Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
A fully funded scholarship program for mid-career professionals from developing countries and Japan to pursue graduate degrees in development-related fields at participating universities worldwide.
Quick Facts
Status
Funding
Fully FundedDeadline
Varies by window; Window 1: February 27, 2026; Window 2: May 29, 2026
Country
JapanAbout the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the World Bank. Since 1987, it has enabled over 7,000 mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries and Japan to complete graduate degrees in development-related fields.
The program aims to build a pool of well-trained development professionals who return to their home countries to contribute to social and economic development. It is funded annually by the Government of Japan and managed by the World Bank's Development Economics Vice Presidency.
Scholarships are provided for 44 specific participating Master's programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Eligible fields include economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.
The application process is organized into two windows to accommodate different academic calendars. Applicants must be admitted unconditionally to a participating Master's program before they can apply for the scholarship.
After completing their studies, scholars from developing countries are expected to return home to apply their new skills. Japanese scholars are expected to advance their careers with a focus on poverty alleviation and shared prosperity in developing countries.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Fully funded by the Government of Japan
Access to a global network of over 7,000 development professionals
Focus on practical development-related fields and policy management
Support for mid-career professionals to transition into leadership roles
Direct connection to World Bank development expertise
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
4 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Identify a participating Master's program and apply for admission to the university
Receive an unconditional letter of admission from the university
Obtain the scholarship application form link from the university
Submit the scholarship application during the designated window
Wait for the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat to review applications based on professional experience, recommendations, and commitment to home country
Finalists are presented to the Steering Committee for approval and notified of the outcome
Application Timeline
January 15 to February 27, 2026
Window 1 Application
March 30 to May 29, 2026
Window 2 Application
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Start the application process as soon as the window opens to ensure all documents are ready
Reach out to the university offering the participating program to confirm eligibility requirements
Ensure your professional experience clearly demonstrates a commitment to your home country's development
Check the list of Fragile and Conflict States if you have limited employment opportunities in your home country
Do not apply if you have previously been offered the scholarship and declined it, or if you have previously received it but did not graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No, you must be admitted to one of the 44 specific participating Master's programs listed on the official website.
No, the scholarship does not cover expenses to bring or support family members.
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship may only supplement other financial support and you must disclose any other funding to the Secretariat.
⏳
Applications Currently Closed
This scholarship is expected to reopen in January. Use this time to prepare your documents and polish your application.
Accuracy notice: Information on this page was verified as of May 2026. Scholarship details - including deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required documents - can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website before submitting your application.
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