About this opportunity
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a fully funded master's scholarship for citizens of developing countries pursuing development-related master's degrees at 44 participating programs in 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. Funded by the Government of Japan, it covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance. It targets mid-career professionals with 3+ years of development-related work experience.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a fully funded scholarship offered by World Bank for applicants heading to Multiple countries. Applications close on Feb 26, 2027.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country (no dual citizenship of any developed country)
- Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years before the application deadline
- Be employed in development-related work full-time at the time of applying, with at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since the bachelor's degree
- Be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to a JJ/WBGSP participating master's program outside your country of citizenship and residence
- Not be World Bank Group staff (any appointment type, including consultants) or a close relative of such
- Not currently be studying in a JJ/WBGSP participating program
- For Window 1: not be a Japanese national (a separate track exists for Japanese nationals)
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition fees at the participating university
- Monthly living stipend for the duration of the program (up to two years)
- Round-trip economy-class airfare between home country and host university
- Basic health and medical insurance arranged through the university
- Travel allowance for the scholarship period
- Access to a network of 7,000+ alumni development professionals
Required documents
- Completed online application form (in English or the language of the master's program)
- Bachelor's degree diploma scan, plus most advanced graduate degree diploma if applicable
- CV in the format provided in Annex 4 of the official guidelines, in English
- Proof of employment: signed employer letter(s) on company letterhead dated within 3 months of the deadline
- Unconditional letter of admission to a JJ/WBGSP participating program for the upcoming academic year
- Two professional recommendation letters submitted online
- For finalists: passport ID page scan and a medical/health certificate
Application process
- Get admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP participating master's programs
- Contact the participating university to be shortlisted as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant and receive the application link
- Submit the recommendation request form early so both recommenders can submit online before the deadline
- Draft the online application, but do not submit until the unconditional admission letter is uploaded
- Submit the complete online application by February 26, 2027 (Window 1) or May 21, 2027 (Window 2)
- Finalists submit passport ID and medical certificate, then commit to returning home after the degree
Before you apply
- □Apply before Feb 26, 2027 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by World Bank
- □Prepare your 7 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Two official application windows for the 2027 cycle: Window 1 runs January 18 to February 26, 2027 (participating programs); Window 2 runs March 29 to May 21, 2027 (partner programs). The online application link is only sent to candidates admitted unconditionally to a participating master's program and shortlisted as eligible by the university.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?
The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded master's scholarship, funded by the Government of Japan since 1987, for citizens of developing countries pursuing development-related master's degrees at 44 participating programs in 24 universities across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
What are the 2027 application deadlines?
Window 1 runs January 18 to February 26, 2027; Window 2 runs March 29 to May 21, 2027 (deadline 12:00 noon EST). Both dates are posted on the official World Bank page and the 2027 application guidelines.
What does the scholarship cover?
Per the official World Bank page, it covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a travel allowance, for the duration of the program or two years, whichever is less.
Can I apply without admission to a participating university?
No. Official guidelines state you must be admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to one of the 44 participating programs before submitting, and the application link is only sent to shortlisted admitted candidates.
What work experience is required?
At least 3 years of paid, full-time development-related employment since earning your bachelor's degree, acquired within the past 6 years from the deadline, and you must currently be employed in development-related work.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with World Bank. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.