What is JJ/WBGSP?
The JJ/WBGSP is a fully-funded scholarship program jointly offered by the World Bank and the Government of Japan. It supports professionals from eligible developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields — to build capacity and foster sustainable development globally.
Why it Matters
By providing educational opportunities to mid-career development professionals, JJ/WBGSP helps nurture a cadre of leaders equipped to address economic, social and environmental challenges in their home countries. Since 1987, it has supported thousands of scholars from over 160 developing countries.
What the Scholarship Covers
JJ/WBGSP scholarship recipients receive a generous package that typically includes:
- Full tuition for the chosen master’s program.
- Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation, food and other living expenses while studying.
- Round-trip airfare between the home country and the host university.
- Basic health insurance.
- Travel allowance.
The scholarship usually covers the duration of the master’s program or up to two years (whichever is less).
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for JJ/WBGSP (for developing-country nationals), applicants generally must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a national of a World Bank member developing country (from the eligible list).
- Must not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
- Have a bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the application deadline.
- Have at least 3 years of paid, development-related work experience (full-time) since earning the bachelor’s degree — generally within the last 6 years.
- Have been admitted unconditionally (except financing) to one of the Scholarship’s participating master’s programs outside their country of citizenship and residence.
- Must not be staff (or close relative of staff) of the World Bank Group or related institutions.
Application Process & Timeline (2026 Cycle)
- For 2026, applications for developing-country nationals open in two windows:
- Window 1: 15 January – 27 February 2026
- Window 2: 30 March – 29 May 2026
- To apply, you must first receive an unconditional admission to one of the participating master’s programs. Once admitted, you submit the JJ/WBGSP application form and required documents (CV, recommendation letters, proof of work experience, admission letter, etc.).
- Selection is competitive. Applications are independently reviewed by two assessors, scored on professional experience (30%), recommendations (30%), commitment to home country (30%), and educational background (10%).
- Final award decisions factor in geographic balance, gender balance, and the applicant’s financial need.
Commitment After Graduation
Recipients commit to returning to their home country after graduation to apply their newly acquired skills toward development efforts in their communities or countries.
How to Apply / More Info
Interested candidates should visit the World Bank’s scholarship page:
- Review the list of Participating Master’s Programs to find eligible courses in development-related fields.
- Apply for admission to one of those master’s programs and get an unconditional offer.
- Once admitted, complete the online JJ/WBGSP application form during the open window and submit the required documents (CV, recommendation letters, diploma, admission letter, proof of work experience).
Source: World Bank – JJ/WBGSP programme page
