The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) pays for a master’s degree in a development-related field for mid-career professionals from developing countries. It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, return air travel, basic health insurance and a travel allowance, at 44 participating master’s programmes at 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan.
You cannot apply directly. First win admission to one of the 44 participating programmes and be shortlisted by the university. Only then will you receive the link to the scholarship application form.
| Detail | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries |
| Study level | Master’s degree only, in a development-related field |
| Participating programmes | 44 master’s programmes at 24 universities |
| Main fields | Economic policy management, tax policy, infrastructure management |
| Window 1 deadline | 26 February |
| Window 2 deadline | 21 May |
| Funding covers | Tuition, living allowance, return airfare, health insurance, travel allowance |
What the scholarship pays for
It pays your tuition and basic medical insurance obtained through the university, plus a monthly allowance for living expenses on campus. The amount varies by host country, and no fixed cash figure is published. Travel is covered too: economy air travel between your home country and the host university at the start and end of your programme, plus a travel allowance for each trip. Funding covers the programme’s duration or two years, whichever is less.
It does not pay for visa costs, family expenses, extra courses, language training not provided by the programme, additional travel, research costs such as field trips and workshops, or computers.
Who can apply
Eligibility is strict, and no exceptions are made. Eligible countries are listed in Annex 1 and include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt.
- National of an eligible World Bank member country listed in Annex 1.
- Not a dual citizen of any developed country.
- Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent degree, earned at least three years before the application deadline.
- In paid full-time development-related work, with at least three years of it since your degree and within the past six years.
- Admitted unconditionally, except for funding, to a participating programme outside your country of citizenship and residence.
- Not World Bank Group staff or a close relative, and not already studying in a participating programme.
Check yourself before you start
If you graduated less than three years ago, you are not eligible yet. Unpaid or voluntary work does not count towards the three years, unless you are from a fragile or conflict-affected country listed in the guidelines. It funds a master’s degree only, not a PhD, an undergraduate degree, distance learning or short training. If you have not applied to a participating programme yet, your first task is the university application, not the scholarship form. Without an unconditional offer there is no scholarship application, and an offer with academic conditions does not count.
Two windows, one rule: admission comes first
There are two rounds. Window 1 runs from 18 January to 26 February, and Window 2 runs from 29 March to 21 May. Your window depends on your programme. University deadlines usually come earlier, and you need the unconditional offer before the scholarship window closes.
How to apply, step by step
- Choose a participating programme from the official list of 44, and check its window.
- Apply to that university for admission, following its own process and deadlines.
- Ask the university whether you meet its shortlisting requirements; if it admits you unconditionally and shortlists you, it will share the application link.
- Prepare proof of paid development-related work, your bachelor’s diploma, a CV in the Annex 4 format, and your admission letter.
- Ask two professional referees who know your work, and send the recommendation request form early.
- Submit one completed application online by your window’s deadline, using a computer rather than a mobile phone.
Do not submit until you have uploaded your unconditional admission letter, and never send any part by email, fax or post: those applications are disqualified.
How to make your application stronger
Selection is competitive, and it weighs your academic record, your professional experience, your recommendations and your commitment to international development. A short career history can still work well if the work has been continuous and development-related, in the last six years. If your time is spread over several employers, list each role clearly, with dates, and show what changed because of your work. A CV in the Annex 4 format helps reviewers compare applicants, so fill in every section.
Choose your programme for its fit with the work you have already done and the role you want next. If the course’s focus does not match your history, your application is weaker.
What happens after you submit
After the deadline, your application is checked against the requirements, and those who are shortlisted receive the application link. The selection panel makes the final decision, and successful applicants are told by email. Finalists are then asked to send a passport scan within three business days, and a health certificate at least 21 days before travel. US-bound scholars travel on a J-1 visa.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply before I am admitted to a university?
No. You need an unconditional offer from a participating programme first. Only then can you receive the application link.
Does it cover family costs or visas?
No. The scholarship does not cover visa application costs or family expenses, and it does not pay for extra courses, research costs or computers.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
Yes, you may apply to more than one participating programme, but you can submit only one scholarship application. If more than one programme shortlists you, you must choose one.
Is there an age limit?
No, the programme does not set an age limit. The requirements are a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the deadline and three years of development-related work.
Related opportunities: ADB-Japan Scholarship at the East-West Center and Erasmus Mundus MESPOM master’s in Europe
