Scholarship Pipeline Applications
Draft institutional applications for JJ/WBGSP and DAAD partnership status
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) funds master's-level study for mid-career professionals from World Bank member developing countries. It currently supports 44 participating programs at 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Programs cover economic policy, infrastructure management, public health, environmental management, and related development fields.
The World Bank periodically issues invitations for new partner programs. Universities must demonstrate development relevance, institutional capacity to support international scholars, and alignment with World Bank strategic priorities including the Sustainable Development Goals.
1. Program Description & Development Relevance
Program Title: Master of Science in Environmental Engineering — Global Engineering Concentration
Degree-Granting Unit: Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE), College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder
Faculty Director: Professor Evan Thomas, Mortenson Center in Global Engineering
The Mortenson Center in Global Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering with a specialized Global Engineering concentration. This program trains mid-career professionals from developing countries in the technical, analytical, and leadership competencies needed to design, implement, and scale water, sanitation, energy, and infrastructure solutions in low-resource contexts.
The program is directly aligned with World Bank Water Global Practice priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities). CU Boulder's Environmental Engineering program is consistently ranked among the top 20 in the United States, providing JJ/WBGSP scholars with an internationally recognized credential.
The curriculum integrates advanced technical coursework in water treatment, sanitation systems design, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure resilience with applied development practice. Core courses include CVEN 5919 (Global Development Engineering), MCEN 5299 (Household Energy in Developing Countries), and advanced electives in water resources, environmental chemistry, and climate adaptation. Every student completes a Global Practicum—a 3–6 month field placement with one of 80+ partner organizations across 30+ countries—ensuring graduates gain hands-on experience applying technical solutions to real-world development challenges.
2. Institutional Track Record
The Mortenson Center has operated continuously since 2004, building a two-decade track record of training engineers and development professionals for careers in global development institutions:
- 5 million+ people served through technologies and programs designed by Mortenson Center faculty and alumni
- 300+ graduate alumni and 500+ undergraduate alumni now working across the development sector
- 30+ countries of practicum and research engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America
- 80+ practicum partner organizations, including World Bank-funded implementing agencies, bilateral donors, and international NGOs
- Pioneer of the first-ever carbon credits for household water treatment (2007), demonstrating capacity for innovative development finance mechanisms
Mortenson Center alumni hold positions at the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), USAID, GIZ, UNICEF, WHO, bilateral development agencies, and leading international consultancies. This placement record demonstrates the program's effectiveness at preparing professionals for careers at the institutions where JJ/WBGSP aims to build developing-country capacity.
The Center's research portfolio includes over $40M in externally funded projects spanning water treatment technologies, sanitation systems, food security monitoring, household energy transitions, and infrastructure performance measurement—all priority areas for World Bank lending operations.
3. Scholar Support Services
CU Boulder and the Mortenson Center provide comprehensive support infrastructure for international scholars from developing countries:
Academic Support:
- Dedicated faculty advisor and research mentor assignment upon enrollment
- Individualized study plan designed around each scholar's professional development goals and home-country priorities
- Access to CU Boulder's Writing Center, Graduate Teacher Program, and statistical consulting services
- Research assistantship opportunities in Mortenson Center labs and field projects
International Student Services:
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office provides visa processing, immigration advising, and cultural adjustment programming
- Pre-arrival orientation package and airport reception for arriving scholars
- Health insurance enrollment assistance (CU Gold student health plan)
- Housing placement support through CU Off-Campus Housing Resources
Professional Development:
- Career services support including resume review, interview preparation, and employer networking
- Access to Mortenson Center's global alumni network for post-graduation professional placement
- Annual Global Engineering Symposium connecting students with development practitioners, agency leaders, and potential employers
- Structured mentorship pairing with Mortenson Center alumni working at development institutions
Re-entry Support:
- Capstone practicum designed to build direct institutional connections in the scholar's home country or region
- Continued access to CU Boulder library resources and research databases post-graduation
- Alumni engagement through annual reunions and ongoing research collaborations
4. Alignment with World Bank Priorities
The Mortenson Center's program directly supports the World Bank's twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity, with particular alignment to the following operational priorities:
