The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) accepts applications from individuals studying for an MA in Development Studies program.

The JJ/WBGSP provides scholarships to professionals from developing countries. This program is designed to equip scholars with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster economic and social progress in their home countries. Upon completion of their studies, recipients are required to return home and apply their expertise to development initiatives.

The scholarship will pay for the student’s tuition fees, airfare, health insurance, a monthly living allowance, and travel expenses. With a rigorous selection process, the program ensures that the most dedicated and capable individuals receive support to advance their education and contribute to global development efforts.

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Key Details and Dates

• ISS Deadlines:
  • ISS academic application deadline for scholarship applicants: March 1, 2025
  • JJ/WBGSP deadline (only for nominated students): May 15, 2025
• JJ/WBGSP Deadlines:
  • Application Window#1: January 13 to February 28, 2025 at noon EST
  • Application Window #2: March 25 to May 23, 2025, at noon EST

• Result Announcement: July 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizers: The World Bank & International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
• Eligible Countries: World Bank member developing countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Mid-career professionals in development-related fields
• Fields: Development Studies
• Study Level: Master’s degree
• Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree
• Number of Opportunities: 30
• Duration: Program duration
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Netherlands

Benefits and Financial Aids

Selected scholars will receive full financial support covering the following:

• Tuition fees for the master’s program
• Round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the host institution
• Health insurance during the study period
• Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses
• Travel allowance of USD 600 for academic-related travel

JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Does Not Cover:

• Visa application costs
• Expenses for family members
• Extra-curricular courses or training
• Courses below the required credit level for graduation
• Language training outside the graduate program
• Additional travel during studies
• Research-related expenses, field trips, workshops, seminars, or internships
• Educational equipment (e.g., computers)
• Resident permit fees

Note: The scholarship only supplements other financial aid and does not duplicate existing scholarships. If awarded another scholarship, you must inform the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a national of a World Bank member developing country
• Not holding dual citizenship with a developed country
• Be in good health
• Hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years before the application deadline.
• Be employed full-time in a paid development-related position at the time of application.
• Have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience post-bachelor degree acquired within the last six years.
• Secure an acceptance letter for the ISS MA in Development Studies program

Not Eligible If:

• You are a World Bank Group Executive Director, staff member, or close relative of one.
• You previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not graduate.
• You were offered a JJ/WBGSP scholarship, but you declined it.
• The Mundus MAPP program is not eligible for this scholarship

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Passport or national ID
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Proof of full-time employment in a development-related field
• Letter of acceptance from the ISS MA in Development Studies program
• Letters of Recommendation (two professional references)
• Medical certificate confirming good health

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process is very tough and competitive and consists of the following steps:

• Initial Screening: The ISS Admissions Office screens applications for eligibility and completeness.
• Nomination: ISS nominates up to 30 candidates for the scholarship.
• Evaluation by the World Bank: The World Bank evaluates nominees based on:
  • Academic excellence
  • Professional experience in development-related work
  • Commitment to returning to a developing country and contributing to its progress
• Final Selection: The final list of scholarship recipients will be announced in July 2025.

Selection Process by JJ/WBGSP:

Evaluation by Two Assessors:

• Two assessors independently review each eligible application.
• They score the applications on a scale of 1 to 10 based on four key factors:
• • • Professional experience (30%)
    • Professional recommendations (30%)
    • Commitment to home country (30%)
    • Educational background (10%)

Final Selection by JJ/WBGSP Secretariat:

• It uses the average score of two assessors
• Considers additional factors:
  • Geographical diversity of awardees.
  • Gender balance in award distribution.
  • Unusual hardships or circumstances affecting the applicant’s career.
  • Financial need for studying abroad.

Approval Process:

• • The JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee (World Bank Board and Management) reviews the finalists.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements above before applying.

Step 2: Apply for Admission to the ISS

• Submit your application for the MA in Development Studies at ISS before March 1, 2025.
• You must receive an unconditional admission offer to be eligible for the scholarship.

Step 3: Wait for the ISS Nomination

• ISS will review applications and nominate up to 30 candidates for the JJ/WBGSP.
• If nominated, ISS will contact you with further instructions.

Step 4: Submit Your Scholarship Application

• After nomination, complete the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application through the official online portal before May 15, 2025.

Apply for ISS Admissions

Important:

• Submit all documents online. Email or postal submissions are not acceptable.
• Applicants can only apply for one master’s program under this scholarship.

For further details and guidelines, visit the official ISS or World Bank website.

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