Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2026 — Fully Funded Master’s for Developing Countries

What if the World Bank and the Government of Japan teamed up to pay for your Master’s degree at one of the world’s top universities? That is exactly what the JJ/WBGSP (Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026) does — and its second application window is open RIGHT NOW.

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a highly competitive, fully funded scholarship supporting professionals from developing countries to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields at leading universities worldwide — administered by the World Bank and funded by the Government of Japan, with the objective of building a new generation of development leaders who will return to their home countries to contribute to social and economic progress.

This is not a scholarship for fresh graduates. It is designed for working professionals who are already making a difference in their countries — and want to come back even stronger.

🌍 Why This Scholarship Matters

Every year, thousands of professionals from developing nations have brilliant ideas for improving their economies, healthcare systems, and governance — but lack advanced training. The JJ/WBGSP was created specifically to close that gap. It funds professionals at the world’s best universities, then expects them to return home and apply that knowledge where it matters most.

Since 1987, this program has trained thousands of development professionals from over 100 countries — and its alumni hold leadership positions in governments, international organisations, and the private sector worldwide.

📋 Scholarship Details at a Glance

✅ What Does the Scholarship Cover?

A JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. The scholarships cover the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is less.

In full, the scholarship covers:

• ✔️ Full tuition fees at your chosen partner university
• ✔️ Monthly living stipend throughout your program
• ✔️ Round-trip economy class airfare from your home country
• ✔️ US $600 travel allowance per trip
• ✔️ Basic medical insurance through your university
• ✔️ Up to 2 years of complete funding

📌 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the application deadline, be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position at the time of submitting the scholarship application, and have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment acquired within the past 6 years from the date of the application deadline.

Additionally, you must:

• Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country
• Be admitted unconditionally to one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs
• NOT be a current World Bank Group staff member or close relative
• Commit to returning to your home country after completing your degree

🗂️ How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Choose a participating program from the 44 JJ/WBGSP partner universities
2. Apply directly to the university and secure unconditional admission
3. Get shortlisted by the university as a JJ/WBGSP-eligible candidate
4. Receive the scholarship application link from the university
5. Submit your online application before May 29, 2026

⚠️ Important: The JJ/WBGSP application link is only shared with candidates who have received unconditional admission (except for financing) and have been shortlisted as eligible by a participating university. So apply to the university FIRST! Study in Japan

💡 Pro Tips

• Apply to multiple participating programs to increase your chances
• Your personal statement must clearly show how your degree will benefit your home country
• Work experience letters must be from your current employer
• Start the university application process at least 3–4 months before the scholarship deadline

⏰ Deadline

• Application Window 2: March 30 – May 29, 2026
• Apply Link worldbank.org/scholarships