Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2026 and Participating Universities, Global (February 27, 2026)

The Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2026 (JJ/WBGSP) stands as a monumental opportunity for professionals from developing nations to attain high-level academic training in development-related fields. By offering full financial support, the program enables future leaders to pursue Master’s degrees at premier institutions across the United States, Europe, Japan, and Oceania. Consequently, scholars return to their home countries equipped with advanced skills and global perspectives necessary to drive socio-economic growth and sustainable transformation.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Organizing Entity	World Bank Group and Government of Japan
Degree Level	Master’s Degree
Duration	Up to 2 Years
Financial Coverage	Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Airfare, Insurance)
Window 1 Deadline	February 27, 2026

Program Overview

The primary mission of the JJ/WBGSP is to enhance human resource development and capacity building in developing countries. Specifically, it targets mid-career professionals who have already demonstrated a commitment to the development sector. Furthermore, the scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and the potential for participants to impact their communities positively upon graduation. By funding education at world-renowned universities, the World Bank aims to foster a network of experts who can address complex global challenges like systemic risk, public health equity, and economic policy.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure the scholarship reaches its target audience, applicants must adhere to the following strict requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country (e.g., Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Pakistan).
• Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree earned at least three years prior to the application date.
• Experience: Possess at least three years of full-time, paid professional experience in development-related work after completing the undergraduate degree.
• Admission Status: Must hold an unconditional letter of admission for an eligible participating Master’s program for the 2026 academic year.
• Health & Status: Must be in good health and have no relatives employed by the World Bank Group.

Participating Programs & Institutions

Scholars can choose from a curated list of elite programs. Key examples for Window 1 include:

• Columbia University (USA): MPA in Economic Policy Management.
• University of Tokyo (Japan): Master of Public Policy, International Program (MPP/IP).
• Johns Hopkins University (USA): Master of Public Health.
• University of Tsukuba (Japan): Master’s Program in Economic and Public Policy.
• Erasmus University (Netherlands): Various development-focused tracks.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2026 will:

• Gain specialized expertise in development economics, health policy, or sustainable management.
• Acquire the ability to design and implement impactful public policies in their home countries.
• Develop a professional network comprising international development experts and global peers.
• Master the leadership skills required to manage large-scale socio-economic projects.

Registration & Application Details

The application is conducted entirely online and requires meticulous preparation of documents.

Requirement	Details
Required Documents	Degree, CV, 2 Recommendation Letters, Unconditional Admission Letter
Application Window 1	January 15, 2026 – February 27, 2026
Selection Criteria	Work experience (30%), Commitment to home country (30%), Recommendations (30%)
Mode	Online Submission

Contact Information

For detailed inquiries regarding specific university admission processes, applicants should contact the respective university admissions offices. For scholarship-specific questions:

• Agency: World Bank Scholarship Program
• Email: jjwbgsp@worldbank.org
• Website: World Bank Scholarships

Key Highlights

The scholarship is unique because it provides $600 for travel allowances in addition to economy-class airfare for both the start and end of the program. Moreover, it covers the full cost of medical insurance and provides a comprehensive monthly stipend. This ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their research and studies without financial distraction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program 2026 cover family members?
No, the scholarship strictly covers only the individual scholar. Expenses for family members are not provided.

Can I apply if I have dual citizenship?
Specifically, if you hold dual citizenship of any developed country, you are ineligible to apply.

What counts as “Development Work” experience?
This includes work in sectors like agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, or environmental sustainability, typically within NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations.

Is there an age limit for the JJ/WBGSP?
There is no specific age limit mentioned, but applicants must have a minimum of three years of post-degree experience.

When will Window 2 open?
Typically, a second window opens in late March for other participating programs, but candidates should check the official site for 2026 dates.