Eligibility Criteria | Scholarship Benefits | Application Guidelines | Additional Important Information 

The JJ/WBGSP provides support to a limited number of Japanese young professionals aiming to work in a development field. Most scholarships are awarded to applicants planning to work in international development organizations. A fewer number of scholarships are awarded to applicants already working in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). For all Japanese candidates, the JJ/WBGSP supports study related to development at the doctoral or master's level, in fields such as economics, finance, planning, health, population, agriculture, environment and natural resource management, education, and other development-related subjects. However, the scholarship is awarded for a two-year maximum duration. Candidates might be already enrolled in their study program at the time of application.

Eligibility Criteria

General Criteria (required for all candidates)

• Submit evidence of current unconditional admission (copies of formal admission letters) to at least one university and proof of application to another university. Applicants are encouraged to seek admission to universities outside of Japan.
• Be a Japanese national.
• Hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
• Have a superior record in previous academic work.
• Propose a program of study related to development at the doctoral or master's level, in fields such as economics, finance, planning, health, population, agriculture, environment and natural resource management, education, and other development-related subjects.
• Be in good health.
• Be of good character.
• The Program does not sponsor employees of the Government of Japan or its related agencies, including local governments.
• The Program does not sponsor employees of the World Bank.
• Executive Directors, their alternates, staff of the World Bank Group (the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, International Development Association, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes), and relatives of the aforementioned are excluded from consideration.

Specific Criteria Regular Program

  In addition to the general criteria mentioned above, candidates to the Regular Program for Japanese applicants should:

• Be under the age of 32.
• Have at least two years of recent full-time professional experience.

 Specific Criteria NGO Program

  In addition to the general criteria mentioned above, candidates to the NGO Program for Japanese applicants should:

• Be under the age of 40.
• Have at least two years of recent full-time professional experience in working in a Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• NGO management studies programs are preferable.
• Agree to pursue a future career at a Non-Governmental Organization.

  Scholarship Benefits

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides annual awards to cover the cost of completing a master’s degree or its equivalent or studying towards a doctoral degree. The awards are given for one year and may be renewed for a second, consecutive year, or a portion thereof, subject to satisfactory academic performance in the first year of the study program and the availability of necessary funds. Applicants who wish to study towards a doctoral degree should understand that there is an absolute two year maximum limit on JJ/WBGSP awards. It is the responsibility of the scholar to secure alternative sources of funding for later years of the program.

The scholarship provides benefits for the recipient only, covering:

• economy class air travel between the home country and the host university at the start of the study program and one return journey following the end of the overall scholarship period. In addition to the ticket, scholars receive a US $500 travel allowance for each trip;
• tuition and the cost of basic medical and accident insurance usually obtained through the university;
• a monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, including books. The amount of the allowance varies depending on the host country.

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover:

• expenses for the scholar's family;
• extra-curricular courses or training;
• language training;
• additional travel during the course of the study program;
• additional expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, or participation in workshops, seminars, or internships while at the host university; or
• educational equipment such as computers.

In addition:

• The scholarship award is valid for the academic year immediately following the offer of award and cannot be deferred for any reason.
• The JJ/WBGSP scholarship may only supplement, and does not duplicate, any other source of financial support/fellowship the scholar might have. Scholars must inform the J/WBGSP if they have other sources of scholarship funds. The JJ/WBGSP stipend may be withdrawn completely or partially if during the scholarship period the Program has evidence of additional sources of support.

Application forms for the 2008 selection cycle of the Regular and NGO Programs for Japanese candidates are available in PDF format. Completed applications and correspondence should be sent to:

The World Bank
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
1818 H Street, NW – MSN J2-204
Washington , DC 20433
USA

Applications sent by fax or e-mail are not accepted.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the application along with ALL supporting documentation, as enumerated below, in ONE PACKAGE by the deadline of March 31, 2008. Any additional correspondence related to the application will not be considered:  

• evidence of current unconditional admission to at least one university;
• a copy of highest degree, and proof of any additional post-graduate diplomas;
• transcripts of grades from previous and current academic study;
• two academic and two professional letters of recommendation;
• a current curriculum vitae not exceeding 2 pages;
• proof of nationality and date of birth (i.e., copy of passport or birth certificate).

Due to the large volume of paperwork handled by the JJ/WBGSP office, it is not possible to respond to telephone or mail routine requests on the status of applications. Results will be announced in July 2008.

Additional Important Information 

• The deadline for submission of applications is March 31, 2008. Applications received in the JJ/WBGSP Office after this date will not be processed.
• The deadline for submission of formal admission documentation must be received by March 31, 2008.
• Documents sent to the Program cannot be returned.
• Applications cannot be held over until the following year. Candidates wishing to re-apply must submit a new application form and supporting documentation.
• Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• Applications sent by fax or e-mail will not be accepted.
• The decisions of the Steering Committee are final and confidential.