Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 | Fully Funded
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in the world. It helps young professionals from developing countries study a master’s degree in development-related fields at top universities outside their home countries.
In this post, you will find everything you need to know about the JJ/WBGSP 2026 scholarship, including who can apply, what the scholarship covers, required documents, and how to apply step by step.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Varies by university
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing countries listed by the World Bank
- Reward: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, health insurance
- Deadline: 29 May 2026
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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 Details
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is funded by the Government of Japan and managed by the World Bank. The scholarship is designed for young professionals who want to study a master’s degree in development-related fields such as economics, public policy, health, education, environment, and social development.
This scholarship is only for “Window 2” programs for the 2026 academic year. It is strictly for nationals of developing countries. Japanese nationals are not eligible under this window.
Applicants must already have an unconditional admission letter, except for funding, from a participating master’s program before they can submit the scholarship application. The university must be outside the applicant’s country of citizenship and residence.
After completing their studies, scholars must return to their home country and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
Watch the full video on our YouTube Channel to see how to practically apply step by step for the fully funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2026:
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the JJ/WBGSP 2026 scholarship, you must meet all of the following:
- You must be a citizen of an eligible developing country listed by the World Bank, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Uganda, Pakistan, and many others.
- You must not be a dual citizen of any developed country.
- You must not be a staff member, consultant, or close relative of staff from the World Bank Group or associated institutions.
- You must have completed your bachelor’s degree at least three years before the scholarship application deadline.
- You must have at least three years of paid, full-time development-related work experience gained within the last six years.
- You must be currently employed in a paid development-related job at the time of applying.
- You must have an unconditional offer of admission, except for funding, from a participating master’s program outside your country of citizenship and residence.
- You must not already be studying in a JJ/WBGSP participating program.
Check here for more detailed information on the eligibility criteria
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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 Benefits
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship is fully funded. It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Monthly living allowance
- Health and medical insurance
- Travel allowance
These benefits are provided to help scholars focus fully on their studies without worrying about major expenses.
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Required Documents for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026
You will need to prepare and upload the following documents when applying:
- A completed online application form written in English or the language of your master’s program
- Two professional recommendation letters from people who know your paid work experience
- Proof of paid development work experience
- Bachelor’s degree diploma and any postgraduate diploma if available
- Curriculum Vitae using the official JJ/WBGSP format
- Unconditional letter of admission from a participating university
- Translated copies of documents if they are not in English
If selected as a finalist, you will later be asked to submit:
- A copy of your passport or valid legal identification
- A recent medical certificate showing you are fit to study abroad
How to Apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet all the nationality, education, and work experience requirements. - Step 2: Apply for admission
You must apply and secure an unconditional admission letter from a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program before 1 March 2026. - Step 3: Wait for university nomination
Your university will review applicants and nominate eligible candidates. Only nominated candidates will receive the scholarship application link. - Step 4: Prepare your documents
Get your CV, work experience proofs, diplomas, and referee contacts ready. - Step 5: Request recommendations online
Submit the recommendation request form early so your referees can submit their letters on time. - Step 6: Complete the online scholarship application
Fill the scholarship form carefully and upload all required documents. Only one application is allowed. - Step 7: Submit before the deadline
Submit your complete application online via a computer. Applications sent by email, post, or phone will be rejected.
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Deadline
University admission deadline: 1 March 2026
JJ/WBGSP scholarship application deadline for Window 2: 29 May 2026
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