MastersFully Funded (covers tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance).

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers fully funded scholarships for master’s degree programs in development-related fields to citizens of developing countries. Applicants must have relevant professional experience, be committed to their home countries' development, and gain unconditional admission to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program abroad. The scholarship covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, airfare, and health insurance, encouraging scholars to return and contribute to their countries' social and economic development. Eligibility is stringent, requiring specific educational and professional qualifications, along with a commitment to designated participating universities and programs. The application process is structured into two windows, with specific deadlines for developing country nationals. Selection is based on professional experience, recommendations, commitment to home country, and educational background. Applicants are advised to consult official guidelines for detailed requirements and application procedures. This comprehensive scholarship aims to foster leadership and expertise in addressing critical development challenges globally.

Provider: Joint Japan World Bank
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.)

Official source Track this application

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: Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their home country.
Funding: Fully Funded (covers tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance).
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.)

Key eligibility criteria

Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their home country.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded (covers tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance).

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

# Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) ## Overview The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a highly competitive scholarship opportunity for citizens of developing countries. This program targets individuals with significant professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to their home countries' development efforts. The scholarship supports master's degree programs in development-related fields. The JJ/WBGSP collaborates with 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan, offering scholarships for 44 Participating Master’s Programs. These programs cover key areas such as economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management. Prospective applicants must be admitted to one of these specific participating master’s programs to be eligible for the scholarship. The selection process is rigorous, aiming to identify candidates with the highest potential to make a substantial impact on the social and economic development of their countries after graduation. ## Benefits The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded scholarship that provides comprehensive financial support to its recipients. The scholarship package includes: * **Travel:** Round-trip economy class airfare between the scholar's home country and the host university at the beginning and end of the study program. A travel allowance of US $600 for each trip is also provided. * **Tuition and Medical Insurance:** Full coverage of tuition fees for the graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance secured through the university. * **Living Expenses:** A monthly subsistence allowance is provided to cover all living costs, including accommodation, food, and books, while on campus during the scholarship period. The amount of this allowance is adjusted based on the cost of living in the host country. It is important to note that the scholarship covers the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter. The scholarship explicitly does not cover visa application costs, expenses for family members, extra-curricular courses, non-essential courses, language training not part of the graduate program, additional travel, research-related expenses, or educational equipment like computers. ## Eligibility The eligibility criteria for the JJ/WBGSP are strictly enforced, with no exceptions. Applicants must meet the following requirements: * **Citizenship:** Be a national of a World Bank member developing country from the specified list and not hold dual citizenship of any developed country. * **Health:** Be in good health. * **Education:** Hold a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree earned at least three years prior to the application deadline date. * **Work Experience:** Possess at least three years of paid, full-time, development-related employment since earning their bachelor's degree, acquired within the past six years from the application deadline. The program makes an exception for nationals from Fragile and Conflict States due to limited employment opportunities. * **University Admission:** On or before the scholarship application deadline, be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside their country of citizenship and residence. The admission letter must be uploaded with the application. * **Affiliation:** Not be an Executive Director, alternate, or staff of any type of appointment of the World Bank Group, or a close relative of the aforementioned. * **Previous Scholarships:** Individuals who previously declined or did not complete a JJ/WBGSP scholarship are not eligible to reapply. ## Required Documents The official page highlights the need for several documents, primarily an unconditional admission letter to a participating master’s program. While a comprehensive list of all required documents is not explicitly provided on the main page, the existence of "Application Guidelines" and "FAQ" documents for each application window (Window 1 and Window 2) strongly suggests that a detailed list of necessary submissions will be found within those specific guidelines. Applicants are advised to consult the relevant Application Guidelines for their specific window to ensure they prepare and submit all necessary materials, such as academic transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and proof of professional experience, in addition to their admission letter. ## How to Apply The application process for the JJ/WBGSP is multi-staged and requires careful attention to deadlines and university admissions. The link to the JJ/WBGSP application form is not made publicly available to all potential candidates. Instead, it is only provided to individuals who meet two crucial requirements: 1. **Unconditional Admission:** Candidates must