The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is now accepting applications from individuals pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Netherlands. This program is designed to support mid-career professionals from developing countries who are committed to driving economic and social progress in their home nations.

By offering full financial assistance, the scholarship allows recipients to gain advanced knowledge and skills that they can later apply in development initiatives in their countries. Scholars must return to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to national development efforts.

Scholarship Benefits

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering:
Full tuition fees for the master’s program.
Round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home country to the host university.
Health insurance for the duration of the study program.
Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
USD 600 travel allowance for academic-related travel.

Expenses NOT Covered

Visa application costs.
Family member expenses.
Extra courses or training not part of the graduate program.
Language courses outside the degree curriculum.
Additional travel not related to academic work.
Research-related costs such as field trips, workshops, or equipment (e.g., laptops).
Residence permit fees.

📌 Important Note: The scholarship does not duplicate other financial assistance. If you receive another scholarship, you must inform the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat.

Key Dates & Deadlines

📌 Application Deadlines for ISS:

• ISS Master’s Program Application Deadline (for Scholarship Applicants): March 1, 2025.
• JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Deadline (for Nominated Candidates): May 15, 2025.

📌 JJ/WBGSP Application Windows:

• Window 1: January 13 – February 28, 2025 (noon EST).
• Window 2: March 25 – May 23, 2025 (noon EST).

📌 Scholarship Results Announcement: July 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

✔ Nationality: Must be a citizen of a  World Bank member developing country.
✔ No Dual Citizenship: Applicants must NOT hold dual citizenship with any developed country.
✔ Health Requirement: Must be in good health (medical certificate required).
✔ Academic Requirement: Must hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years before the application deadline.
✔ Work Experience:

• Must be employed full-time in a paid development-related position at the time of application.
• Must have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience acquired after completing their bachelor’s degree (within the last six years).
  ✔ University Admission:
• Must secure an unconditional acceptance into the ISS MA in Development Studies program.

Applicants NOT Eligible If:

They are a World Bank Group Executive Director, staff member, or a close relative of one.
They previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not complete their degree.
They were offered a JJ/WBGSP scholarship before but declined it.
They are applying for the Mundus MAPP program (which is not covered under this scholarship).

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their scholarship application:

Valid Passport or National ID
Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates (translated into English)
Proof of Full-Time Employment in a development-related field
Letter of Acceptance from the ISS MA in Development Studies program
Two Professional Letters of Recommendation
Medical Certificate confirming good health

Selection Process & Criteria

The JJ/WBGSP has a highly competitive selection process, which involves multiple evaluation steps:

1. Initial Screening (ISS Admissions Office)

ISS reviews applications to ensure candidates meet all eligibility requirements.
Incomplete or ineligible applications will be disqualified.

2. Nomination Process (By ISS)

ISS shortlists up to 30 candidates for the scholarship.
Nominated candidates are informed and required to submit a separate JJ/WBGSP application.

3. World Bank Evaluation Process

The World Bank’s Scholarship Committee reviews nominated applicants based on:
Academic Excellence (strong educational background).
Professional Experience (relevance and impact in development-related work).
Commitment to Development (candidates must plan to return and contribute to their home country’s progress).

4. Evaluation by Two Independent Assessors

Each eligible application is reviewed and scored on a scale of 1 to 10 based on:

Professional Work Experience (30%) – Years of experience and relevance to development.
Professional Recommendations (30%) – Strength of recommendation letters.
Commitment to Home Country (30%) – Plan to return and contribute to development.
Educational Background (10%) – Academic qualifications and achievements.

5. Final Selection Process

The JJ/WBGSP Secretariat selects the scholarship recipients based on:
Average score from assessors.
Geographic diversity (ensuring awardees come from different regions).
Gender balance (encouraging equal opportunities).
Special Circumstances (considering financial hardships or career obstacles).

6. Approval & Announcement

The World Bank’s JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee finalizes the selection, and results are announced in July 2025.

How to Apply?

📌 Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet all the requirements before applying for the scholarship.

📌 Step 2: Apply for Admission to ISS

Submit an application for the MA in Development Studies at ISS before March 1, 2025.
Obtain an unconditional admission letter to qualify for the scholarship.

📌 Step 3: Await ISS Nomination

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

📌 Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application

After nomination, candidates must submit the JJ/WBGSP application through the official World Bank online portal before May 15, 2025.

📌 Step 5: Await Final Selection & Results

Scholarship recipients will be announced in July 2025.

Why Apply for JJ/WBGSP?

Fully funded scholarship covering tuition, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses.
Study at a renowned institution (ISS) in the Netherlands.
Gain expertise in development studies to drive social and economic change.
Network with global professionals and scholars in the development field.
Commit to giving back by applying acquired knowledge in your home country.

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.