bank member developing country (Nigeria is eligible). See full list here.
• Do not hold dual citizenship with any developed country.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline.
• Be employed full-time in development-related work at the time of application.
• Have at least three years of relevant paid work experience in the past six years.
• Be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) into one of the 41 participating master’s programs outside your country of citizenship/residence.
• Be in good health.
• Not be a staff member or close relative of someone working for the World Bank Group.

Please note: If you’re not admitted into one of the JJ/WBGSP-approved programs, you’re not eligible to apply for the scholarship.

You can also apply for German Government WASCAL Scholarship for West African Students (Fully Funded)

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship supports master’s degrees in development-related fields such as:

• Public Policy
• Economic Development
• Sustainable Energy
• Tax Policy
• Infrastructure Management
• Public Health

You must choose from one of the 41 participating programs offered across universities in the U.S., Japan, Africa, Europe, and Oceania.

Scholarship Benefits

The JJ/WBGSP is fully funded and covers:

• Full tuition
• Monthly living stipend
• Round-trip airfare
• Health insurance
• A travel allowance of $600 per trip

Note: The scholarship does not cover visa fees, family support, extracurriculars, or additional equipment (e.g. laptops).

Application Process

1. Secure Admission to one of the approved programs.

2. If shortlisted by the university, you’ll receive a link to the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application form.

3. Prepare and apply with the required documents, including:

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of work experience
• Statement of purpose
• Admission letter
• Recommendation letters

You can find more details on the Application Guidelines here.

Application Window #2 Deadline

• Opens: March 25, 2025
• Closes: May 23, 2025, at noon EST

Only applicants who have already been admitted to an approved master’s program will be able to access the application form.

After Graduation

Recipients are required to return to their home country and work in a development-related role for at least two years, applying their skills to solve real-world problems.

Stay updated by visiting the official JJ/WBGSP page for detailed information and announcements.