Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2027
Offered by World Bank and Government of Japan
Location
Participating countries worldwide
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Master's
Field of study
All Fields
Application deadline
May 21, 2027
About This Scholarship
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) supports experienced professionals from eligible developing countries who wish to pursue master's-level study in development-related fields.
The programme is designed for professionals who have relevant work experience and are committed to contributing to the economic and social development of their countries and communities.
For the 2027 cycle, two application windows are scheduled. The second application window runs from 29 March to 21 May 2027. Applicants should check the official World Bank scholarship information for the latest dates and application instructions.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful JJ/WBGSP scholars can receive financial support for their master's studies.
Depending on the applicable scholarship arrangements, benefits can include:
Full tuition for the eligible master's programme.
A monthly living allowance to cover living expenses during the scholarship period.
Round-trip airfare between the scholar's home country and the host university.
Health insurance during the scholarship period.
A travel allowance to support eligible travel-related expenses.
Support for undertaking master's-level study in a development-related field.
The exact benefits and conditions may vary according to the programme's current scholarship arrangements. Applicants should consult the official JJ/WBGSP information for the definitive details.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be nationals of an eligible World Bank member developing country.
Applicants must not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification earned at least three years before the application deadline.
Applicants must have at least three years of paid development-related work experience after obtaining their bachelor's degree.
Applicants must have obtained the required work experience within the programme's specified six-year period.
Applicants must be employed in development-related work at the time of application, subject to the programme's applicable exceptions.
Applicants must have unconditional admission, except for financing, to an eligible participating master's programme.
Applicants must be prepared to study outside their country of citizenship and residence where required by the programme.
Applicants must meet all other JJ/WBGSP programme-specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants from Nigeria are eligible to apply under the programme's current developing-country framework, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Who Is This Scholarship For?
The JJ/WBGSP is particularly relevant to professionals who already have experience working in areas connected with economic and social development.
Potential applicants may include professionals working in areas such as:
Economic development.
Public policy.
Public administration.
International development.
Agriculture and rural development.
Health and social development.
Education.
Infrastructure.
Environmental and natural resource management.
Finance and economic policy.
Governance and institutional development.
Other development-related areas covered by eligible master's programmes.
Applicants should confirm that their professional experience and proposed master's programme meet the current JJ/WBGSP requirements.
Eligible Master's Programmes
Applicants must gain admission to an eligible participating master's programme.
The programme should be relevant to development and should meet the requirements established by JJ/WBGSP.
Applicants should carefully review the current list of participating programmes before selecting a master's course.
Admission to a university or master's programme does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive a JJ/WBGSP scholarship. Applicants must also satisfy the scholarship programme's eligibility and selection requirements.
Application Process
Applicants should begin preparing their applications well before the relevant application window.
Review the current JJ/WBGSP eligibility requirements.
Confirm that your country is eligible.
Review the participating master's programmes.
Identify a suitable development-related master's programme.
Apply for admission to the selected master's programme.
Obtain the required admission status before submitting the scholarship application where required.
Prepare information about your academic and professional background.
Prepare evidence of your relevant development-related work experience.
Complete the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application.
Upload or provide all required information and supporting documents.
Review the application carefully.
Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
Applicants should carefully follow the official application instructions because the scholarship application process may differ according to the application window and participating programme.
Application Windows
For the 2027 JJ/WBGSP cycle, two application windows are scheduled.
The second application window runs from:
29 March to 21 May 2027
Applicants should check the official World Bank scholarship information for the exact opening and closing times, the first application window, and any changes to the published schedule.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications.
Work Experience Requirement
Professional experience is an important part of JJ/WBGSP eligibility.
Applicants must have at least three years of paid development-related work experience acquired after completing their bachelor's degree.
The programme also specifies a period within which the required work experience must have been obtained.
Applicants should carefully check the current rules governing eligible work experience before applying.
Development-related employment may include professional work connected with economic, social, public-sector, environmental or other development activities, depending on the programme's current requirements.
Applicants should ensure that their work experience can be clearly demonstrated through the information and documentation required by the scholarship programme.
What Applicants Should Prepare
Prospective applicants should prepare the information required to demonstrate both their academic qualifications and professional experience.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
Details of their bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
Information about their development-related professional experience.
Details of their current employment.
Information about their intended master's programme.
Evidence of admission to an eligible participating programme where required.
Supporting documents requested by JJ/WBGSP.
Accurate information about their professional and academic background.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided in the scholarship application is accurate and consistent with their supporting documentation.
Why Apply?
The JJ/WBGSP provides an opportunity for experienced development professionals to obtain advanced master's-level education while receiving substantial financial support.
The programme can help scholars:
Develop advanced knowledge in a development-related field.
Gain international academic experience.
Strengthen professional skills.
Develop expertise that can be applied to development challenges.
Build professional networks with scholars from different countries.
Gain exposure to international development perspectives.
Strengthen their capacity to contribute to development in their home countries.
Apply advanced knowledge and skills to professional development work after completing their studies.
Important Information
JJ/WBGSP is a competitive scholarship programme.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Applicants must satisfy both the scholarship requirements and the admission requirements of their chosen master's programme.
Applicants should carefully check whether their selected master's programme is participating in JJ/WBGSP.
Applicants should ensure that their professional experience satisfies the programme's current requirements.
Applicants should verify the eligibility of their country before applying.
Programme requirements, participating programmes, application windows and procedures may change between application cycles.
Applicants should rely on the official World Bank information for the definitive requirements.
Applicants should submit their application before the applicable deadline.
Applicants should keep copies of their application and supporting documents for their records.
For Applicants from Nigeria
Nigeria is included among the developing countries eligible under the current JJ/WBGSP framework.
Nigerian professionals who meet the programme's academic, professional, employment, admission and other eligibility requirements may therefore apply.
Applicants from Nigeria should nevertheless confirm their eligibility under the current application cycle before preparing their application.
Final Note
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a valuable opportunity for experienced professionals from eligible developing countries who want to pursue master's-level study in a development-related field.
The scholarship combines postgraduate education with substantial financial support and is particularly relevant to professionals who intend to use advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to development in their countries and communities.
Prospective applicants should carefully review the official JJ/WBGSP information, confirm that their chosen master's programme is eligible, and ensure that they meet all academic, professional and application requirements before submitting their application.
The official scholarship application and programme information can be accessed through the Apply Now button on this page.
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