Japan, one of the world’s leading technology hubs, has introduced a scholarship opportunity in collaboration with the World Bank. The program is known as the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026. It is available for nationals of developing countries who possess a bachelor’s degree. This fully funded master’s scholarship aims to support the mission of the World Bank by promoting modern and dynamic approaches to capacity development.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 offers students the opportunity to study abroad under the globally recognized name of the World Bank and innovative Japan. This fully funded scholarship program aims to promote economic growth and support the development of strong nations. The initiative uses quality education, capacity building, and human resource development to achieve the broader objectives of one of the most prestigious scholarship programs.
All you need is the passion to do something meaningful that contributes to the development of your nation in particular and the world in general. The chance to receive a full scholarship under some of the world’s most respected institutions is now within reach. This international scholarship program has built a global network of over 6,000 professionally trained and experienced experts and scholars.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarships 2026 remains one of the most attractive programs today, supported by major global economic institutions. With a wide range of participating programs, this opportunity is available in Japan, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the United States in key development-related fields. Students who have the spirit to serve humanity are encouraged to become part of this international platform.
Quick overview of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2026:
- Host Countries/Regions: United States, Japan, Europe, Africa, and Oceania
- Host Universities: Top universities including Oxford, Stanford, LSE, Columbia, ANU, and more
- Organized By: World Bank Group
- Degree Level: Master’s degree
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, insurance, travel allowance)
Benefits of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2026:
- Round-trip airfare will be covered.
- Tuition fees will be covered.
- Medical insurance costs will be covered.
- A monthly subsistence allowance will be provided to cover living expenses (accommodation, food, books, etc.).
- Opportunity to enrich academic knowledge in your area of interest.
- Improve career prospects in your professional field.
- Open doors to international exposure and global platforms.
Interested in Australia, Check now Australia Awards Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program:
- Applicants must be nationals of countries listed by the World Bank as eligible developing countries.
- Applicants must not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- Applicants must not be an employee of the World Bank Group or its affiliated organizations.
- Applicants must not be a close relative (by blood or adoption) of any employee working in the World Bank Group.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- The bachelor’s degree must have been obtained at least three years before the application deadline.
- Applicants must have at least three years of paid development-related work experience after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Eligible Countries JJWBGSP Scholarship for International Students:
- The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 is open to applicants from eligible developing countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
JJ/WBGSP 2027 Participating Programs (Window #2):
-
Australian National University
- Master of Climate Change
- Master of Environmental and Resource Economics
- Master of Environmental Management and Development
- Master of Public Policy
-
Columbia University
- Master of Public Administration
- MPA in Development Practice
-
Erasmus University (Netherlands)
- MSc in Urban Management and Development (Urban Environment & Climate Change)
- MSc in Urban Management and Development (Urban Socio-Spatial Transformation)
- Master in Development Studies
-
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
- MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (Water, Food and Energy Track)
- MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (Water Hazards, Risks and Climate Track)
- MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (Water and Health Track)
- MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (Water Resources and Ecosystem Health Track)
-
Keio University
- Master in Taxation Policy and Management
-
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- MSc Development Management
- MSc Development Studies
- MSc Global Health Policy
- MSc International Social and Public Policy
-
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
- Tax Course of the Public Finance Program
-
Saitama University
- International Graduate Program on Civil and Environmental Engineering
-
SOAS University of London
- MSc Development Economics
- MSc Economics
-
Stanford University
- Master in International Policy
-
Université Clermont-Auvergne (FERDI)
- Master in Economic Policy Management
-
University of Leeds
- Master of Public Health (International)
- MSc Sustainable Cities
- MSc Water Sanitation and Health Engineering
- MSc Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security
-
University of Oxford
- Master of Public Policy (Blavatnik School of Government)
- MSc in Refugees and Forced Migration Studies
- MSc in International Health & Tropical Medicine
-
University of Tokyo
- International Program on Agricultural Development Studies
-
Yokohama National University
- Infrastructure Management Program (IMP)
- Master’s Program in Public Policy and Taxation
How to Apply for the Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program:
- Firstly, apply for admission to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating master’s programs.
- Secure an unconditional admission letter (except for funding) from the university, as you cannot apply without it.
- The university will review your profile and may shortlist or nominate you for the scholarship.
- Only shortlisted candidates receive access to the official JJ/WBGSP online application form.
- Submit the recommendation request form by adding details of your two recommenders.
- Complete the online application form carefully (in English or the language of the master’s program where applicable).
- Upload all required documents.
- Review your application and ensure all information is correct.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Required documents include:
- Bachelor’s degree diploma (or equivalent)
- Proof of development-related work experience (minimum three years)
- Unconditional admission letter
- Two professional recommendation letters (submitted online)
- Completed application form
- CV in the required format
- Important notes:
- Transcripts are not required as a substitute for the diploma
- Medical certificate is not required at the application stage
- Passport is not required initially
- Documents not in English must be translated
- Only one application is allowed
- Applications via email or post are not accepted
- If selected, applicants will later be required to submit:
- Passport or valid identification document
- Medical certificate
Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program Deadline:
- The application deadline for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship program 2026 for the first application window is May 29, 2026.
