Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for Developing Countries
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world for professionals from developing countries who are committed to driving sustainable development in their home nations. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, the program supports outstanding individuals pursuing master’s degrees in development-related fields.
The scholarship is designed for mid-career professionals with a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and a proven commitment to social and economic development. Successful scholars gain advanced education at top universities worldwide and return home equipped with the skills needed to influence policy, institutions, and development outcomes.
About the JJ/WBGSP
The JJ/WBGSP is open to citizens of eligible developing countries who are applying to selected master’s degree programs aligned with global development priorities. These programs focus on areas such as:
- Economic policy management
- Tax policy and public finance
- Infrastructure management
- Development economics
- Public policy and governance
- Social development and related fields
Subject to available funding, the scholarship supports 44 participating master’s programs offered by 24 universities across the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.
⚠️ Important Note:
Applicants must first secure unconditional admission (except for funding) to one of the official JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs. If you are not admitted to one of these programs, you cannot apply for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship.
Scholarship Application Timeline (2026 Intake)
To align with different academic calendars, the JJ/WBGSP application process is divided into two application windows:
Application Window #1
- Opens: January 15, 2026
- Closes: February 27, 2026
Application Window #2
- Opens: March 30, 2026
- Closes: May 29, 2026
The JJ/WBGSP application form is not publicly available. The link will only be shared with candidates who:
- Have been admitted unconditionally to a participating master’s program, and
- Have been shortlisted as eligible by the admitting university
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their chosen university directly to confirm eligibility and institutional nomination requirements.
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Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded scholarship, covering most major expenses associated with graduate study abroad.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full tuition fees for the master’s program
- Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation, food, and basic expenses
- Round-trip economy class airfare between the scholar’s home country and the host university
- USD 600 travel allowance for each trip
- Basic medical insurance provided through the host university
📌 The scholarship covers the entire duration of the master’s program or up to two years, whichever is shorter.
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover:
- Visa and residence permit application fees
- Expenses for dependents or family members
- Optional or extracurricular courses
- Language training not included in the academic program
- Additional travel during the study period
- Research costs, field trips, workshops, internships, or conferences
- Computers or other educational equipment
The JJ/WBGSP may supplement, but will not duplicate, other funding. Scholars who receive additional scholarships must declare them to the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced, and no exceptions are made. Applicants must carefully review the official Application Guidelines for each call.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
- Be in good health
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years before the application deadline
- Have at least three years of paid, full-time development-related work experience after earning a bachelor’s degree, acquired within the last six years
- Be employed in a development-related role at the time of application
- Be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside their country of citizenship and residence
- Upload a valid letter of admission before submitting the scholarship application
Additional Restrictions:
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Are current or former World Bank Group staff, Executive Directors, or close relatives of such staff
- Previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship and did not complete the program
- Previously declined a JJ/WBGSP scholarship offer
📌 Special consideration is given to applicants from Fragile and Conflict-Affected States, where employment opportunities may be limited.
Selection Process
The JJ/WBGSP uses a highly competitive and transparent selection process designed to identify candidates with the greatest long-term development impact.
Evaluation Criteria:
Each eligible application is independently assessed by two qualified reviewers and scored on a scale of 1–10 based on:
- Quality of professional experience – 30%
- Strength of professional recommendations – 30%
- Commitment to home country development – 30%
- Academic background and education quality – 10%
Final Selection Considerations:
- Geographic diversity
- Gender balance
- Personal hardships or exceptional circumstances
- Limited access to financial resources
Finalists are submitted to the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee (World Bank Board and Management) for approval. Successful candidates are notified shortly after approval.
Post-Study Commitment
After completing their studies, JJ/WBGSP scholars are required to return to their home countries and apply their newly acquired skills to advance social and economic development. This commitment is central to the program’s mission of building long-term development capacity.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to one or more JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs
- Secure unconditional admission (except for funding)
- Confirm that the university has shortlisted you as eligible
- Receive the official JJ/WBGSP application link
- Submit your application during Window 1 or Window 2
Each window has its own Application Guidelines and FAQs, which must be followed carefully.
Final Thoughts
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a life-changing opportunity for professionals dedicated to development leadership. With full financial support, access to world-class universities, and a powerful global network, the JJ/WBGSP equips scholars to become change-makers in their countries and beyond.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about development, this scholarship could be your gateway to global impact.