The World Bank Scholarships Program offers fully funded graduate education opportunities to students from developing countries who are committed to advancing development in their home countries. Administered through the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) and other initiatives, this program supports individuals pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields at leading universities around the world.
Award Overview
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Award Amount: Fully funded
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Covers tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and other academic expenses
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Eligibility: Citizens of developing countries with relevant work experience and a strong commitment to development
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Programs Covered: Selected master’s degree programs in fields such as:
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Economic policy
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Public administration
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Infrastructure and urban development
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Environment and climate change
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Education
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Health and social protection
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If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
What the Scholarship Covers
The World Bank Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support throughout the student’s master’s program:
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Full tuition for the chosen master’s program
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Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (accommodation, food, local transport)
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Round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and the host university
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance for additional costs associated with relocation
This support ensures scholars can focus entirely on their studies and professional growth without financial stress.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several strict criteria to be considered:
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Be a national of a World Bank-eligible developing country
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Not hold dual citizenship with a developed country
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Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years prior to application
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Have at least 3 years of recent development-related work experience
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Be employed in a development-related job at the time of application
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Be admitted to a participating master’s degree program (applications to universities and scholarships are separate)
Candidates must demonstrate a clear plan to return to their home country upon completing their studies, with the intent to apply their knowledge to contribute to the country’s development.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Participating Universities and Programs
The program partners with over 50 universities worldwide, including institutions in:
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United States
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United Kingdom
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Netherlands
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Japan
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France
Programs must be pre-approved by the World Bank and focus on development-related disciplines. A full list of eligible universities and courses is published annually.
Application Process
The application process involves multiple steps:
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Apply and gain admission to at least one of the participating master’s programs
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Submit the scholarship application online during the annual cycle (typically open from March to May)
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Provide documentation, including:
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Proof of admission
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Academic transcripts
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Curriculum Vitae
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Letters of recommendation
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Evidence of professional work experience
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Development impact statement outlining the applicant’s vision and goals
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Applications are rigorously reviewed based on academic merit, professional experience, and potential to contribute to development in the applicant’s home country.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Program Duration and Focus
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Scholarships support 1- to 2-year full-time master’s degree programs
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Emphasis is placed on building skills in fields that support the World Bank’s mission of reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity
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Scholars are expected to return home after completing their degree to work in public or private sector roles that advance development efforts
