2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program | How to Apply

About the scholarship

The Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program is open to citizens of certain developing countries to pursue development-related Master’s programs in 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan.

The World Bank Scholarship Program covers the full amount of tuition and also provides a monthly stipend, accommodation, and travel costs.

Subject to available funding, Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship (JJWBGSP) offers scholarships for 52 Participating Programs at universities in U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan in key areas of development, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.

To accommodate the academic calendar of JJ/WBGSP Participating Programs, the next application process will be organized in two rounds:

• Application Window#1 from from January 15 to February 27, 2026
• Application Window #2 from March 30 to May 29, 2026

After earning their degree, developing country scholars commit to return to their home country to use their new skills and contribute to their countries’ social and economic development.

Eligibility

• Be a national of a World Bank member developing country;
• Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country;
• Be in good health;
• Hold a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree earned at least 3 years prior to the Application Deadline date;
• Have 3 years or more of recent development-related work experience after earning a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree;
• Be employed in development-related work in a paid full- time position at the time of submitting the scholarship application. Have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since earning a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent university degree) and acquired within the past 6 years from the date of the Application Deadline.