Japanese Nationals' Program

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarships (JJ/WBGS): The Japanese Nationals' Program

Course(s) Offered: Development related fields (see 'Fields of study' below)
Course Level: Postgraduate (master's, doctoral)
Provider: Japanese Government, World Bank
Country to Study in: Any Country

Scholarship Description
The JJ/WBGSP provides support to a limited number of Japanese young professionals aiming to work in development. 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) and planning to return to NGO work after completing their studies.

NOTE: To get information on the Japanese Nationals Program in Japanese, please download the brochure.

Eligibility Criteria
General Criteria (required for all candidates)
Candidates must:

• submit evidence of current unconditional admission (copies of formal admission letters) to at least one university. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek admission to universities outside of Japan. (See Preferred Universities list)
• 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, or other development-related subjects.
• be in good health.
• be of good character.
• not be employed by the Government of Japan or its related agencies, including local governments.
• not be employed by the World Bank.
• not be an Executive Director or alternate, 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), or relative of the aforementioned.

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)
• Agree to pursue a future career at a Non-Governmental Organization.

Eligible groups / Fields of study
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.

NOTE: For the NGO Program, the preferred course of study is NGO management.

Sponsorship duration
The scholarship is awarded for a two-year maximum duration. Candidates may be already enrolled in their study program at the time of application.

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.

Method of Application
Application Forms: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on line.
Completed applications should be sent to:

The World Bank
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
1818 H Street, NW – MSN J4-402
Washington , DC 20433
USA

IMPORTANT:
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 date below. 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 2012.

DEADLINES:
For submission of applications is March 31, 2012. Applications received in the JJ/WBGSP Office after this date will not be processed. For submission of formal admission documentation must be received by March 31, 2012.

PLEASE NOTE:
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.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 March, 2012
Scholarship Open to International students: No (ONLY Japanese)

More Scholarship Information and Application