FAQs for JJ/WBG Scholarship Applicants

WHERE CAN YOU STUDY

Can I get a scholarship to any masters program that I apply to?
No. This scholarship is available for studying only at a master program that has been granted
preferred or partner status by the JJ/WBG Scholarship Program. The lists of preferred and
partner graduate programs are posted on the Scholarship Programs website.
Universities have many graduate programs, but our scholarship is only for those programs listed
on our website. If a universitys graduate program is not posted on our website as having
preferred or partner status, you cannot receive our scholarship to attend that graduate
program.
For example, the Mid-Carrer MPA Program (The Masons Program) at Harvard, is not granted
preferred or partnership status, so the JJ/WBG Scholarship Program does not provide
scholarships to students enrolled in that program at Harvard.
Likewise, double or dual degree programs with one of our preferred programs are not accepted
unless they are explicitly listed on our preferred programs list.
Can I get this scholarship for undergraduate studies, PhD studies, or non-degree graduate
studies?
This scholarship does not sponsor PhD studies, undergraduate studies, distance learning
programs, short-term training, conferences, seminars, thesis writing, research projects.
Can I apply this year using a deferred 2014-15 admission to one of the preferred masters
program?
Yes. In the application forms field for uploading the admissions letter, please upload the
document from the masters program that indicates its agreement to defer your admission to
2015-16.
ELIGIBILITY
What are the eligibility requirements?
The eligibility requirements are clearly listed in the application guidelines. No exceptions are
made. And, it is up to the applicant to assess if he/she is eligible or not. The JJWBG Secretariat
will not respond to an email inquiry that presents an applicants circumstances and requests that
the Secretariat assess the applicants eligibility.

Do you make exceptions regarding the required number of years of development related
experience since obtaining a Bachelors Degree?
No. ALL eligibility criteria are strictly adhered to. No exceptions are made.
Can part-time work or volunteer work meet the eligibility criteria for development
related experience?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
How do I submit letters of recommendation?
You must submit only one email address for each of your recommenders in the on-line
application and we will send each recommender an email with instructions on how to submit
their recommendation. Please refer to the document 'Navigating your Online Application'
posted on the website.
Can I give a personal email address for my recommenders?
Yes, you can submit the recommenders gmail, yahoo or other personal email address. But if an
institutional email address is available, please use the institutional email address.
Can a person providing a professional recommendation for me write in any language?
No. Recommenders must write their recommendation in either English, Spanish or French.
My recommender says that they have not received the email sent from the Joint
Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program with my recommendation request.
What should I do?
Firstly please verify that the email address for your recommender that you inputted in your
application is correct and that you entered the email address alone in the response field, without
any other text, extra email addresses, or other characters.
Secondly, please contact your recommender to ensure that the email (from
Donotreply_scholarships@worldbank.org or from recommendations@wizehive.com) has
not gone to their junk mail and that these two emails are on their 'safe sender' lists.
If they still can't find the email please try sending the recommendation request again. Follow the
instructions on how to do this in 'Navigating your Online Application' under the heading 'To
remind your recommender to send his/her email' to resend the email to the recommender.
Finally, if they have an alternate email address, you may like to try sending the request again to
their alternate email.

If none of the steps above work, please send an email to scholarshipapplicants@worldbank.org

explaining the issue and include your complete name and the name and email of your
recommender.
Can my referees share the email requesting their reference with my other referee?
No each referee will receive an individual email with a unique link to an online reference form
they must complete. Only their reference can be submitted using this link. If they share the link
with other referees, their reference may be overridden.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply?
The online application in English is open. Please visit www.worldbank.org/scholarships and
navigate to:
JJ/WBGS Program > JJ/WBGSP Overview > Developing country applicants
The webpage "developing country applicants" has all of the instructions, documents and the
online link for submitting your application.
Can I send my required documents (proof of employment, cv, degree certificate) to The
World Bank / JJWBG Secretariat via email or postal mail?
No. We require that applicants upload their required documents using the on-line application
form. We will not review ANY documents an applicant provides by email, post or any other
means other than the on-line application form.
What is the deadline for submitting a completed application?
Noon, Washington DC time (Eastern Standard Time EST) Thursday, March 19, 2015.
What makes an application complete?
An application is complete if:
(i) It is submitted by the application deadline
(ii) It includes a completed application form and two professional references that adhere to
the application guidelines
(iii)The application is submitted either in English or in the language of the applicants
Master degree program (ENG/FR/ES) as detailed in the application guidelines
Individuals who submit more than one application will be disqualified.
Besides a completed application, are there other requirements I have to fulfill to get the
scholarship?

Yes, finalists of the scholarship will be required to submit other documentation before
JJ/WBGSP awards a finalist a scholarship. Please refer to the section ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS FOR FINALISTS of the application guidelines.
How will I find out if I was awarded the scholarship? Will I find out if I was not awarded
the scholarship?
All successful applicants will be informed by email from the Joint Japan/World Bank
Scholarship Program by mid-July, 2015. On or before mid-July, 2015, we will post an
announcement when all selected scholars have been informed. The program will not be
informing unsuccessful applicants.
Can I apply again next year?
Having a previous unsuccessful application(s) is not a factor determining the merits of an
application. Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria corresponding to the year in which they
apply.
QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO THE APPLICATION FORM
How can I upload my signature onto the Signature Page?
Applicants only have to type their name in the field for the Signature. You do NOT have to
upload an electronic signature.
Do I have to get a certified translation for documents required to be translated?
No.
Can I write in any language?
Application forms must be submitted either in English or in the language of the applicants
Master degree program. For example: (i), if you are a native Spanish speaker applying to a
preferred master program in the United States, you must complete your application form in
English; (ii) if you are a native French speaker applying for a preferred master program in
France, you may complete your application form in English or in French.
What does * preceding a question mean?
A * next to a question in the application indicates that this information is required to complete
and submit the application form.
Do I have to complete each question of the application form?
No, only those questions preceded by a *

Can I put down an address different than my permanent address?

No. Use your permanent address. Do not put down an address of a relative or a friend. Do not
worry about the reliability of postal correspondence from us to you. If we need to communicate
with you, we will do so only by email.
Why isnt my master program in the drop down menu?
If the master program to which you have applied does not appear in the drop down menu of
Preferred University Study Programs then it is not a program for which you are eligible for a
scholarship.
The application form says that if available, I should submit "proof of admission to the
preferred master's degree program(s) that I list on my application." Is this required?
It is not required that you have a proof of admission to one of our preferred university graduate
programs at the time you submit your application. However, if later in the selection process
you become a finalist, this documentation will be required. Please refer to the section
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF FINALISTS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP in the
Application Guidelines for details.