The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated professionals from developing countries to advance their careers through a fully funded master’s degree. This prestigious program—funded by the Government of Japan and managed by the World Bank Group—supports future leaders committed to driving development in their home countries. JJ/WBGSP provides access to 44 specially selected master’s programs across universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Japan, and Oceania, helping scholars deepen their understanding of development policy, economic reforms, infrastructure management, and related fields.

With highly competitive benefits including full tuition coverage, round-trip airfare, medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance, JJ/WBGSP 2026 stands among the world’s most impactful international scholarships. After completing their degrees, scholars commit to returning home to contribute to national development—making the program ideal for those dedicated to creating real change.

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world’s largest development organizations, supporting economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. JJ/WBGSP is part of WBG’s broader mission to empower developing countries through capacity building.
Participating universities in the program include globally recognized institutions such as:

• University of Tokyo
• Harvard University
• London School of Economics
• University of Oxford
• Cornell University
• University of Leeds
• Australian National University
• University of Tsukuba
  …and many more highly ranked universities.
  Students can view the full list of universities and participating programs

This broad network ensures scholars gain access to world-class education and globally relevant development knowledge.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026
Host Organization	World Bank Group (Funded by Government of Japan)
Study Level	Master’s Degree
Eligible Countries	Citizens of developing countries only
Number of Programs	44 Master’s Programs in 24 Universities
Application Windows	Window 1: Jan 15 – Feb 27, 2026 • Window 2: Mar 30 – May 29, 2026
Funding Coverage	Fully Funded
Study Locations	USA, Europe, Africa, Japan, Oceania
Requirement	Must already be admitted to at least one eligible program

Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)

The JJ/WBGSP 2026 provides extensive financial and academic support:

• Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the master’s program
• Round-trip economy airfare from home country to host university
• US $600 travel allowance per trip
• Basic medical insurance provided through the host university
• Monthly subsistence allowance to cover accommodation, food, books, and daily needs
• Chance to study at one of the top master’s programs in development studies
• Opportunity to build a global professional network
• Exposure to world-class faculty and research facilities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country (full list provided above)
• Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
• Hold a bachelor’s degree completed at least 3 years before the application deadline
• Be in good health at the time of application
• Have a minimum of 3 years of recent development-related full-time employment
• Be working in development-related work at the time of application
• Must be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to at least one of the eligible master’s programs
• The program you choose must be outside your country of residence and citizenship
• Must submit all required documents including CV, recommendations, employment proof, bachelor’s degree, and admission letter

Required Documents

• Two recommendation letters
• CV (updated)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Proof of development-related work (minimum 3 years)
• Unconditional admission letter from an eligible program
• Completed online JJ/WBGSP application form
• Valid passport copy

Application Process 

• Step 1: Check eligibility criteria and ensure you meet all requirements
• Step 2: Apply to one of the 44 eligible master’s programs
• Step 3: Receive unconditional admission
• Step 4: Wait for the participating university to shortlist you for JJ/WBGSP
• Step 5: Receive access to the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application form
• Step 6: Prepare all documents and submit the online scholarship application
• Step 7: Wait for evaluation (two assessors will review your application)
• Step 8: Scholarship decisions are released after the assessment period

Comparison of JJ/WBGSP 2026 vs. Other Major Scholarships

Feature	JJ/WBGSP	Chevening	Fulbright
Coverage	Fully funded	Fully funded	Fully funded
Work Experience Needed	Yes (3+ years, development-related)	Yes (2+ years)	Optional
Eligible Countries	Developing countries only	160+ countries	140+ countries
Admission Requirement	Must be admitted before applying	Apply without admission	Apply without admission
Focus Area	Development-related fields	Any master’s program	Any master’s program
Return Requirement	Mandatory return to home country	Yes	Yes

FAQs About Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026

1. Can I apply without an admission letter for World Bank scholarships 2026?
   No. You must already be admitted to at least one eligible program before applying.
2. Can I apply if I have dual citizenship?
   Dual citizenship with any developed country disqualifies you.
3. Is work experience mandatory?
   Yes. A minimum of 3 years of development-related full-time employment is required.
4. Are PhD students eligible?
   No. JJ/WBGSP is strictly for master’s programs.
5. Can I submit my application after the deadline?
   No late submissions are accepted.
6. Are online degrees eligible for Japan World Bank scholarship?
   Only on-campus programs from the 44 approved master’s programs will qualify.
7. Who reviews the applications?
   Two independent assessors evaluate each application.
8. Do I need to return to my home country after graduation?
   Yes. It is mandatory to return and contribute to national development.
9. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
   Tuition, airfare, medical insurance, monthly stipend, and travel allowance.
10. Can I apply again if rejected?
    Yes. You may reapply in the following cycle if you continue to meet all eligibility criteria.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Admission to an eligible program is the most important requirement
• Apply early—universities may take time to issue admission letters
• Ensure all development-related work documents are verifiable
• Prepare recommendations from supervisors familiar with your development work
• Select programs that align strongly with development goals

If you are deeply committed to driving change in your home country and want access to one of the world’s top development-focused master’s programs, the JJ/WBGSP 2026 scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. Explore the requirements, begin contacting participating universities, and secure your admission early to qualify. APPLY NOW.

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