Fully Funded World Bank Scholarship 2026 – JJ/WBGSP (Apply Jan–May!)

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a fully funded scholarship for mid-career professionals from developing countries who have been admitted to a master’s degree program in development-related fields at select universities worldwide. This prestigious scholarship, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, empowers future leaders to drive economic and social development in their home countries.

 Key 2026 Application Dates

The 2026 application cycle is organized in two windows to match participating programs’ academic calendars:

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• 📅 Window 1: January 15 – February 27, 2026
• 📅 Window 2: March 30 – May 29, 2026

The application link is shared only with candidates who have unconditional admission to one of the approved master’s programs listed in the JJ/WBGSP participating universities.

 Who Can Apply?

The JJ/WBGSP is open to citizens of World Bank member developing countries who meet specific eligibility criteria:

•  Be a national of an eligible developing country (no dual citizenship with a developed country).
•  Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline.
•  Have three or more years’ paid development-related work experience (exceptions may apply for fragile or conflict-affected countries).
•  Be admitted unconditionally to a participating master’s program outside your home country by the application deadline.
•  Not be a World Bank Group executive, their close relative, or a previous JJ/WBGSP grantee who did not complete the program. (World Bank)

 What the Scholarship Covers

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship is fully funded and includes:

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Tuition fees for the master’s program
Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and food
Round-trip airfare + a travel allowance
Health insurance through the host university

The scholarship typically covers the duration of the graduate program or up to two years, whichever is shorter.

Note: The scholarship does not cover visa fees, family support costs, extra courses, field trips, computers, or educational materials not included in the program.

 Why This Scholarship Matters

The JJ/WBGSP is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships for developing-country professionals seeking to expand their expertise in fields like economic policy, infrastructure management, public health, and more. Alumni often return to their home countries to apply their skills toward sustainable development.

 How to Apply

1. Secure unconditional admission to a participating master’s degree program.
2. Contact the university to confirm eligibility and receive the scholarship application link.
3. Submit the completed application within the relevant window (Window 1 or 2).
4. Provide supporting documents, including references and proof of work experience and admission.

 Start Your Global Scholarship Journey Today!

Planning early and connecting with your target university increases your chances of being invited to apply. The JJ/WBGSP is a career-transforming opportunity for aspiring leaders ready to make an impact in global development through a fully funded master’s degree.