MastersFully Funded Verified active

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers full funding for master's degrees in development-related fields for mid-career professionals from developing countries.

Provider: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Host country: United States
Deadline: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly)

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Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly)

Key eligibility criteria

Mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (2026)

## Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a highly prestigious scholarship opportunity designed to support mid-career professionals from developing countries in pursuing graduate degrees in development-related fields. Established in 1987 and solely funded by the Government of Japan, the program aims to cultivate a pool of skilled professionals who can contribute to their home countries' economic development and shared prosperity. ### About the Scholarship The JJ/WBGSP has a long-standing history of empowering aspiring leaders and development practitioners. Since its inception, the program has facilitated more than 7,000 individuals from 160 developing countries and Japan to complete master's degrees. This initiative is a cornerstone of the World Bank's commitment to capacity development and knowledge sharing, fostering human resources that bring about positive change in the developing world. ### What the Scholarship Covers The scholarship is fully funded, covering all essential expenses related to the pursuit of a master's degree. While specific details on coverage are typically outlined in the application guidelines, fully funded scholarships generally include tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and travel costs. This comprehensive support allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research without financial burden. ### Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the JJ/WBGSP, applicants must be mid-career professionals from a developing country included in the program's list of eligible countries. Specific requirements regarding academic background, professional experience, and age are detailed in the application guidelines. There are two application windows (Window 1 and Window 2), each with its own set of participating programs and application requirements. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to consult the relevant Application Guidelines and FAQs for Developing Country Nationals. ### How to Apply Application to the JJ/WBGSP is typically an online process. Interested candidates must identify a master's program from the list of participating universities and ensure they meet both the university's admission requirements and the scholarship's eligibility criteria. The application involves submitting various documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays detailing career goals and commitment to development. It is crucial to adhere to the deadlines and instructions provided in the official application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2. ### Value of Winning Beyond the financial support, winning a JJ/WBGSP scholarship offers immense value. Scholars gain access to world-class education, expand their professional networks, and become part of a global alumni community of development professionals. The program equips them with advanced knowledge and skills, enabling them to make significant contributions to policy-making, research, and project implementation in their home countries, ultimately driving sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly)
Provider deadline information: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Auto-curated from official source (top-tier batch).

Last checked 5/12/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?+

Mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2.

What funding does the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines for either Window 1 or Window 2.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Window 1: late February–March; Window 2: April–May (varies yearly). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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