Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for Developing Countries

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a highly competitive, fully funded scholarship supporting professionals from developing countries to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields at leading universities worldwide.

The program is administered by the World Bank and funded by the Government of Japan, with the objective of building a new generation of development leaders who will return to their home countries to contribute to social and economic progress.

Overview of the JJ/WBGSP

The JJ/WBGSP is open to citizens of eligible World Bank member developing countries who have relevant professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to development.

For the 2026 academic year, subject to available funding, the program will support scholars enrolled in 44 participating master’s programs offered by 24 universities across the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.

Priority areas of study include, but are not limited to:

• Economic policy management

• Public finance and tax policy

• Infrastructure management

• Development economics

• Governance and public policy

Applicants who are not admitted to one of the 44 participating master’s programs are not eligible to apply for the JJ/WBGSP.

Application Windows for 2026

To accommodate different academic calendars, applications are organized into two rounds:

• Application Window#1
  Application Window #1 from from January 15 to February 27, 2026
• Application Window #2
  Application Window #2 from March 30 to May 29, 2026

The JJ/WBGSP application link is only shared with candidates who:

• Have received unconditional admission (except for financing), and

• Have been shortlisted as eligible by a participating university

Prospective applicants are advised to contact the university offering their target program to confirm whether they meet these requirements.

Post-Study Commitment

All JJ/WBGSP scholars are required to return to their home country after completing their studies and apply the knowledge and skills gained toward national development priorities.

Scholarship Benefits

A JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. View a detailed list of benefits.

The JJ/WBGSP provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Round-trip economy airfare between the scholar’s home country and host university

• A travel allowance of USD 600 per trip

• Full tuition for the master’s program

• Basic medical insurance provided through the university

• A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, books, and basic expenses

  • The allowance amount varies by host country

The scholarship covers the entire duration of the graduate program or up to two years, whichever is shorter.

Costs Not Covered

The scholarship does not cover:

• Visa application or residence permit fees

• Expenses for accompanying family members

• Computers or other educational equipment

• Language training not included in the degree program

• Additional travel during the study period

• Research costs, field trips, internships, or supplementary learning materials

• Workshops, seminars, or extracurricular activities

The JJ/WBGSP may supplement, but does not duplicate, other financial awards. Any additional funding must be disclosed to the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced and no exceptions are made.

Applicants must:

• Be a national of a World Bank member developing country on this list;

• Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country

• Be in good health

• Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline

• Have at least three years of paid, full-time development-related employment acquired within the past six years

  • Exceptions may apply for applicants from Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

• Be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program located outside their country of citizenship and residence

• Upload an official letter of admission before submitting the scholarship application

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Are World Bank Group staff, Executive Directors, alternates, or close relatives of the above

• Previously declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship

• Previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not complete the degree

Eligibility criteria do not change during an open application cycle.

How to Apply

The application process consists of two steps:

1. Apply directly to one or more JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs

2. If admitted and shortlisted by the university, submit the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application using the link provided

Applicants should consult the official Application Guidelines and FAQs for their respective application window.

Selection Process

Each eligible application is independently reviewed by two qualified assessors and scored on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the following criteria:

• Quality of professional experience (30 percent)

• Quality of professional recommendations (30 percent)

• Commitment to the applicant’s home country (30 percent)

• Educational background (10 percent)

Final selection also considers geographic distribution, gender balance, financial need, and individual hardship. Approved finalists are confirmed by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee, and successful candidates are notified shortly thereafter.

Why the JJ/WBGSP Is Important

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen institutional and human capacity in developing countries by investing in skilled professionals who are positioned to influence policy, institutions, and development outcomes upon their return.

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