The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) has opened applications for the 2026 academic year. This is a fully funded scholarship for students from developing countries who want to study a master’s degree abroad in development-related subjects.
Through this program, talented professionals get a chance to study at top universities in different parts of the world and later use their knowledge to support the development of their home country.
This scholarship supports 44 master’s programs offered by 24 universities in countries like the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
What Is the World Bank – Japan Graduate Scholarship Program?
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) helps students study subjects related to development such as:
- Economic policy
- Tax policy
- Infrastructure management
- Public administration
- Development studies
These programs help professionals gain knowledge that can help improve economic and social development in their home countries.
Students must first get admission to one of the 44 approved master’s programs before applying for this scholarship.
Application Timeline for 2026
The scholarship application process is divided into two rounds.
- Round 1: January 15 – February 27, 2026
- Round 2: March 30 – May 29, 2026
Important:
The scholarship application link is only shared with students who are already admitted to one of the participating master’s programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the World Bank Japan Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country
- Must not hold citizenship of a developed country
- Be in good health
- Have a bachelor’s degree completed at least 3 years ago
- Have minimum 3 years of full-time work experience related to development
- Be currently working in a development-related job
- Be admitted to a participating master’s program abroad
- Not be working with the World Bank Group
- Must not have previously declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship
Some exceptions may apply for applicants from conflict-affected or fragile countries.
Selection Process
Each application is reviewed carefully by experts.
Candidates are scored based on the following criteria:
- Professional experience – 30%
- Recommendation letters – 30%
- Commitment to development of home country – 30%
- Educational background – 10%
The final selection also considers:
- Geographic diversity
- Gender balance
- Financial hardship
- Overall diversity of candidates
Scholarship Benefits
Students selected for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Medical insurance
- Round-trip airfare
- $600 travel allowance
The scholarship covers the entire duration of the master’s program, up to 2 years.
Expenses Not Covered
The scholarship does not cover:
- Visa or residence permit fees
- Family expenses
- Language training outside the program
- Research or internship costs
- Laptop or study equipment
- Extra travel during studies
Students must also declare if they receive any other scholarship funding.
Post-Study Requirement
After completing the program, scholars must return to their home country and use their knowledge to support national development projects.
This helps improve education, infrastructure, public policy, and economic growth in developing nations.
Key Takeaways
- The World Bank – Japan Graduate Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded master’s degree abroad.
- It supports 44 programs at 24 universities worldwide.
- Applicants must have 3 years of work experience in development-related fields.
- The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and medical insurance.
- Scholars must return to their home country after completing their studies.