Japan / Word Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Joint Japan / Word Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Deadline: 31 August 2008

To apply, applicants must

* Hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed 16 years of school education (up to undergraduate level). A strong background in economics and associated quantitative tools is useful and,in the case of the Economic Policy Course, highly recommended.

NOTE: Those applicants having completed their university education in countries where formal schooling lasts less than 16 years, who are at least 22 years old, and who have spent at least one year in a research or similar institution, can become qualified to apply by filling out and submitting the provided form (Certificate of research Activities).

* Have at least 2 years (and preferably 4 to 5) of recent professional experience in a field related to economic development.
* Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language by submitting the TOEFL scores or other evidence as deemed appropriate by the Graduate School.
* Demonstrate verbal and quantitative skills by submitting the Graduate record Examination (GRE) scores or other evidence as deemed appropriate by the Graduate School.
* In addition,applicants must be under 45 (but preferably under 35) years of age. Priority will be given to mid-career professionals.

The following documentation is required

1. Application form (found in the back pocket of the brochure or downloadable from the top-left of this page) in full. The Personal Statement and the Study Plan must be typewritten. Applicants must choose their preferred Course from the two options offered (Economic Policy and International Public Policy). Adjustments to that choice are possible during the screening process.
2. Four letters of recommendation (two issued by academics and two by professionals).
3. Transcripts from institutions of higher education attended.
4. Diplomas certifying to higher education degrees obtained. note. Diplomas and transcripts must be originals or certified true copies of original documents.
5. Curriculum vitae.
6. TOEFL scores or equivalent proof of English proficiency.
7. GRE scores or equivalent proof of skills.
8. Medical Certificate.
9. Certificate of research activities, if applicable.
10. Copies or reprints of publications other than graduation thesis, if any.
11. Three copies of a recent photograph (4 cm x 4 cm).
12. Statement of eligibility for JJ/WBGSP Scholarship.

Application Deadline

All documents must be mailed in a single package and must reach the University of Tsukuba by August 31,2008 (applications sent by fax will not be accepted). Complete applications and correspondence should be addressed to:
The JJ/WBGSP Committee
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
University of Tsukuba
305-8571, Tsukuba, Japan

Screening and Admission Procedures

The screening process will be based upon the evaluation of all documentation and, if necessary, on personal interviews conducted by the University of Tsukuba representatives in the countries of the candidates. Between twenty five and thirty candidates will be pre-selected by the Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program Committee at the University of Tsukuba, in a process that will be completed by november 2008.

The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank will further screen the pre-selected applicants for the sake of the granting of scholarships. The final selection of scholarship recipients (fifteen from the World Bank and no less than two from the Inter-American Development Bank) will be announced in late December 2008.

Selected candidates are expected to arrive in Tsukuba at the end of March 2009 for final interviews and orientation. Those pre-selected candidates who did not receive a scholarship and want to study at the University of Tsukuba must pay admission and tuition fees (at least for half a year) before they are formally admitted into the Program.The Program will begin on April 1, 2009.