Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program For 2025. Take part in universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan that are participating in the program. That’s great news! Applications for the Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program are now being accepted. It will be explained in detail in this article how to apply for this scholarship program, its benefits, and how to complete the application process step by step.
Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2025-2026 provides full funding for master’s degrees to international students. Tuition fees, housing, economy class air travel, and a monthly living allowance will all be covered by the JJ/WBGSP scholarship.
The WBGSP is open to women and men with relevant professional experience and a history of contributing to the national development effort of their countries who are applying to a master’s degree program in a development-related field.
The JJWBGSP offers scholarships to 26 participating programs at universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan in key areas of development, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management. If you are not admitted to one of these programs, you are not eligible for a JJWBGSP Scholarship. The majority of developing nation students plan to return to their home countries after graduation with their fresh skills and knowledge to contribute to their nations’ cultural and economic development.
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Masters
- Institution(s): World Bank and Japan Government
- Study At: U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan
- Program Period: Two years
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Click here to find available master’s opportunities
- Deadline: (The next windows for scholarship applications will open in January and March 2026.)
- Application Window#1: From January 13 to February 28, 2025 at noon Washington time.
- Application Window #2: From March 25 to May 23, 2025 at noon Washington time.
Coverage of scholarships
This scholarship program is offered by the Japan World Bank and provides the following benefits:
- Air travel in economy class between your home country and the host university before the start of your study program and after the end of your scholarship period. The scholars will also receive a US $500 travel allowance for each trip in addition to the two-way air travel;
- Obtaining basic medical insurance through the university will cost more than tuition for your graduate program.
- During the scholarship period, students will receive a monthly subsistence allowance to cover all living expenses (accommodations, food, etc., including books). The amount of the allowance varies from country to country.
It is important to note that all JJ/WBGSP scholarships cover the duration of the graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter.
- A scholarship provided by JJ/WBGSP does not cover:
- The cost of the visa application(s)
- Expenses associated with bringing a scholar’s family to the event;
- Training or courses that are extracurricular;
- Those courses that don’t meet the minimum requirements for the graduate degree;
- Training in languages not included in the graduate program;
- The study program may require additional travel;
- These expenses include research expenses, supplementary educational materials, field trips, workshops, seminars, internships, etc.
- Computers are educational equipment.
- Fees for resident permits
Criteria for eligibility for the Joint Japan-World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – JJWBGSP:
- Languages Required: English
- Countries eligible: All World Countries
- Having no dual citizenship with any developed country;
- Keep a healthy lifestyle;
- A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) earned at least three years prior to the Application Deadline;
- Work experience in development-related fields for at least 3 years after earning a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent);
- The applicant should be engaged in development related work in a full-time position at the time the scholarship application is submitted. It is only for developing country nationals whose country is included on the updated list of Fragile and Conflict States provided to applicants in the Application Guidelines for each call for scholarships that this criterion does not apply.
- On or before the Scholarship Application Deadline date, be accepted unconditionally (except for funding) to at least one of the JJ/WBGSP preferred university master’s programs for the upcoming academic year and located outside the applicant’s country of citizenship and country of residence at the time the Scholarship Application Deadline opens. Applicants must upload their letter of admission before submitting their application.
- The applicant cannot be an Executive Director, alternate, or staff member of the World Bank Group or a close relative by birth or adoption of the aforementioned, defined as: Father, Mother, Daughter, Brother, Half-brother, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Niece, or Nephew; Please note that all eligibility criteria must be followed. No exceptions are allowed. There will be no changes to eligibility criteria during an open call for applications. It is possible that some of this information will change between the closing of one application process and the opening of another.
What Is The Process For applying for The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?
The following steps should be followed in order to receive this scholarship:
- First, you must apply for admission to one or more of the Partner Masters Degree Programs. If you wish to inquire about how to submit an application to a partner program, please contact the university concerned.
- You can create an account on the scholarship website by clicking here.
FAQs About Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Who is eligible for the Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Anyone from a developing country who has a Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of development work experience, and is admitted to a JJ/WBGSP partner program can apply.
What is the coverage of the JJ/WBGSP scholarship?
It covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, airfare, basic insurance, and a $500 travel stipend per trip.
How do I apply for the Japan World Bank Scholarship?
First, gain admission to an approved master’s program. Then apply online via the JJ/WBGSP portal during the open application windows.
Conclusion
The Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a remarkable opportunity for students from developing countries to study abroad, sharpen their professional skills, and return home empowered to lead change. If you’re committed to development and ready to pursue a master’s degree, this fully funded scholarship could be your gateway to global impact.