| World Bank Priority | Mortenson Center Alignment |
|---|---|
| Water Global Practice | Core research in water treatment, WASH systems, and water resource management. Faculty expertise spans point-of-use treatment, piped water system optimization, and water quality monitoring. |
| Climate Change (CCDR) | Research in climate-resilient infrastructure, household energy transitions from biomass to clean fuels, and carbon finance mechanisms for development interventions. |
| Infrastructure & PPPs | Training in infrastructure performance monitoring, IoT-enabled remote sensing for asset management, and public-private partnership models for WASH service delivery. |
| Human Capital | Focus on WASH-nutrition linkages, food security monitoring systems, and household energy impacts on health—all determinants of human capital accumulation. |
| Digital Development | Pioneer in IoT-enabled development monitoring, mobile data collection systems, and remote sensing for environmental assessment in developing countries. |
| Fragility & Conflict | Experience designing infrastructure solutions for displaced populations, post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian engineering contexts. |
5. Proposed Scholarship Structure
Degree Program: M.S. in Environmental Engineering (Global Engineering Concentration)
Program Duration: 4 semesters (2 academic years), including practicum
Proposed Annual Scholars: 3–5 per cohort
Eligible Applicants: Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with minimum 3 years of paid, development-related professional experience post-bachelor's degree
Scholarship Coverage Requested:
- Full tuition and fees at CU Boulder graduate rates
- Monthly living stipend for the Boulder, Colorado cost of living
- Round-trip economy airfare to/from scholar's home country
- Health insurance (CU Gold plan)
- Book and supplies allowance
- Practicum travel costs (domestic and international field placement)
Admission Requirements for JJ/WBGSP Scholars:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or related field (4-year minimum)
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in developing-country context
- TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ (conditional admission available with English support)
- GRE scores (general test)
- Two letters of recommendation from professional supervisors or academic references
- Statement of purpose describing development goals and planned application of degree
- Commitment to return to home country for minimum 2 years post-graduation
6. Selection & Nomination Process
The Mortenson Center proposes the following selection and nomination workflow, consistent with JJ/WBGSP participating university requirements:
- Application & Admission: Candidates apply to CU Boulder's MS in Environmental Engineering through the standard Graduate School application process, indicating interest in the JJ/WBGSP scholarship.
- Eligibility Screening: The Mortenson Center verifies JJ/WBGSP eligibility (developing-country nationality, work experience, no dual citizenship with developed country) for all admitted candidates.
- Internal Review Committee: A faculty committee (Faculty Director + 2 CEAE faculty members) reviews eligible candidates on academic merit, professional experience, development impact potential, and geographic/gender diversity.
- Shortlist & Nomination: The committee shortlists candidates and communicates the JJ/WBGSP application form link per World Bank protocols.
- World Bank Review: The JJ/WBGSP Secretariat conducts final selection from nominated candidates.
The Mortenson Center commits to maintaining reasonable geographic distribution and gender balance among nominated scholars, consistent with JJ/WBGSP selection criteria. The program will target at least 50% women nominees, reflecting both JJ/WBGSP goals and the Center's commitment to gender equity in STEM.
The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program, funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provides scholarships to graduates from developing countries for master's and doctoral study at approved German and (in select cases) international universities. Since 1987, over 7,000 scholarships have been awarded.
Universities seeking EPOS approval must demonstrate development-relevant curricula, strong institutional support for international students, and alignment with German development cooperation priorities. Programs undergo rigorous selection and periodic reaccreditation by a multi-institutional committee.
DAAD EPOS has historically been limited to programs at German universities. Becoming an "Approved Program" as a U.S. institution would likely require either: (1) a formal partnership with a German university already in the EPOS network, or (2) DAAD expanding eligibility to non-German institutions. The application draft below is framed as a partnership proposal. Contact DAAD New York office for current eligibility guidance.
1. Program Description & Development Relevance
Program Title: Professional Master of Science in Environmental Engineering — Global Engineering Concentration
Institution: University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE)
Program Director: Professor Evan Thomas, Mortenson Center in Global Engineering
Degree Type: Master of Science (M.S.) — 30 credit hours, 4 semesters
The Professional MS in Environmental Engineering at CU Boulder, delivered through the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, prepares experienced professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries for leadership roles in water, sanitation, energy, and environmental infrastructure development. The program's explicit focus on low- and middle-income country contexts, combined with CU Boulder's top-tier engineering research infrastructure, creates a unique training opportunity aligned with German development cooperation (BMZ) priorities.
