OVERVIEW
The World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) plays a crucial role in fostering capacity development and knowledge sharing in the developing world through scholarships for students and young researchers. These scholarships contribute to the World Bank’s mission of promoting economic development and shared prosperity by investing in education and developing human resources.
Here’s an overview of the active and inactive scholarship programs offered by the DEC:
Active Programs:
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP): Established in 1987, this program has facilitated graduate degrees in development-related fields for over 6,000 mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries and Japan. The Government of Japan fully funds this program annually.
- Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP): Since 1982, the RSMFP has supported young researchers in various development-related fields. Selected fellows collaborate with the World Bank in Washington D.C., working on DEC research projects, receiving formal training, and engaging in policy-relevant research.
Inactive Program:
- Japan Indonesia Presidential Scholarship Program (JIPS): This program, funded by a one-time $10 million grant from the Government of Japan, supported three cohorts (2008–2010) of 43 Indonesian PhD students to study abroad under the sponsorship of partner Indonesian universities. However, this program is no longer accepting applications.
These scholarship programs have significantly contributed to building a pool of well-trained and experienced development professionals and scholars, positively impacting the development trajectory of participating countries and future generations.
