Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026-2027

Overview

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a development scholarship jointly funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank. It runs two tracks: one for mid-career professionals from developing countries pursuing Master's degrees in development-related fields, and another for Japanese nationals committed to poverty alleviation who are pursuing graduate degrees outside Japan.

For developing country nationals, the JJ/WBGSP fully funds scholarships to one of 44 participating Master's programmes across 24 universities worldwide. The package covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, a USD 600 travel allowance, and health insurance. The programme targets professionals with at least three years of paid development experience who are currently employed in development work, so scholars bring real-world expertise to their graduate studies and return home with stronger capabilities.

The 2026 application cycle has two windows for developing country nationals (January to February and March to May) and a separate window for Japanese nationals (February to April). Selection is competitive. Applications are scored on professional experience (30%), recommendations (30%), commitment to home country development (30%), and educational background (10%). Geographic distribution, gender balance, and financial access also factor into final decisions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Government of Japan, administered by the World Bank
Host Country	United States, Japan
Degree Levels	Master's, PhD
Value	Full tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip economy airfare, USD 600 travel allowance per trip, and basic medical insurance
Deadline	January–May 2026
Duration	Full programme duration or up to 2 years, whichever is shorter
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of World Bank member developing countries (developing country track) or Japanese nationals (Japanese nationals track)
Official Website	https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Developing country track: Bachelor's degree obtained at least three years before the application deadline, plus unconditional admission (except funding) to one of the 44 participating Master's programmes. Japanese nationals track: admission to or current enrolment in a Master's or PhD programme outside Japan in a development-related field.

Nationality Requirements

Developing country track: nationals of World Bank member developing countries on the approved eligibility list. Must not hold dual citizenship of any developed country. Japanese nationals track: Japanese citizenship required.

Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen programme. Most programmes are in English, requiring IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100. The JJ/WBGSP itself does not impose a separate language requirement.

Work Experience

Developing country track: minimum three years of paid, full-time, development-related employment acquired within the past six years. Must be currently employed in development work at the time of application. Japanese nationals track: mid-career professional status is expected.

Other Requirements

Developing country track: applicants must study outside their country of citizenship and residence. World Bank Group staff, their spouses, and close relatives of executives or Board members are ineligible. Applicants who previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP scholarship are also excluded.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees and associated academic charges at the participating university
• Monthly living stipend calibrated to the cost of living in the host country
• Round-trip economy class airfare at the beginning and end of the programme
• USD 600 travel allowance per trip for incidental expenses
• Basic medical insurance obtained through the university
• Coverage for the full Master's programme duration or up to 2 years
• Study at one of 44 development-focused Master's programmes at 24 universities worldwide
• Membership in a global alumni network of development professionals

How to Apply

1. Identify Participating Programmes: Review the list of 44 participating Master's programmes on the JJ/WBGSP website. Note which programmes are available in each application window, as the two windows may cover different institutions.
2. Apply for University Admission: Apply directly to one or more participating Master's programmes through their standard admissions process. You need an unconditional admission offer (except for funding) before submitting the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application.
3. Check Country Eligibility: Verify that your country of citizenship appears on the JJ/WBGSP eligible countries list, published on the World Bank scholarships website. Confirm you do not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
4. Prepare Documentation: Gather your admission offer letter, academic transcripts, employer verification letter, professional recommendations, personal statement on development commitment, CV, passport copy, and language proficiency results.
5. Submit the JJ/WBGSP Application Online: Complete the online JJ/WBGSP application during the appropriate window (Window 1: January 15 to February 27 or Window 2: March 30 to May 29 for developing country nationals). Upload all required documents and submit before the deadline.
6. Selection and Notification: A selection committee scores applications on professional experience (30%), recommendations (30%), home-country commitment (30%), and education (10%). Geographic distribution and gender balance are also considered. Results are communicated after each window.
7. Accept and Prepare for Departure: Accepted scholars confirm their acceptance, finalise university enrolment, arrange visas, and prepare for travel. The scholarship covers airfare and provides a travel allowance for the journey to the host country.

