World Bank - Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026: The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) has opened applications for the 2026 academic cycle, offering fully funded scholarships to eligible candidates from developing countries pursuing master's degrees in development-related fields.
The scholarship is aimed at mid-career professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to their countries' social and economic development and are seeking advanced training in key development disciplines.
What Is the JJ/WBGSP?
The JJ/WBGSP supports students admitted to 44 participating master's programmes offered by 24 universities across the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. These programmes focus on priority development areas such as economic policy management, tax policy, infrastructure management, and other related disciplines.
Candidates must note that only applicants admitted to one of the 44 participating master's programmes are eligible. Those not admitted to these programmes cannot apply for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship in 2026.
Application Timeline: Two Windows
To align with the academic calendars of participating universities, the application process is divided into two rounds:
- Application Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026
- Application Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026
Importantly, the JJ/WBGSP application link is not publicly available. It is shared only with candidates who are:
- Unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to a participating master's programme, and
- Shortlisted as eligible JJ/WBGSP applicants by the respective university.
Prospective applicants are advised to contact the university offering their targeted programme to confirm whether they meet these requirements.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country
- Not hold dual citizenship of 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, full-time development-related work experience, acquired within the past six years
- Limited exceptions apply to applicants from fragile and conflict-affected states
- Be currently employed in development-related work at the time of application
- Be admitted unconditionally to a participating master's programme located outside their country of citizenship and residence
- Not be affiliated with the World Bank Group as staff, executive directors, or close relatives
- Not have previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP scholarship
The eligibility conditions do not change during an open application cycle, though they may be revised between cycles.
Selection Process Explained
Each eligible application is reviewed independently by two assessors, who score candidates on a scale of 1 to 10 based on four criteria:
- Professional experience (30%)
- Professional recommendations (30%)
- Commitment to home country development (30%)
- Educational background (10%)
Final selection also considers geographical balance, gender representation, applicants facing hardship or limited financial access, and overall diversity. The shortlisted candidates are submitted to the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee for final approval. Selected scholars are informed shortly after approval.
What Does Scholarship Cover?
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship includes:- Full tuition fees
- Basic medical insurance through the university
- Monthly living allowance (varies by host country)
- Round-trip economy airfare
- US $600 travel allowance per trip
- The scholarship covers the full duration of the programme or up to two years, whichever is shorter.
What Is Not Covered?
- Visa and resident permit fees
- Family-related expenses
- Language training outside the programme
- Research costs, internships, field trips, or workshops
- Educational equipment such as laptops
- Additional travel during the study period
The JJ/WBGSP may supplement other funding sources but does not duplicate financial support. Scholars must disclose any additional scholarships awarded.
Post-Study Commitment
After completing their studies, scholars are required to return to their home country and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills toward national development initiatives.
