Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Fully funded scholarship for mid-career professionals from developing countries and Japan to complete master's and PhD degrees in development-related fields. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Window 1: February 26, 2027; Window 2: May 21, 2027; Japanese Nationals: April 16, 2027
Country
About the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is administered by the World Bank's Development Economics Vice Presidency and solely funded by the Government of Japan. Established in 1987, the program enables mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries and Japan to complete graduate degrees in key areas of development such as economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
Since its inception, the program has helped form a pool of over 7,000 well-trained development professionals and scholars. Recipients are selected based on their potential to impact the economic and social development of their home countries. After earning their degree, developing country scholars commit to returning to their home country to apply their new skills.
The scholarship supports study in 44 participating master's programs across 24 universities located in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Applicants must be admitted unconditionally to one of these specific participating programs before they can apply for the scholarship funding itself.
To accommodate different academic calendars, the application process for developing country nationals is organized in two windows. Window 1 runs from January 18 to February 26, 2027, and Window 2 runs from March 29 to May 21, 2027. A separate application window for Japanese nationals runs from February 15 to April 16, 2027.
The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance, round-trip economy air travel, a travel allowance of USD 600 per trip, and basic medical insurance obtained through the university. The award duration covers the length of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Fully funded support covering tuition, living stipend, and travel costs
Access to 44 participating master's programs across top universities in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan
Opportunity to join an elite alumni network of over 7,000 development professionals worldwide
Direct connection to World Bank knowledge resources and international development networks
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
3 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Apply for and secure unconditional admission to at least one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating master's programs
Contact the target university to verify eligibility and request to be shortlisted as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant
Receive the official link to the JJ/WBGSP application form from the university after meeting admission and shortlisting requirements
Submit the online scholarship application during Window 1 (January 18 to February 26, 2027) or Window 2 (March 29 to May 21, 2027)
Independent assessors score the application based on professional experience, recommendations, home country commitment, and educational background
Finalists are reviewed by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee for final approval and winners are notified
Application Timeline
January 18, 2027 - February 26, 2027
Window 1 Application Period
First application window for developing country nationals
February 15, 2027 - April 16, 2027
Japanese Nationals Application Window
Prospective candidates express interest to the Secretariat starting February 15
March 29, 2027 - May 21, 2027
Window 2 Application Period
Second application window for developing country nationals
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Apply to participating universities early because you must secure unconditional admission before you can access the scholarship application form
Target your professional experience statements toward development-related work since professional background carries a 30 percent weight in the evaluation score
Ensure your recommenders can speak directly to your professional achievements and your commitment to your home country's development
Check the updated list of eligible developing countries before starting your application
Verify whether your target master's program falls under Window 1 or Window 2 to align your admission timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
No. You must first gain unconditional admission to at least one of the 44 participating master's programs and be shortlisted by the university before you receive the link to apply for the scholarship.
The monthly subsistence allowance covers all living expenses including accommodations, food, and books while you are on campus.
No. The scholarship does not cover expenses to bring or support family members, visa application costs, or residence permit fees.
You must have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment earned since completing your bachelor's degree and acquired within the past 6 years from the application deadline.
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