Description
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious opportunity designed for professionals from developing countries. It aims to support individuals with a proven history of contributing to their nation’s development who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in a field related to international development.
Upon completion of their studies, scholars are required to return to their home countries to apply their new skills and contribute to local social and economic progress.
2026 Application Windows
The application process is divided into two rounds to accommodate different academic calendars. Please note: You can only apply for a JJ/WBGSP scholarship if you have first been admitted to one of the 44 approved participating Master’s programs.
- Application Window #1: January 15, 2026 – February 27, 2026
- Application Window #2: March 30, 2026 – May 29, 2026
Funding Coverage and Benefits
The JJ/WBGSP is a fully-funded opportunity that covers the duration of the graduate program or two years (whichever is shorter). Benefits include:
- Tuition & Fees: Full coverage of your graduate program tuition.
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses, including housing and food. The amount varies based on the host country’s cost of living.
- Airfare: Economy class round-trip air travel between your home country and the host university at the start and end of the program.
- Travel Allowance: A US $600 allowance for each of the two main trips.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for basic medical insurance provided through the university.
What is NOT covered:
- Visa application fees.
- Support or travel for family members/dependents.
- Extra-curricular courses, language training, or supplementary research materials.
- Educational hardware (such as laptops).
- Resident permit fees.
Academic Scope & Participating Programs
Scholarships are currently offered for 44 Participating Master’s Programs located across 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. These programs focus on vital development areas such as:
- Economic Policy Management
- Tax Policy
- Infrastructure Management
Eligibility Requirements
The World Bank strictly adheres to eligibility criteria, and no exceptions are granted. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Nationality: Be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
- Citizenship: Not hold dual citizenship with any developed country.
- Health: Be in good health.
- Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years before the application deadline.
- Professional Experience: * Be currently employed in a full-time, paid development-related position.
- Have at least three years of paid development-related work experience earned within the past six years from the application date. (Special considerations are made for applicants from Fragile and Conflict States).
- Admission Status: Hold an unconditional admission letter (except for funding) to at least one of the 44 participating Master’s programs located outside of your country of citizenship and residence.
- Exclusions: Must not be an Executive Director, staff member, or a "close relative" (by blood or adoption) of World Bank Group staff.
- Prior Status: Individuals who have previously received or declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship are ineligible.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by two independent assessors who score candidates based on a 1–10 scale. The evaluation focuses on:
- Professional Experience (30%): The impact and quality of your work history.
- Professional Recommendations (30%): The strength of support from your referees.
- Commitment to Home Country (30%): Your potential to influence development upon returning home.
- Academic Background (10%): Your previous educational performance.
- The Secretariat also prioritizes maintaining a diverse geographical and gender distribution and considers applicants who have limited financial resources or have faced unusual hardships.
How to Apply
- Identify a Program: Review the list of 44 participating Master’s programs.
- Gain Admission: Apply directly to the university. You must be admitted unconditionally (except for finance) and be shortlisted by the university as a potential scholarship candidate.
- Receive the Link: The university will communicate the scholarship application link only to eligible, admitted candidates.
- Submit Documentation: You must upload your official admission letter to the scholarship portal before the deadline.
Website URL
https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp