Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Context and Problem

Due to financial constraints, students who have completed their undergraduate degrees struggle to advance their studies. This impacts their potential and hinders academic progress. Thus, scholarships are critical to allow such students to attend high-quality universities. The Join Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is one such.

Solution

The JJ/WBGSP provides scholarships that cover tuition, round-trip airfare, living stipends, travel allowances, and health insurance, allowing students to focus primarily on their university activities. The program has 49 Master's programs across 27 universities in countries including the U.S., Japan, and Australia. The program is applicable to Master's degrees in areas such as tax policy, infrastructure management, and economic policy management. The selection process is rigorous and transparent, ensuring that the most deserving candidates are chosen. Once the degree is completed, the scholarship attendees must return to their home countries and apply their newly acquired skills to drive social and economic development.

Impact

Since the inception of the program in 1987, the JJ/WBGSP has been a key player in addressing global development challenges. With over 7,000 scholarships awarded, the program has enabled scholars to continue their studies and return to their home countries, equipped with the skills to drive social and economic development. These scholars have been instrumental in nation-building and addressing development challenges, making a significant impact on their societies. The program's contribution to broader global development goals is a testament to its importance and urgency in today's world.

Note: Data must be collected and thoroughly analyzed to further study the program's impact.

The scholarship program has provided a gateway for many students to achieve their dreams of attending a university abroad and bringing back that knowledge to serve their societies. However, the program is subject to funding, which could fluctuate year to year, which impacts the number of scholars who can attend every year. By partnering with more developed countries, the program can be scaled up to serve more students.