The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious fully funded scholarship designed for students from developing countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields. The JJ/WBGSP is jointly funded by the Government of Japan and the World Bank.
It offers financial support to eligible candidates admitted to 44 participating master’s programs across 24 universities located in the USA, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan. The core objective of JJ/WBGSP is to strengthen human capital in developing countries by enabling talented individuals to gain advanced education, global exposure, and technical expertise. After completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and actively contribute to economic growth, public policy improvement, and social development.
Overview of the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship
The JJ/WBGSP supports students admitted to 44 participating master’s programs offered by 24 universities across regions such as North America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. These programs focus on areas that directly address development challenges faced by emerging economies.
Key Focus Areas
- Economic Policy and Management
- Public Finance and Tax Policy
- Infrastructure Planning and Management
- Social Policy and Development
- Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Urban and Regional Planning
Each program is carefully selected to align with the World Bank’s mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
JJ/WBGSP Application Windows 2026
To match different academic calendars, 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
The scholarship application link is not public. It is shared only with candidates who:
- Receive unconditional admission (except for funding), and
- Are officially shortlisted by the participating university as JJ/WBGSP-eligible.
Applicants should directly contact the university offering the target program to confirm eligibility.
Scholarship Benefits
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee for the master’s program
- Monthly living stipend (amount depends on host country)
- Round-trip economy airfare between home country and host university
- US $600 travel allowance per trip
- Basic medical insurance through the university
Does NOT Cover in Scholarship
The scholarship does not cover:
- Visa application and resident permit fees
- Expenses for family members
- Extra courses or non-credit training
- Language courses not included in the degree
- Additional travel during studies
- Research costs, workshops, internships, or field trips
- Educational equipment like laptops or tablets
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for JJ/WBGSP, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country
- Not holding dual citizenship of a developed country
- Be in good health
- Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline
- Have a minimum of 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work experience within the last 6 years
- Be currently employed in a development-related role at the time of application
- Have unconditional admission to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their country of citizenship and residence
- Not be a World Bank Group employee or a close relative of one
- Not have previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP-funded degree
Selection Process
Each eligible application is reviewed by two independent assessors and scored on a 1–10 scale based on:
- Quality of professional experience – 30%
- Strength of professional recommendations – 30%
- Commitment to home country development – 30%
- Academic background – 10%
- Final selection also considers:
- Geographic and gender balance
- Financial need
- Personal hardships or unusual circumstances
The final list is approved by the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee, and selected candidates are notified shortly after approval.
Important Responsibilities of Selected Scholars
Recipients of the JJ/WBGSP scholarship are expected to:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the program
- Follow the rules and regulations of the host university
- Use the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to development initiatives
- Return to their home country after graduation and work in a development-related role
Failure to comply with these expectations may result in scholarship termination or repayment obligations.
FAQs-Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship
Q1. Who can apply for the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship?
Citizens of World Bank member developing countries with at least 3 years of development-related work experience and admission to a participating master’s program can apply.
Q2. Is admission required before applying for JJ/WBGSP?
Yes, you must have unconditional admission (except funding) to one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs.
Q3. Is the JJ/WBGSP scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition fees, monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
Q4. When can I apply for JJ/WBGSP 2026?
Applications open in two windows: January 15–February 27, 2026, and March 30–May 29, 2026.
Q5. Can I stay abroad after completing my degree?
No, selected scholars must return to their home country and contribute to its social and economic development.
Conclusion
The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for development professionals to gain world-class education with full financial support. By combining academic excellence, professional experience, and a strong commitment to social and economic development, the program creates future leaders capable of driving positive change in their home countries.
Early preparation, securing admission to a participating program, and clearly demonstrating a long-term commitment to development goals are critical for success. For eligible candidates, JJ/WBGSP is not just a scholarship—it is a pathway to global impact and meaningful leadership.
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