2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program: Full Guide to Apply

Are you from a developing country and dreaming of a master’s degree in development fields? The 2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program offers a full ride for citizens of certain nations to study at top universities. This program targets key areas like economic policy and infrastructure. It funds studies in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.

Scholarship Overview

The Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program, or JJ/WBGSP, comes from the Government of Japan and the World Bank. It supports 52 master’s programs in development-related fields. These include economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.

You can study in places like the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, or Australia. The program runs two application windows to match university calendars. Window 1 opens January 15 to February 27, 2026. Window 2 runs March 30 to May 29, 2026.

After graduation, scholars must return home to apply their skills for social and economic growth.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the 2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program, meet these rules:

• Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country.
• Do not hold dual citizenship in a developed country.
• Stay in good health.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, earned at least three years before the deadline.
• Have three or more years of recent paid work experience in development fields after your bachelor’s.
• Work full-time in development-related job when you apply. This experience must be from the past six years.

These steps ensure applicants bring real-world skills to their studies.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This program pays for almost everything. Benefits include:

• Economy class round-trip air travel between your home and the host university. Plus, a $500 travel allowance each way.
• Full tuition for the graduate program.
• Basic medical insurance from the university.
• Monthly living allowance for food, housing, books, and other needs. The amount changes by host country.

Scholarships last for the program length or two years, whichever is shorter. No extra funds go beyond that.

Application Process

Applying for the 2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program is straightforward. Go to the official World Bank page with the “Apply” button. Fill out the online form there.

Gather your documents early: proof of degree, work history, and health status. Submit before the deadline for your chosen window. Check the site for the exact list of needed items and participating universities.

Key Dates

Mark these on your calendar. Application Window 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026. Application Window 2: March 30 to May 29, 2026. The final deadline is May 29, 2026. Late applications do not count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the 2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship?

You must be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country, hold a bachelor’s degree from at least three years ago, have three or more years of recent paid development work experience, and be working full-time in a development-related job.

What does the scholarship cover?

It pays for economy round-trip air travel with a $500 allowance each way, full tuition, basic medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance for food, housing, and books.

When are the application deadlines for 2026?

Window 1 is January 15 to February 27, 2026, and Window 2 is March 30 to May 29, 2026; late applications are not accepted.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Visit the official World Bank website, click the ‘Apply’ button, fill out the online form, and submit required documents like proof of degree, work history, and health status before the deadline.