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

Are you a passionate student from a developing country dreaming of studying abroad? The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers you a life-changing opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at top universities around the world — while preparing to make a lasting impact in your home country,

This prestigious program, supported by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, empowers talented individuals committed to development and global progress. Applications for the 2026 JJ/WBGSP cycle are now open — here’s everything you need to know.

Overview of the JJ/WBGSP 2026 Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) supports citizens from eligible developing countries who have demonstrated professional experience and a strong commitment to contributing to their nation’s growth.

Subject to available funding, the program offers scholarships for 44 participating master’s programs across 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Fields of study include:

Economic Policy Management
Public Finance and Taxation
Infrastructure Development
Sustainable Growth and Development

Note: Only applicants admitted to one of the 44 participating master’s programs are eligible to apply for the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship 2026.

JJ/WBGSP 2026 Application Dates

To align with different university calendars, the application process is divided into two windows:

Application Window	Application Period	Eligible Applicants
Window 1	January 15 – February 27, 2026	Developing Country Nationals
Window 2	March 30 – May 29, 2026	Developing Country Nationals
Japanese Nationals	Separate Application Window	Details to be Announced

The application link will only be provided to candidates who have been unconditionally admitted (except for financial support) to one of the JJ/WBGSP-approved master’s programs and shortlisted by that university.

Scholarship Goals

JJ/WBGSP aims to nurture a new generation of professionals who will return to their home countries and contribute to economic, social, and policy development.

What the World Bank Scholarship Covers

Recipients of the JJ/WBGSP scholarship receive comprehensive financial support, including:

Full tuition fees for the master’s program
Round-trip airfare from home country to host university
$600 travel allowance per trip, And also
Monthly living stipend for accommodation, food, and other essentials
Health insurance provided through the university

The scholarship covers the full duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter.

Not Covered by JJ/WBGSP

Visa application fees
Family or dependent expenses
Research, field trips, or extracurricular activities
Computer or study equipment costs and also
Resident permit fees

If you receive other scholarships, the JJ/WBGSP funding will only supplement — not duplicate — that support.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements. No exceptions are made. To qualify for the JJ/WBGSP 2026, you must:

Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country.
Not hold dual citizenship with any developed country.
Be in good health.
Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years before the application deadline.
Have at least three years of paid development-related work experience after earning your bachelor’s degree.
Be employed in a development-related full-time job at the time of application.
Be admitted (unconditionally) to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside your country of citizenship or residence.
Not be a World Bank Group staff member, Executive Director, or their close relative.
Applicants who previously received or declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship are not eligible to apply again.

How to Apply for the World Bank Scholarship 2026

The application process is conducted online through the official World Bank Scholarships portal.

Applicants should:

Review the Application Guidelines for their specific window (Window 1 or 2).
Prepare all required documents — including degree certificates, recommendation letters, and the admission letter from a participating university.
Submit their online application before the window closes.

Helpful resources:

Selection Process

All eligible applications are reviewed by two independent assessors, who rate candidates based on four weighted criteria:

Criteria	Weight
Professional experience	30%
Recommendation letters	30%
Commitment to home country development	30%
Educational background	10%

The JJ/WBGSP Secretariat then considers:

Regional and gender balance
Financial need
Personal hardships or unique circumstances

Finalists are reviewed and approved by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee, and successful candidates are notified shortly after.

Life After the Scholarship

Upon graduation, scholars are expected to return home and use their advanced knowledge to drive development in their respective countries — aligning with the World Bank’s mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

Final Thoughts

The World Bank’s Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is more than just financial support — it’s a gateway to global education and leadership. If you’re ready to study abroad, gain world-class expertise, and serve your country, this is your chance to make it happen.