have received an unconditional admission offer (with the exception of funding) to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs. 2. **Shortlisting by University:** The participating university must have shortlisted the candidate as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant. Therefore, prospective applicants are strongly advised to directly contact the universities offering the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs they are interested in. This contact is essential to ascertain if they meet the university’s specific requirements for admission and subsequent shortlisting for the scholarship. The application process is generally organized into two rounds to align with the academic calendars of the participating programs. Once these initial university-level requirements are met, the scholarship application form will be provided. ## Key Dates The JJ/WBGSP application cycle for developing country nationals is typically divided into two windows to accommodate varying academic timelines. While the application window for Japanese nationals for 2026 closed on April 17, 2026, the dates for developing country nationals for 2026 have been announced as follows: * **Application Window #1:** From January 15 to February 27, 2026. * **Application Window #2:** From March 30 to May 29, 2026. It is crucial for applicants to adhere strictly to these deadlines, especially considering the prerequisite of securing admission to a participating program before applying for the scholarship itself. Applicants should also monitor the official website for any updates or changes to these dates. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the JJ/WBGSP is comprehensive and aims to identify highly promising candidates who will contribute significantly to their countries’ development. Each eligible application undergoes a review by two independent assessors, who score it on a scale of 1 to 10 based on four main factors and their overall coherence: * **Quality of Professional Experience (30% weight):** This assesses the relevance and impact of the applicant's development-related work experience. * **Quality of Professional Recommendations (30% weight):** Evaluates the strength and insight provided by professional references. * **Quality of Commitment to Home Country (30% weight):** Examines the applicant's demonstrated dedication to contributing to their country's development post-graduation. * **Quality of Education Background (10% weight):** Assesses the academic achievements and suitability for the chosen master's program. Following this initial scoring, the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat uses the average score from both assessors and applies additional criteria to select finalists. These additional criteria include ensuring a reasonable geographical and gender distribution of awards, considering unusual circumstances or hardships, and prioritizing applicants with limited financial resources for international graduate studies. ## Tips To maximize your chances of success for the JJ/WBGSP, prospective applicants should consider the following tips: * **Early Preparation:** Begin researching and applying to JJ/WBGSP participating master's programs well in advance of the scholarship deadlines. Remember, securing unconditional admission to one of these programs is a prerequisite for scholarship application. * **Targeted Programs:** Ensure the master's programs you apply to are specifically listed as JJ/WBGSP participating programs. Admission to a non-participating program will render you ineligible for the scholarship. * **Contact Universities:** Reach out to the admissions offices of your target universities to understand their specific requirements for admission and how they facilitate the shortlisting process for JJ/WBGSP candidates. * **Highlight Development Commitment:** In your application materials for both university admission and the scholarship, clearly articulate your professional experience in development-related work and your commitment to contributing to your home country's development after completing your studies. * **Review Guidelines Carefully:** Thoroughly read the "Application Guidelines" and "FAQ" documents for the specific application window you are targeting. These documents contain critical details regarding eligibility, required documents, and the application process. * **Strong Recommendations:** Choose professional recommenders who can speak to your development-related work experience, your potential, and your commitment to your home country. * **Adherence to Deadlines:** Be meticulously aware of all application deadlines, both for university admissions and the scholarship program itself. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), applicants should refer directly to the official scholarship website: [https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp](https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp)

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 (covers tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance).

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) eligibility

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

Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their home country.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 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 (JJ/WBGSP) 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/jj-wbgsp 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: Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their home country.. 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: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.). 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: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.)
Provider deadline information: Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)?+

Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their home country.

What funding does the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded (covers tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance).. 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: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.). 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/jj-wbgsp to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least three years of development-related work experience, and be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their home country.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026; Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. (Note: Application window for Japanese nationals closed on April 17, 2026.). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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