The race for one of the world’s most prestigious development-focused scholarships has officially begun—the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP 2026) has released its application windows, and international students from developing countries are urged to get ready.
This is the golden gateway for future policymakers, development innovators, and international leaders who dream of studying abroad for free in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan starting September 2026.
With fully funded benefits, 44 participating master’s programs, and a mission to develop global changemakers, this scholarship is now one of the most competitive and impactful graduate awards for students worldwide.
What Makes the JJ/WBGSP 2026 Scholarship a Big Deal?
The JJ/WBGSP is not just any scholarship—it is a global investment in human potential. It selects outstanding professionals from developing countries who have already contributed to national development and prepares them to accelerate growth on a larger scale after graduation.
Top Benefits You Will Receive
If selected, scholars enjoy a truly all-inclusive package:
- Full tuition fees for a participating master’s program
- Round-trip international airfare + US $600 travel allowance per trip
- Monthly subsistence stipend covering accommodation, meals, local transport & books
- Basic medical insurance through the host institution
- Coverage for the full program duration (up to 2 years)
This is a complete relief package designed for students who otherwise cannot afford world-class graduate education abroad.
Where Can You Study Under JJ/WBGSP 2026?
The scholarship supports 44 master’s programs across 24 universities, located in:
- United States
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Oceania
- Africa
- France
- Other European regions
Programs span the world’s most essential development fields, including:
- Economic Policy Management
- Tax Policy
- Public Administration
- Infrastructure Management
- Public Health
- Governance & Development
- Sustainable Development
Important:
You can only apply for JJ/WBGSP after receiving unconditional admission (except funding) to one of the 44 approved master’s programs.
Who Is Eligible for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?
To qualify for the fully funded scholarship of Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, applicants must broadly meet the following:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1. Nationality | – Must be a national of a World Bank member developing country– Dual citizenship with any developed country is NOT allowed |
| 2. Education | – Must hold a bachelor’s degree completed at least 3 years before the application deadline |
| 3. Work Experience | – Minimum 3 years of paid, development-related full-time work– Must be currently employed full-time in development-related work at the time of application- Applicants from Fragile and Conflict States may receive flexibility due to limited job opportunities |
| 4. Admission Requirement | – Must be unconditionally admitted (except funding) to at least one participating JJ/WBGSP master’s program– Admission letter must be uploaded with the scholarship application |
| 5. Restrictions | You are NOT eligible if you:- Are staff, alternate, or close relatives of staff at the World Bank Group– Previously received the JJ/WBGSP but did not graduate– Previously declined the scholarship after selection |
| Important Note | All eligibility rules are strictly enforced. No exceptions. |
2026 Application Windows (Official Dates)
The first application window for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 will remain open from January 15, 2026 to February 27, 2026.
The second application window for the JJ/WBGSP 2026 Scholarship will be available from March 30, 2026 to May 29, 2026.
Apply: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp.