If you wish to pursue a master’s degree at a prestigious university completely free of charge, don’t miss this opportunity. The World Bank, in collaboration with the Government of Japan, offers 42 fully funded master’s scholarships for students from developing countries. The aim of these scholarships is to prepare strong educational cadres in the fields of economic policy management, tax policy, public administration, and environmental sustainability, which are taught at universities in Japan, the United States, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The deadline for applying for the scholarship is May 23, 2025. The scholarship provides 42 fully funded master’s programs offered at 24 universities worldwide. For more details about the scholarships, stay tuned and read this article until the end.
42 Fully Funded Master's Scholarships | Details
Host Countries:
- Japan
- United States
- Africa
- Europe
- Oceania
Level:
- Master's
Target Group:
- International students from developing countries.
Application Deadline:
- May 23, 2025
Eligible Nationalities:
These scholarships are offered to citizens of developing countries that are members of the World Bank. To check if your country is among the member countries, visit here:Member Countries.
Available Study Fields
Participating Universities and Programs
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) collaborates with prestigious universities around the world, including institutions in the United States, Japan, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. Some of the most in-demand fields in development include:
- Economic Policy Management
- Tax Policy
- Public Administration
- Environmental Sustainability
It is important to note that if applicants are not accepted into one of the participating master's programs, they will not be eligible for the scholarship in 2025. Therefore, potential candidates should reach out to the universities offering these programs early in the application process to ensure they meet the academic and scholarship requirements.
42 Fully Funded Master's Scholarships | Benefits
Students awarded these scholarships enjoy comprehensive support throughout their studies, including:
- Tuition Fees:Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the master's program.
- Living Allowance:A monthly allowance to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, and books, while studying abroad.
- Round-Trip Airfare:Economy class airfare to and from the host university, along with a travel allowance of $600.
- Health Insurance:Basic medical insurance provided through the host university.
However, the scholarship does not cover certain expenses, such as:
- Visa application fees
- Family or dependent support
- Language training not included in the graduate program
- Research or extracurricular activities
- Residence permit fees or other administrative costs
Commitment to Development
One of the core principles of the scholarship is that after completing their studies, scholars must return to their home countries to contribute to social and economic development. This commitment ensures that the knowledge and skills gained from the master's programs directly benefit their communities and help promote growth in areas such as economic policy, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
42 Fully Funded Master's Scholarships | Application Requirements
Applicants must adhere to strict eligibility criteria to be considered for the scholarship. The program specifically targets individuals from developing countries who demonstrate a passion for contributing to social and economic growth in their home countries. Below are the main eligibility requirements:
- Nationality:Applicants must be citizens of a developing country that is a member of the World Bank.
Dual nationals with citizenship from any developed country are not eligible. - Health:All applicants must be in good health.
- Academic Background:Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) obtained at least three years prior to the application date.
- Professional Experience:Applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time paid work experience in development-related fields.
Experience must be acquired within the six years preceding the application. - Acceptance into a Master's Program:Applicants must have been unconditionally accepted (excluding financial support) into one of the 42 participating master's programs.
- World Bank Employees:Individuals who are members of the World Bank staff or their close relatives, especially executives or their alternates, are not eligible to apply.
How Are Applicants Selected for the Scholarships?
The selection process for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship is highly competitive and employs a merit-based approach to evaluate each application. Candidates are assessed based on four key factors:
- Quality of Professional Experience (30%):Applicants are evaluated on the relevance and impact of their professional work, particularly in development fields.
- Professional Recommendations (30%):Recommendations from supervisors or academic instructors play a crucial role in assessing the candidate's qualifications.
- Commitment to Home Country (30%):Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to returning to their country and using their education to contribute to its development.
- Educational Background (10%):The strength and relevance of the applicant's academic qualifications are also taken into account.
Once applications are reviewed, the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee prepares the final list of scholarship beneficiaries, ensuring a balanced geographical and gender distribution.
Application Procedures for the Fully Funded Master's Scholarship from the World Bank and Japan 2025
The application process for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) involves a thorough review of each applicant's professional background, academic qualifications, and personal commitment to the development of their country.
The selection process is divided into two application windows in 2025:
- Application Window #1:January 13 to February 28, 2025
- Application Window #2:March 25 to May 23, 2025
Applicants may apply only once during the calendar year and must ensure that all documents, including the acceptance letter from a participating university in the JJ/WBGSP, are submitted before the deadline.