Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), funded solely by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, supports mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries in pursuing master's degrees in development-related fields. Since 1987, it has enabled over 7,000 scholars from 160 developing countries to study at 44 participating master's programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Key focus areas include economic policy management, tax policy, infrastructure management, public finance, poverty reduction, health, and environmental sustainability. Scholars commit to returning to their home countries upon completion to apply their skills to social and economic development.
The scholarship provides comprehensive coverage, including full tuition and mandatory fees for the master's program, a monthly living stipend (amount varies by host country to cover accommodation, food, books, and basic expenses), round-trip economy class airfare between the scholar's home country and the host university, basic medical insurance arranged through the university, and a travel allowance of USD 600 per trip. The duration matches the length of the participating master's program, typically 1-2 years.
Applications occur in two windows aligned with academic calendars: Window #1 (January 15 to February 27, 2026) and Window #2 (March 30 to May 29, 2026). Eligibility requires unconditional admission (except for funding) to a participating program, with the application link provided only to shortlisted candidates by the university. Final selection considers academic excellence, development impact potential, geographic distribution, gender balance, and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country listed in the official eligible countries annex (e.g., Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, etc.; full list in guidelines).
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- Not be a World Bank Group staff member, Executive Director, alternate, or their close relative (as defined).
- Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years before the application deadline.
- Be employed in a paid, full-time development-related position at the time of application.
- Have at least 3 years of paid, development-related professional experience acquired since bachelor's degree and within the past 6 years from deadline (part-time per FAQs; flexibility for fragile/conflict-affected states nationals).
- By deadline, have unconditional admission (except for funding) to at least one JJ/WBGSP participating master's program outside your country of citizenship and residence.
- Not be currently studying in a participating program.
- Be in good health (medical certificate required for finalists).
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.