Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

• Tuition for the graduate programme and basic medical insurance obtained through the university.
• Monthly subsistence allowance for living costs including accommodation, food and books. The amount depends on the host country.
• Economy-class air travel between the home country and the host university at the start and after the end of the scholarship, plus a US $600 travel allowance for each trip.
• Funding covers the length of the programme or two years, whichever is shorter.
• Not covered: visa application costs, family members' expenses, extra-curricular courses, courses outside the credits required for the degree, language training not part of the programme, additional travel, research or internship expenses, equipment such as computers, and residence permit fees.
• The scholarship may supplement, but not duplicate, other funding. Any other scholarship must be reported to the Secretariat.

2027 application cycle, developing country nationals:

• Window 1 programmes: February 26, 2027.
• Window 2 programmes: May 21, 2027 at 12:00 noon EST.

Only one application may be submitted. The application window opens on the call date; applications started before the call opens are disqualified. Applications should be submitted at least a week before the deadline.

1. Check that you meet the eligibility criteria and that your country is on the 2027 eligible list.
2. Apply to a participating master's programme and obtain an unconditional letter of admission (except for funding). If admitted to several, choose one programme for scholarship funding; the award cannot be transferred.
3. Shortlisted applicants receive the link to the online application from the participating programme. Apply on a computer, not a mobile phone.
4. Submit the Recommendation Request Form online so that two professional recommenders receive the request by email. Do this before submitting the application form.
5. Complete the online application form in English or the language of the master's programme, and upload the required documents.
6. Submit one complete application by the deadline. Applications sent in person, by fax, email or post are disqualified.
7. Finalists must send passport identification within three business days of an offer, and a medical certificate at least 21 days before travel.

• Two professional recommendation letters, submitted online by the recommenders (not drafted by the applicant, and not from professors for student work).
• Proof of at least three years of paid development-related employment.
• Bachelor's degree diploma, and the diploma of the most advanced graduate degree if any (not a transcript).
• Curriculum vitae in the programme's Annex 4 format.
• Unconditional letter of admission to a participating master's programme.
• Translations into English for any document in another language, uploaded with the original (certified translation not required).
• For finalists: passport identification page and a medical certificate under three months old.

Two assessors independently score each eligible application from 1 to 10 on four factors: quality of professional experience (30%), quality of professional recommendations (30%), commitment to the home country (30%) and education background (10%).

• The Secretariat selects finalists on the average score, aiming for a wide geographical spread and a reasonable gender balance.
• It also weighs unusual circumstances or hardships and favours applicants with limited access to funds for study abroad.
• The Steering Committee, made up of World Bank Board members and management, approves the list and winners are notified soon after.