The World Bank Scholarships Program 2026, officially known as the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), is one of the most competitive and respected fully funded scholarships for mid-career professionals from developing countries. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, this program supports talented individuals who want to pursue a master’s degree abroad and return home to contribute to national development. If you are working in development-related fields and planning to study abroad with full financial support, the JJ/WBGSP 2026 cycle is an opportunity you should not miss.

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

• Host Organization: World Bank (Development Economics Vice Presidency – DEC)
• Funding Government: Japan
• Degree Level: Master’s Degree
• Study Mode: Full-time, on campus
• Duration: Up to 2 years (or duration of the program, whichever is shorter)
• Target Group: Developing country nationals & Japanese nationals
• Application Window #1: January 15 – February 27, 2026

Available Fields and Study Areas

JJ/WBGSP supports master’s programs directly linked to development practice and public policy, including:

• Economic Policy Management
• Public Policy and Public Administration
• Global Health and Public Health
• Development Economics
• Infrastructure and Sustainable Development
• International Relations and Governance
• Tax Policy and Fiscal Management
• Systemic Risk and Financial Stability

These fields are carefully selected to align with global development priorities and labor market needs.

Click Here for Detailed JJ/WBGSP fully funded master’s scholarships to Study Abroad Guidelines

JJ/WBGSP 2026 Participating Universities and Programs

The scholarship covers 44 participating master’s programs worldwide. Selected examples from Application Window #1 include:

1. Brandeis University – The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
   • MA in Global Sustainability Policy and Management
   • Master in Global Health Policy and Management
   • Master of Public Policy
2. Columbia University – School of International and Public Affairs
   • MPA in Economic Policy Management
   • MPA in Global Leadership
3. Johns Hopkins University – Bloomberg School of Public Health
   • Master of Public Health
4. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam / KIT Royal Tropical Institute
   • MSc in Public Health and Health Equity
5. University of California Berkeley – Goldman School of Public Policy
   • Master of Development Practice
6. University of Tokyo – Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP)
   • Master of Public Policy (EPFD or PMIR streams)
7. University of Tsukuba
   • Master’s Program in Economic and Public Policy
8. Williams College – Center for Development Economics
   • MA in Policy Economics
9. Yale University – School of Management
   • Master in Systemic Risk

Click Here for Detailed JJWBGSP study abroad scholarships Participating Programs 2026

Eligibility Criteria for Developing Country Nationals

To apply for the World Bank Scholarship 2026 under JJ/WBGSP, applicants must meet all eligibility conditions:

• Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country
• Not hold dual citizenship with a developed country
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline
• Have minimum 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work experience within the last 6 years
• Be employed in development-related work at the time of application
• Be unconditionally admitted to a JJ/WBGSP participating master’s program outside your country of citizenship and residence
• Not be a World Bank Group staff member or close relative
• Not have previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP award

Click Here for Detailed World Bank Scholarships Requirements for Developing Countries

How to Apply for JJ/WBGSP 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Follow the steps below to successfully apply for the World Bank graduate International scholarship

Step 1: Choose a Participating Master’s Program: Review the list of eligible universities and programs.

Click Here for Detailed JJWBGSP International scholarships Participating Programs and Universities

Step 2: Apply Directly to the University: Secure an unconditional admission offer (except for funding).

Step 3: University Shortlisting: The university nominates eligible admitted candidates to JJ/WBGSP.

Step 4: Receive JJ/WBGSP Application Link: Only shortlisted candidates receive access to the scholarship application form.

Step 5: Submit Scholarship Application Online: Upload required documents and submit before the deadline.

Also Check: Click Here to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage

The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded master’s scholarship covering major study-abroad expenses:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend (varies by host country)
• Round-trip economy airfare
• USD 600 travel allowance per trip
• Basic medical insurance through the university

Apply Now-Study in US, Japan, Europe

The World Bank Scholarships Program 2026 (JJ/WBGSP) is more than financial support. It is a career-defining opportunity to gain world-class education, global exposure, and access to an elite network of development professionals. If your goal is to study abroad, strengthen your professional impact, and contribute meaningfully to your country’s future, this scholarship is worth the effort.

Click Here to Explore the Official Call for JJ/WBGSP Fully Funded Master Scholarship 2026

Also Check: List of Fully Funded International Scholarships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the JJ/WBGSP fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

Can fresh graduates apply?
No. A minimum of three years of development-related work experience is required.

Is an admission letter required before applying?
Yes. You must be admitted to a participating master’s program first.

Can I apply to multiple universities?
Yes, but only programs listed under JJ/WBGSP are eligible.

Do scholars need to return home after graduation?
Yes. Scholars commit to returning to their home country to contribute to development.

Also Check Latest Scholarships Below:

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