Development Relevance: The program directly addresses priority areas of German development cooperation and BMZ's strategy for the water, sanitation, and environmental sectors:
- Water & Sanitation: Advanced training in water treatment technologies, distribution system design, sanitation engineering, and WASH program management—core areas of GIZ and KfW programming
- Climate & Energy: Coursework in household energy transitions, renewable energy systems for off-grid contexts, and climate-resilient infrastructure design
- Food Security: Research and training in agricultural water management, irrigation systems, and food security monitoring technologies
- Urban Development: Infrastructure planning for rapidly urbanizing contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
2. International Student Support Infrastructure
CU Boulder enrolls approximately 3,500 international students from 100+ countries and maintains comprehensive support systems:
Institutional Support Services:
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): Full-service immigration advising, visa processing, cultural programming, and compliance support
- English Language Support: Graduate-level English writing workshops, conversation partners program, and discipline-specific academic communication training through the Program for Writing and Rhetoric
- Graduate School Support: Thesis/dissertation writing groups, professional development workshops, and teaching assistant training
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Mental health support with culturally responsive practitioners, including services in multiple languages
- Health Services: Wardenburg Health Center on campus; mandatory health insurance with comprehensive international coverage
Mortenson Center-Specific Support:
- Dedicated program coordinator for international student advising and logistics
- Peer mentorship pairing with continuing students from similar regions
- Professional development seminar series with visiting practitioners from development agencies
- Annual Global Engineering Symposium for professional networking
- Alumni network spanning 30+ countries for post-graduation career support
Language Requirements:
- Program is delivered entirely in English
- Minimum TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 for admission
- Conditional admission available with concurrent English language study through CU Boulder's Intensive English Program
- No German language requirement (program is U.S.-based); however, optional German language courses available through CU Boulder's Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages
3. Research Strengths for Development Cooperation
The Mortenson Center's research portfolio aligns with key areas of German-funded development cooperation (BMZ, GIZ, KfW):
Water Treatment & WASH Systems:
- Point-of-use water treatment technologies: ceramic filtration, chlorination, solar disinfection
- Piped water system optimization and non-revenue water reduction
- Sanitation value chain engineering: containment, collection, treatment, and reuse
- Water quality monitoring using low-cost sensors and IoT platforms
Climate & Energy:
- Household energy transitions: biomass-to-clean-fuel pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
- Pioneered first carbon credits for water treatment (2007)—demonstrating climate finance innovation
- Solar energy systems for water pumping, treatment, and institutional power
- Climate-resilient infrastructure design for flood, drought, and extreme heat
Digital Development & Monitoring:
- IoT-enabled infrastructure monitoring (handpump sensors, water flow monitors)
- Remote sensing for environmental assessment and agricultural monitoring
- Mobile data collection platforms for development program M&E
- Machine learning applications for infrastructure performance prediction
German Institutional Connections:
- Research collaborations with German universities in environmental engineering and development studies
- Shared research interests with GIZ-funded programs in WASH, energy access, and climate adaptation
- Potential for joint supervision, student exchange, and collaborative field research with German partner institutions
4. Curriculum & Practicum Structure
Degree Requirements: 30 credit hours (typically 4 semesters)
Core Courses (15 credits):
- CVEN 5919 — Global Development Engineering
- MCEN 5299 — Household Energy in Developing Countries
- CVEN 5454 — Environmental Engineering Fundamentals
- CVEN 5833 — Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Research Methods in Environmental Engineering
Technical Electives (9 credits): Selected from water resources, environmental chemistry, climate science, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and related areas based on student's professional development plan.
Global Practicum (6 credits):
- 3–6 month field placement with a development organization
- 80+ partner organizations across 30+ countries
- Partners include World Bank-funded projects, bilateral agency programs, international NGOs, and private sector development firms
- Structured deliverables: technical report, impact assessment, and professional presentation
- Faculty advisor oversight with regular check-ins during placement
Thesis/Non-Thesis Options: Students may complete either a thesis (original research, 6 credits) or a non-thesis capstone project focused on applied problem-solving for a development partner organization.
5. Proposed DAAD Partnership Model
Given that DAAD EPOS scholarships have traditionally been limited to German higher education institutions, the Mortenson Center proposes the following partnership models for DAAD consideration:
Option A: Direct EPOS Approval (Preferred)
The Mortenson Center applies for direct inclusion as an EPOS-approved program, modeled on the program's strong development relevance and alignment with BMZ priorities. This would represent an expansion of EPOS to include select non-German institutions with exceptional development focus.
