JJ/WBGSP 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship

Are you from a developing country and ready to advance your career in development work? The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026, also known as JJ/WBGSP Windows 2, offers a fully funded chance for master’s studies. This program targets professionals who want to build skills in areas like economic policy and infrastructure.

Overview of the Program

The JJ/WBGSP supports citizens of certain developing countries. It funds master’s degrees in development-related fields at 44 programs across 24 universities. These schools are in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan. The goal is to help people return home and contribute to their nation’s growth.

You must apply to one of the participating master’s programs listed on the World Bank site. The scholarship covers up to two years or the program length, whichever is shorter.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules

To qualify for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026, check these key points:

• Be a national of a World Bank member developing country. See the full list on their website.
• Do not hold dual citizenship in a developed country.
• Stay in good health.
• Have a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before May 29, 2026, the application deadline.
• Work full-time in a paid development-related job. You need at least three years of such experience since your bachelor’s, gained in the last six years.
• Get unconditional admission (except for funding) to a participating master’s program outside your home country and residence. This must happen by the deadline.
• Not be a World Bank Group staff member, Executive Director, their alternate, or a close relative like parent, sibling, child, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew.

Past applicants who declined or did not complete the scholarship cannot reapply.

Scholarship Benefits

This fully funded program provides strong support:

• Economy class round-trip air travel between your home and the host university, plus a $600 travel allowance per trip.
• Full tuition and basic medical insurance from the university.
• Monthly living allowance for food, housing, books, and other needs. The amount depends on the host country.

These benefits help you focus on studies without money worries.

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 has limits:

• Visa fees.
• Family support or bringing relatives.
• Extra classes, language training, or non-required courses.
• Research costs, field trips, workshops, internships, or equipment like laptops.
• Extra travel or resident permit fees.

If you have other funding, the scholarship can supplement it but not duplicate. Send proof of other awards to the secretariat.

Application Details

Applications opened for Windows 2 and close on May 29, 2026. Check the official World Bank page for the full process and lists of eligible countries and programs. Prepare your documents early, including proof of admission and work history. This program picks candidates who show commitment to development back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the JJ/WBGSP 2026?

Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with a bachelor’s degree, three years of recent development work experience, and unconditional admission to a participating master’s program qualify.

What benefits does the scholarship provide?

It covers economy round-trip air travel, full tuition, medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance for essentials like food and housing.

What does the scholarship not cover?

It excludes visa fees, family support, extra courses, research costs, or additional travel expenses.

When is the application deadline for Window 2?

Applications close on May 29, 2026; check the World Bank website for the full process and eligible programs.