Required Documents

• Completed JJ/WBGSP online scholarship application form
• Unconditional admission offer letter from a participating Master's programme (funding excepted)
• Official academic transcripts and Bachelor's degree certificate
• Two professional recommendation letters from development-sector supervisors or colleagues
• Employer verification letter confirming current full-time development-related employment
• Personal statement on development experience, objectives, and commitment to home country
• Detailed CV or resume highlighting at least 3 years of development work experience
• Copy of valid passport proving citizenship of an eligible developing country
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or as required by the programme)

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	Window 1: January 15, 2026. Window 2: March 30, 2026. Japanese nationals: February 16, 2026
Application Deadline	Window 1: February 27, 2026. Window 2: May 29, 2026. Japanese nationals: April 17, 2026 (12:00 noon EST)
Results Announced	2-3 months after each application window closes
Course Start	Varies by participating programme; August-October 2026

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Quantify your development impact: include specific numbers, outcomes, and beneficiary counts from your professional work
• Lay out a concrete plan for how your Master's education will help you address specific development challenges back home
• Connect your chosen programme's curriculum directly to your career trajectory and national development priorities
• Show that you understand the broader development context of your country and sector

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without first securing admission to one of the 44 participating programmes (this is a prerequisite)
• Underestimating the three-year work experience requirement: part-time or volunteer experience does not count
• Failing to show current employment in a development-related role at the time of application
• Submitting recommendations from academic professors instead of professional supervisors in the development field
• Applying in the wrong window for your chosen programme

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the JJ/WBGSP and the World Bank Scholarship?

The JJ/WBGSP is the World Bank's primary scholarship programme. The terms are often used interchangeably. The 'Joint Japan' prefix reflects funding from the Government of Japan, and the World Bank administers the programme under its scholarships umbrella.

Are there two tracks within the JJ/WBGSP?

The developing country nationals track funds Master's degrees for professionals from eligible developing countries. The Japanese nationals track supports Japanese mid-career professionals pursuing Master's or PhD degrees outside Japan in development fields.

How many participating programmes are there?

The 2026 cycle features 44 participating Master's programmes across 24 universities in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Programmes focus on development topics including economic policy, public administration, infrastructure management, and environmental governance.

Can I apply to both application windows?

Different programmes may be available in different windows. Apply in the window that includes your chosen programme. Check the JJ/WBGSP website for which programmes correspond to each window.

Is the return-to-home-country requirement mandatory?

All developing country JJ/WBGSP scholars must return to their home country after completing their studies and apply their knowledge toward national development priorities.

What does the scholarship NOT cover?

The scholarship does not cover visa costs, family support or dependant expenses, language training, personal computers, or resident permits. It is designed for the individual scholar only.

How is the selection weighted?

Professional experience: 30%. Professional recommendations: 30%. Commitment to home country development: 30%. Educational background: 10%. Geographic distribution, gender balance, and financial access are also considered.

Can I apply if I am currently studying?

For the developing country track, you must be currently employed in development work, not studying. Full-time students do not meet the employment requirement. The Japanese nationals track may accommodate currently enrolled students.

What if my country is not on the eligible list?

Only citizens of countries on the World Bank's approved developing country eligibility list can apply for the developing country track. The list is updated each cycle and published on the JJ/WBGSP website.

Can World Bank employees apply?

World Bank Group staff, their spouses, and close relatives of executives and Board members are not eligible for the JJ/WBGSP.

What is the monthly stipend amount?

The monthly living stipend varies by host country and is calibrated to local cost of living. It covers accommodation, food, books, and daily expenses. Exact amounts differ between universities and are communicated upon award.

Related Scholarships

• World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026
• ADB-Japan Scholarship Program 2026
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2026