Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
A fully funded scholarship program for mid-career professionals from developing countries and Japan to pursue master's degrees in development-related fields at participating universities worldwide.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Window 1: February 27, 2026; Window 2: May 29, 2026
Country
JapanAbout the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. Since 1987, it has supported over 7,000 mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries and Japan to complete graduate degrees in development-related fields.
The program is designed for individuals with a history of supporting their countries' development efforts. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after graduation to apply their new skills and contribute to social and economic development.
Scholarships are available for 44 participating master's programs at 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Eligible fields include economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
The application process for developing country nationals is organized into two windows to accommodate different academic calendars. Applicants must be admitted to one of the 44 participating master's programs before they can apply for the scholarship.
The program is fully funded by the Government of Japan. It covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance for the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Fully funded support including tuition, living stipend, and airfare.
Access to a global network of over 7,000 development professionals and alumni.
Opportunity to study at 24 leading universities worldwide.
Direct contribution to the development of your home country's social and economic sectors.
Professional development through a program focused on high-impact development fields.
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Secure unconditional admission to one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating master's programs.
Receive the application form link from the participating university after being shortlisted as an eligible candidate.
Submit the scholarship application through the provided portal during the open window.
Wait for the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat to review the application based on professional experience, recommendations, and commitment to home country.
Await notification of selection following approval by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee.
Application Timeline
January 15 to February 27, 2026
Window 1 Application
March 30 to May 29, 2026
Window 2 Application
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Reach out to your target university early to confirm if you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship.
Start the application process as soon as the window opens to ensure all documents are prepared.
Ensure your professional experience is clearly documented as development-related work.
Focus on the cohesion between your professional experience, recommendations, and commitment to your home country.
Check the specific Application Guidelines for your window, as criteria are strictly adhered to.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No, you must be admitted unconditionally to one of the 44 participating master's programs to be eligible to apply for the scholarship.
No, the scholarship does not cover expenses to bring or support a scholar's family members.
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship may only supplement other financial support and does not duplicate it; you must disclose any other funding to the Secretariat.
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