Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded opportunities for professionals from developing countries who aim to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields. With the dates for both application windows officially announced, aspiring candidates can now begin preparing their profiles for this competitive scholarship.

This scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, offering support to early- and mid-career professionals dedicated to contributing to the development of their home countries.

The JJ/WBGSP offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages worldwide:

• Full tuition coverage at the host university
• Monthly subsistence allowance covering:

1. Accommodation
2. Meals
3. Books
4. Living expenses
5. Round-trip airfare (economy class)

• US$600 travel allowance for each trip
• Basic medical insurance through the university

• Visa fees
• Family support or costs for dependents
• Research expenses, seminars, workshops
• Computer and personal equipment
• Extra travel or training not included in the curriculum
• Residual permit fees

The JJ/WBGSP 2026 funds students pursuing a:

• Master’s Degree (Graduate Level)

in development-related areas at one of the 44 Participating Master’s Programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.

Eligible master’s programs must be related to development, including (but not limited to):

• Economic Policy Management
• Public Administration
• Tax Policy
• Infrastructure Management
• Development Studies
• Public Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Finance & Economic Governance
• Social Development
• Health Systems Management
• Urban Planning & Sustainability

Each participating program determines its own admission requirements and development-related relevance.

Applicants must be nationals of World Bank member developing countries listed on the official eligibility list.

Important:

• Candidates must NOT hold dual citizenship with any developed country.
• Japanese nationals apply through a separate program track.

To qualify for the JJ/WBGSP 2026, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country (listed by the World Bank).
• Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
• Be in good health.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the application deadline.
• Have at least 3 years of paid development-related work experience, acquired within the last 6 years.
• Part-time experience may count (refer to program FAQs).
• Exceptions apply for Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (FCS).
• Be employed full-time in development-related work at the time of application.
• Be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to at least one participating master’s program located outside the applicant’s home country and country of residence.
• Not be related to World Bank Group staff (Executive Directors, alternates, or staff).
• Not have previously received or declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship.

Note: Eligibility rules are strict, and no exceptions are made during the active application window.

Application Windows for JJ/WBGSP 2026

The 2026 scholarship cycle has two application windows:

Window 1:

• January 15 – February 27, 2026

Window 2:

• March 30 – May 29, 2026

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Apply & Get Admitted to a Participating Master’s Program

• You must first apply and be unconditionally admitted to one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating programs.

Step 2: Receive Scholarship Application Link

• Only applicants admitted and shortlisted by the university will receive the JJ/WBGSP application link.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Typical documents include:

• Admission letter
• Academic transcripts
• CV/Resume
• Proof of employment
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of purpose

Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application

• Submit via the official platform during the correct window.

Step 5: Evaluation Process

Applications are reviewed by two independent assessors based on:

• Professional experience (30%)
• Recommendations (30%)
• Commitment to home country (30%)
• Education background (10%)

Step 6: Final Selection

• The Steering Committee approves the finalists, and winners are notified soon after.