Applications are now open for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) at Yokohama National University (YNU). This fully funded scholarship supports students pursuing a Master’s in Infrastructure Management (IMP) at YNU. Funded by the Government of Japan and the World Bank, the program is designed to train future infrastructure policymakers from eligible developing countries.

Successful applicants will begin their studies in October 2025 and will first apply to YNU’s Graduate School of Urban Innovation (GSUI) by February 20, 2025. Selected candidates will receive an admission letter, allowing them to apply for the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship (Window #2). Final selections will be announced before July 2025.

The program encourages applications from women and government officials with engineering backgrounds. Early submission is recommended as deadlines may change.

Scholarship Details

University: Yokohama National University (YNU)
Funding Organization: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Application Deadline: February 20, 2025 (noon EST)
Program Duration: 2 years
Scholarship Type: Fully funded
Eligible Countries: World Bank member developing countries (including Afghanistan)

Scholarship Benefits

🎓 Full financial support, covering:
✔ Monthly stipend (JPY 170,000 – JPY 200,000)
✔ Round-trip airfare + USD 600 travel allowance per trip
✔ Tuition fees, entrance fees, and admission fees
✔ Health insurance

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship, applicants must:

✔ Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country eligible for financial assistance.
✔ Not hold dual citizenship in a developed country.
✔ Be in good health (medical certificate required).
✔ Hold an undergraduate degree earned at least three years before the application deadline.
✔ Be employed full-time at the time of application (unless from a fragile/conflict-affected country on the World Bank’s list).
✔ Have at least three years of full-time, paid work experience in a development-related field.
✔ Secure admission to the Master’s in Infrastructure Management (IMP) at YNU.
✔ Not be an Executive Director, staff member, or close relative of a World Bank official.

Priority Consideration

Applicants with strong academic potential for the IMP Master’s program.
Those who plan to return to their home country and continue working in infrastructure development.
Candidates recommended by government agencies.
Applicants who provide official English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

English Proficiency & Recommendations

📌 English Proficiency Requirement:

• Candidates must provide official English test results (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
• Only original official certificates are accepted.

📌 Letters of Recommendation:

• Two recommendation letters:
  One from a work supervisor.
  One from a university professor.

📌 Leave of Absence (for Working Professionals):

• Applicants are encouraged to arrange a leave of absence from their employer to complete the two-year program.
• This ensures they can return to work in a relevant position after graduation.

Selection Process

📌 Evaluation Process:
Each eligible application is reviewed by two independent assessors, scoring candidates on:

Professional Experience (30%) – Relevance of work experience.
Recommendation Letters (30%) – Strength of references.
Commitment to Home Country (30%) – Plans to return and contribute to development.
Academic Background (10%) – Past academic performance.

📌 Final Selection Criteria:
The JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee will consider:
✔ Geographic diversity (ensuring awardees come from different regions).
✔ Gender balance (encouraging female participation).
✔ Unusual hardships faced by applicants.
✔ Financial need for studying abroad.

📌 Approval & Notification:

• The JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee reviews the final list.
• Selected applicants will be notified before July 2025.

Program Curriculum at YNU

📌 Preparatory Training Courses:

• Civil Engineering, Environment, Economics, Management, Law, Mathematics, and Japanese Language.

📌 Specialized Courses:
Infrastructure Planning & Management:

• Covers planning, construction, management, and operations.
• Focuses on methods tailored to economic, political, and social needs.

Policy Aspects of Infrastructure Management:

• Explores institutional policies, financing, and governance.
• Examines the role of markets, government, and structural reform.

Global Infrastructure Systems & Development:

• Studies how digital infrastructure impacts economic progress.
• Addresses policy-making for globalization and technology growth.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development:

• Focuses on eco-friendly, long-term infrastructure strategies.
• Discusses climate change, resource scarcity, and economic growth.

📌 Elective Courses:

• Students can take up to 10 credits from other graduate programs at YNU.

Required Documents

📌 Application Documents:
✔ Completed Application Form
✔ Official Transcripts
✔ Degree Certificate/Diploma Copy
✔ English Proficiency Test Score (TOEFL, IELTS)
✔ Academic Performance Entry Sheet
✔ Research Plan (6 pages, A4 size, PDF/Word) – Includes goals, background, and methodology.
✔ Two Recommendation Letters (from a supervisor and professor).

📌 Important Note:
Forgery or false information will result in disqualification.
Do not send documents via email or fax.
Do not contact YNU academic staff regarding application questions.

How to Apply?

📌 Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Ensure you meet all criteria before applying.

📌 Step 2: Apply for Admission to YNU

• Submit an application for the Master’s in Infrastructure Management (IMP) before February 20, 2025.
• Receive a Letter of Admission if selected.

📌 Step 3: Apply for the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship

• Only nominated applicants can apply for the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship (Window #2).
• Submit the scholarship application through the World Bank’s online portal before May 2025.

📌 Step 4: Wait for Results

• The final list of scholarship recipients will be announced before July 2025.

Why Apply for This Scholarship?

Fully funded – Covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
Study at a top Japanese university (YNU) with global faculty.
Gain specialized knowledge in infrastructure management.
Contribute to national development after graduation.
Encourages women and professionals in government sectors to apply.

Apply Now

Please visit the official Yokohama National University website for more details about the Infrastructure Management Program. The World Bank’s official website also provides detailed information about the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP).