2027 JOINT JAPAN/WORLD BANK GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (JJ/WBGSP)

SCHOLARSHIP ALERT: 2027 JOINT JAPAN/WORLD BANK GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (JJ/WBGSP)

The World Bank Group, in partnership with the Government of Japan, is inviting eligible applicants from developing countries to apply for the 2027 Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP).

The scholarship supports professionals from developing countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields and contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:

• Full tuition fees for the graduate programme.
• Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food and other living expenses.
• Economy-class round-trip airfare between their home country and host university.
• US$600 travel allowance for each trip.
• Basic medical insurance provided through the university.

The scholarship covers the duration of the master’s programme or a maximum of two years, whichever is shorter.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens of eligible World Bank developing member countries. Nigerians may apply, provided they meet all the programme requirements.

Participating Universities and Programmes

The 2027 scholarship supports 44 participating master’s programmes across 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan.

Eligible fields include:

• Economic Policy Management
• Tax Policy
• Infrastructure Management
• Other approved development-related disciplines.

Important: Applicants must secure unconditional admission (except for financing) into one of the 44 participating master’s programmes before applying for the scholarship. Admission to a non-participating programme does not qualify an applicant.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of an eligible World Bank developing country.
2. Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
3. Be in good health.
4. Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification obtained at least three years before the scholarship application deadline.
5. Be employed in a paid, full-time development-related position when submitting the scholarship application.
6. Have at least three years of paid development-related work experience acquired within the six years preceding the application deadline.
7. Have unconditional admission (except for funding) into at least one participating master’s programme outside their country of citizenship and residence.
8. Upload their admission letter before submitting the scholarship application.

Additional eligibility restrictions apply to current and former World Bank Group staff, certain close relatives, and individuals who previously declined or failed to complete a JJ/WBGSP scholarship.

2027 Application Windows

The application process is divided into two windows:

• Window 1: January 18 – February 26, 2027.
• Window 2: March 29 – May 21, 2027.

The scholarship application link will only be provided to candidates who have secured the required admission and have been shortlisted as eligible applicants by their participating university.

Interested candidates should contact their preferred participating university to confirm its admission requirements and internal selection process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be independently assessed by two qualified reviewers based on:

• Professional experience – 30%.
• Professional recommendations – 30%.
• Commitment to the applicant’s home country – 30%.
• Educational background – 10%.

The selection process also considers geographical and gender distribution, unusual hardships and applicants’ access to financial resources.

Important Scholarship Condition

Successful scholars from developing countries are required to return to their home countries after completing their studies and use their acquired skills to support national development.

How to Apply

1. Review the participating master’s programmes for 2027.
2. Contact the university offering your preferred programme.
3. Apply for admission and secure an unconditional offer, except for financing.
4. Confirm that the university has shortlisted you as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant.
5. Follow the university’s instructions to access and submit the scholarship application.

Application Guidelines and Official Information

2027 Participating Master’s Programmes

Application Opens: January 18, 2027 (Window 1).

Application Deadline: February 26, 2027 (Window 1) and May 21, 2027 (Window 2).