Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by World Bank / Government of Japan · For Master's applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Provider: World Bank / Government of Japan
Degree levels: Master's
Funding: Tuition, basic health insurance, monthly living allowance and round-trip airfare (plus a travel allowance).
Deadline: 2027 Window 1: 18 Jan – 26 Feb 2027 (for 44 participating programmes). A second window may follow around Mar–May.
Expected opening: Expected 18 Jan 2027
Duration: Up to 2 years (length of the Master's).
Professor contact: Not required to apply.

Official website

About the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Development-related master's for mid-career professionals from developing countries, including partner programs in Japan.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Nationals of World Bank member developing countries, including Pakistan; no dual citizenship of a developed country.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline, development-related work experience (usually 3+ years, paid full-time), and unconditional admission to a participating Master's programme.

Language requirements

English as required by the participating university.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition, basic health insurance, monthly living allowance and round-trip airfare (plus a travel allowance).

Tuition: Full tuition.
Stipend and benefits: Monthly living allowance set by the host country, plus travel allowance (about USD 600 per trip).
Duration: Up to 2 years (length of the Master's).

Deadline and opening date

2027 Window 1: 18 Jan – 26 Feb 2027 (for 44 participating programmes). A second window may follow around Mar–May.

Expected opening: Expected 18 Jan 2027.

Required documents

Online scholarship application
Unconditional admission letter
Degree certificate and transcripts
Employment history with employer letters
Two recommendation letters
Essays on development goals

How to apply

First get admitted to one of the participating Master's programmes, then apply online to the World Bank during the application window.

Find a professor for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Even when it isn't required, a professor who knows your work strengthens your application. ScholarReach finds professors in Japan whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

Start for free

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

Nationals of World Bank member developing countries, including Pakistan; no dual citizenship of a developed country. Bachelor's degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline, development-related work experience (usually 3+ years, paid full-time), and unconditional admission to a participating Master's programme.

What does the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program cover?

Tuition, basic health insurance, monthly living allowance and round-trip airfare (plus a travel allowance). Monthly living allowance set by the host country, plus travel allowance (about USD 600 per trip).

What is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program deadline?

2027 Window 1: 18 Jan – 26 Feb 2027 (for 44 participating programmes). A second window may follow around Mar–May. Expected opening: Expected 18 Jan 2027.

Is IELTS required for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

English as required by the participating university.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

Not required to apply.

How do I apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?