Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2026

About This Scholarship

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a prestigious mid-career grant designed for professionals from developing countries. It funds specific Master's degree programs at partner universities across the USA, Europe, and Japan that focus on development-related topics (like Economic Policy, Infrastructure, or Health). The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and return airfare. It strictly targets professionals with a proven track record of contributing to their home country's development.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• 100% full tuition fee waiver for the complete duration of an approved Master's participating program
• Monthly living stipend tailored to the host country to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses
• Return economy-class international airfare between your home country and the host university
• USD 600 travel allowance per trip disbursed directly to the scholar to assist with transit costs
• Basic medical and accident insurance coverage obtained through the host university for the duration of the degree

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Citizen of a World Bank Member Developing Country (Pakistan is eligible).
• 2
  Dual Citizenship: Must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
• 3
  Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (earned at least 3 years prior to the Application Deadline).
• 4
  Experience (Duration): Have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment acquired AFTER the Bachelor's degree (and within the last 6 years).
• 5
  Experience (Current Status): Must be employed in a paid full-time development-related position AT THE TIME of submitting the scholarship application.
• 6
  Admission: Must have an Unconditional Offer of Admission (Letter of Acceptance) from one of the 'Participating Programs' for the upcoming academic year.
• 7
  Health: Must be in good health.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the 'Participating Programs List' on the World Bank website to see which window your desired course falls under.

2. 2

   Step 2: Apply to the University FIRST to get an Unconditional Admission Letter.

3. 3

   Step 3: Once admitted, the university will often nominate you or provide the link to the JJ/WBGSP Application Form.

4. 4

   Step 4: Complete the online application on the World Bank portal.

5. 5

   Step 5: Upload required documents (CV, 2 Recommendation Letters, Proof of Employment, Diploma).

6. 6

   Step 6: Submit before the respective Window deadline (Feb 27 or May 29).

Required Documents

• Bachelor's Degree & Transcripts
• Unconditional Letter of Admission from a Participating Program
• Two Professional Recommendation Letters
• CV / Resume (CV must detail the development impact of your work)
• Proof of Employment (Current and Past) - Must specify 'Full Time' and 'Paid'
• Passport / Identification Proof

Frequently Asked Questions