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The JJ/WBGSP is a fully funded master's scholarship, financed by the Government of Japan and run by the World Bank, for experienced development professionals from eligible developing countries. Applicants must first win unconditional admission to one of 44 designated master's programs at 24 partner universities, then apply for the scholarship in one of two official 2027 windows. Scholars commit to return home after graduation and contribute to their country's development.
| Qualification Required | Graduationfor Masters This scholarship is offered for Masters programs. |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | nationals of a World Bank member developing country (official list on the World Bank site); must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country; must be in good health; must hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years before the application deadline; must be employed full-time in paid, development-related work at the time of applying, with at least 3 years of paid development-related work experience since earning the bachelor's, acquired within the last 6 years; must be admitted unconditionally (except for finance) to one of the 44 participating programs AND shortlisted as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant by the participating university. |
| Experience | No experience required |
| Language Certificate | English proficiency is required via the admitting university's own admission requirements (exact scores vary by program — unverified; confirm before publishing) |
| Other Certificates | Degree certificates & transcripts |
| Age Limit | No Age Limit |
Run all three quick checks before reviewing your chosen course's full entry requirements.
nationals of a World Bank member developing country (official list on the World Bank site); must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country; must be in…
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Based on published eligibility — always confirm on the official page before applying.
Review each requirement before you begin the application.
English proficiency is required via the admitting university's own admission requirements (exact scores vary by program — unverified; confirm before publishing)
nationals of a World Bank member developing country (official list on the World Bank site); must NOT hold dual citizenship of any developed country; must be in good health; must hold a bachelor's degr
proof of unconditional admission; evidence of 3+ years of development-related professional experience; professional recommendations (detailed letter guidance sits in the official Application Guideline
6 steps — follow in order. Each stage prepares the next.
1 or Window 2 program lists are published separately on the World Bank site) and apply for academic admission by that university's own deadline.
are acceptable) to the participating program.
nominates them to the World Bank — only nominated candidates receive the link to the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application form.
and a medical certificate less than 3 months old from the program start date (per third-party summaries of the official guidelines — unverified on an official page read directly).
months after each window (e.g., July 2027 for Window 2 at ISS).
within the official window: Window 1: January 18 – February 26, 2027; Window 2: March 29 – May 21, 2027.
Published on official pages
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