Option B: Joint Degree with German Partner University
The Mortenson Center establishes a joint or dual degree program with a German university (e.g., TU Berlin, TU Munich, University of Stuttgart, or Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences) that already holds EPOS approval. Students would spend one year at each institution, receiving a joint degree. DAAD EPOS funding would support the German portion; CU Boulder would provide matching support.
Option C: DAAD Graduate Scholarship Program (Non-EPOS)
The Mortenson Center applies under DAAD's broader scholarship programs for study abroad, positioning CU Boulder as a recommended institution for DAAD-funded students seeking development-focused engineering education in the United States.
Proposed Annual Scholars: 2–4 per cohort
Target Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia—aligned with BMZ priority countries
Application Checklists & Timelines
Required documents, approvals, and estimated timelines for each application.
JJ/WBGSP Partner Institution Checklist
Required Documents
- Program description narrative (development relevance, curriculum, learning outcomes)
- Institutional profile and accreditation documentation (CU Boulder, ABET for engineering)
- Student support services description (international student services, housing, health, career)
- Faculty profiles and CVs (Mortenson Center faculty with development expertise)
- Track record data: graduate placement rates, alumni employment at development institutions
- Financial information: tuition rates, estimated total cost of study, institutional cost-sharing
- Selection and nomination process description
- Gender and diversity commitment statement
- Letters of support from current practicum partners and alumni employers
- Evidence of prior scholarship management experience (e.g., other fellowship programs administered)
Internal Approvals Required
- Faculty Director (Evan Thomas): Program design and narrative approval
- CEAE Department Chair: Endorsement of program participation and resource commitment
- College of Engineering Dean's Office: Institutional approval for external partnership
- Graduate School: Confirmation of admissions process compatibility
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): Confirmation of support capacity
- Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG): Review of any financial agreement terms
- Provost's Office: Final institutional sign-off (may be required for World Bank MOUs)
- CU System Legal Counsel: Review of partnership agreement terms
Estimated Timeline
JJ/WBGSP Secretariat: scholarships@worldbank.org
Web: worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp
DAAD Approved Program Checklist
Required Documents
- Program description with development relevance justification (alignment with BMZ priorities)
- Detailed curriculum and course descriptions with learning outcomes
- Accreditation documentation (ABET engineering accreditation, CU Boulder regional accreditation)
- Faculty profiles with publication records and development-relevant expertise
- International student support services documentation
- Language requirements and support provisions
- Practicum/internship structure and partner organization list
- Alumni tracking data: career outcomes, return-to-home-country rates, development sector placement
- Financial plan: tuition, living costs, cost-sharing commitment from CU Boulder
- German university partnership letter of intent (if pursuing joint degree model)
- Quality assurance and program evaluation mechanisms
- Gender mainstreaming strategy
Internal Approvals Required
- Faculty Director (Evan Thomas): Program design, German partnership identification
- CEAE Department Chair: Resource commitment and faculty allocation
- College of Engineering Dean's Office: International partnership authorization
- Graduate School: Joint/dual degree program approval (if applicable)
- Office of International Education: International partnership agreement review
- Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG): Financial agreement review
- Provost's Office: Institutional sign-off for international partnership
- CU System Legal Counsel: International agreement review
Estimated Timeline
DAAD New York Office: daad.org (U.S. country-specific guidance)
DAAD Bonn (EPOS): DAAD EPOS Institutional Information
EPOS Brochure 2026–27: Download PDF
Comparative Summary
| Dimension | JJ/WBGSP | DAAD EPOS |
|---|---|---|
| Funder | Government of Japan + World Bank | German BMZ via DAAD |
| Target Scholars | Developing-country nationals, 3+ years experience | Developing-country nationals, 2+ years experience |
| Coverage | Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, insurance | Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, insurance |
| Scholars/Year | 3–5 proposed | 2–4 proposed |
| Complexity | Moderate — established pathway for U.S. universities | High — traditionally German-only; requires partnership strategy |
| Timeline to First Cohort | 12–18 months | 18–24 months |
| Strategic Value | Direct World Bank pipeline; high brand visibility | European development network; GIZ/KfW connections |
| Recommended Priority | Priority 1 — Apply First | Priority 2 — Begin Partnership Exploration |