The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is one of the most respected funding opportunities for professionals from developing countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields. Backed by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, this scholarship focuses on building skilled leaders who will return home and contribute to social and economic development. Each year, it supports qualified candidates admitted to selected master’s programs across top universities worldwide.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: Universities in Japan
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Monthly stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits of Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship is designed to remove major financial barriers so scholars can focus fully on their studies.
Here’s what the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for the approved master’s program
- Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, books, and basic expenses
- Economy-class round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and host university
- Travel allowance of USD 600 per trip
- Basic medical insurance provided through the university
The scholarship covers the full duration of the graduate program or up to two years, whichever is shorter.
Expenses not covered include visa fees, family support costs, extra courses outside degree requirements, research-related expenses, and personal equipment such as laptops.
See Also:
- University of Glasgow African Excellence Award 2026 in UK: Full Tuition Scholarship for African Students
- University of Glasgow Sanctuary Scholarship 2026/27: Full Tuition and £5,000 Support for Refugees in the UK
- Allan and Nesta Ferguson University of Leeds Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Study in the UK
Eligibility Requirements for Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026
To apply for the JJ/WBGSP, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria without exception.
Applicants 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 earned at least three years before the application deadline
- Have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience within the last six years
- Be employed full-time in development-related work at the time of application
- Have unconditional admission (except for funding) to one of the 44 participating master’s programs outside their country of citizenship and residence
- Not be a World Bank Group staff member or a close relative of one
- Not have previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP scholarship
All eligibility rules are strictly enforced.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting the scholarship application:
- Unconditional admission letter from a participating master’s program
- Completed JJ/WBGSP application form
- Proof of citizenship
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae showing relevant work experience
- Professional recommendation letters
- Employment verification documents
All documents must be accurate and submitted before the deadline.
Scholarship Deadline
The application process is divided into two windows:
- Application Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026
- Application Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026
Only candidates admitted to participating programs and shortlisted by their universities will receive access to the scholarship application form.
Steps on How to Apply for Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026
Applying for the JJ/WBGSP follows a clear sequence:
- Apply for admission to one of the 44 participating master’s programs
- Secure unconditional admission (except for funding)
- Confirm that the university has shortlisted you as eligible
- Receive the JJ/WBGSP application link from the university
- Complete and submit the scholarship application within the open window
- Wait for the assessment and final selection process
After selection, successful candidates commit to returning to their home countries after graduation.
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