Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is now accepting applications for the year 2026. This prestigious scholarship is designed for individuals from developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts. Applicants must be pursuing a master's degree program in a development-related field.

📋 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: October 02, 2025
• Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
• Category: Postgraduate, Masters
• Opportunity Location: United States

🌟 About the Program

The JJ/WBGSP is open to citizens of certain developing countries who meet the eligibility criteria. It aims to support individuals who are committed to contributing to their countries' development efforts.

🎁 Benefits of the Scholarship

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

• Economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start of your study program and immediately following the end of the scholarship period. Scholars will also receive a US $600 travel allowance for each trip.
• Tuition fees for your graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance obtained through the university.
• Monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses (accommodation, food, books, etc.) while on campus during the scholarship period. The amount varies depending on the host country.

What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover:

• Visa application costs
• Expenses to bring and/or support family members
• Extra-curricular courses or training
• Courses that do not meet the minimum credits required to earn the graduate degree
• Language training not provided by the graduate program
• Additional travel during the course of the study program
• Expenses related to research, supplementary educational materials, field trips, participation in workshops/seminars, or internships
• Educational equipment such as computers
• Resident permit fees

Note: The scholarship may only supplement and does not duplicate any other source of financial support or fellowship. If awarded another scholarship or fellowship, documents pertaining to it must be sent to the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality:

   • Be a national of a World Bank member developing country on this list.
   • Must not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.

2. Health:

   • Be in good health.

3. Education:

   • Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years prior to the application deadline.

4. Work Experience:

   • Be employed in development-related work in a paid full-time position at the time of submitting the application.
   • Have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since earning a bachelor’s degree, acquired within the past 6 years from the application deadline.
   • Exceptions may apply for nationals from Fragile and Conflict States.

5. Admission:

   • Be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) for the upcoming academic year to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs located outside of the applicant’s country of citizenship and residence.

6. World Bank Group Affiliation:

   • Must not be an Executive Director, alternate, or staff member of the World Bank Group, nor a close relative of the aforementioned.

7. Previous Scholarship Recipients:

   • Individuals who have previously been offered or received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not graduate are not eligible to apply again.

Important Note:
All eligibility criteria are strictly adhered to, and no exceptions are made. Criteria may change between application cycles.

📅 Application Process

To apply, visit the official application website. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documents, including your letter of admission to a participating master's program.

⏰ Application Deadline

February 27, 2026

🌐 Scholarship Application Portal

• Learn more about the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program here.
• Apply for the scholarship here.

• Economy class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start of your study program and immediately following the end of the scholarship period. In addition to the two-way air travel, scholars will receive a US $600 travel allowance for each trip.
• Tuition for your graduate program and the cost of basic medical insurance obtained through the university.
• While on campus during the scholarship period, a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). The amount of the allowance varies depending on the host country.