The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) funds master's degrees for mid-career professionals from developing countries who are committed to their countries' development. Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, it has supported development professionals since 1987. The scholarship is aimed at people already working in development who want to gain the skills to contribute more effectively on return home. It funds study in development-related fields, either at preferred partner university programs or at eligible programs the applicant is admitted to, and covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, travel, and insurance. Applications open in defined windows each year and are competitive. Crucially, applicants must already have, or be applying for, admission to an eligible master's program, and must demonstrate substantial development-related work experience and a clear plan to use the degree for their home country's benefit.
Apply online during one of the announced application windows, ensuring you meet the work-experience rule and are admitted (or applying) to an eligible master's program.
There are usually two streams — preferred partner-university programs and a wider set of eligible programs. Check the current eligible-program list and the specific application window.
World Bank member developing countries
The World Bank evaluates applicants on eligibility (nationality, work experience, admission) and merit — the quality of the development-related work record, the relevance of the chosen program, and a credible plan to contribute to the home country's development on return. Preference is given to those committed to development impact.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank Group. Established in 1987, it supports the World Bank's mission of building human capital in developing countries by funding mid-career development professionals to earn master's degrees and return to contribute to their countries' development.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
A scholarship funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank that funds master's degrees in development-related fields for mid-career professionals from developing countries. It has run since 1987.
Citizens of World Bank member developing countries with at least ~3 years of recent development-related work experience, a bachelor's degree, and admission (or an application) to an eligible master's program.
Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare and a travel allowance, basic health insurance, and a books/programme-cost allowance.
Yes — at least ~3 years of recent, full-time, development-related professional experience after your bachelor's. This is a core, strictly applied requirement.
You must be admitted to, or applying to, an eligible master's program. For some streams admission must be secured by the deadline; check the current rules.
Applications open in defined windows, typically in ~spring (around ~May), sometimes with a second window. Confirm the exact dates on the World Bank scholarship page.
Development-related master's programs on the World Bank's eligible list — including preferred partner-university programs and a wider set of approved programs worldwide.
No — it targets mid-career professionals. Recent graduates without the ~3 years of development work experience are not eligible.
No — applicants generally cannot hold dual citizenship of a developed country. The scholarship is specifically for nationals of developing countries.
Competitive — the World Bank selects on eligibility and merit, prioritising strong development work records and credible plans to contribute to the home country.
Yes — the program expects scholars to return and apply their skills to their home country's development; demonstrating that commitment is central to selection.
Development-related fields such as economics, public policy, public health, education, infrastructure, and environmental management, within eligible programs.