World Bank Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme
The World Bank is inviting applications for the 2027 Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). This prestigious scholarship provides an opportunity for eligible students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies in development-related fields at selected universities across the world.
The programme is designed for talented professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and skills and contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.
The 2027 application cycle will have two application windows for developing-country nationals. Successful applicants will receive financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses, international travel and basic medical insurance.
About the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank. It supports professionals from eligible developing countries who wish to pursue master’s degrees in fields related to economic and social development.
For 2027, the programme supports 44 participating master’s programmes offered by 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan.
Study areas include economic policy management, tax policy, infrastructure management and other development-related disciplines.
Applicants must first secure admission to an eligible participating master’s programme before they can apply for the scholarship. Admission to a university that is not on the approved programme list does not qualify an applicant for JJ/WBGSP funding.
Scholarship Benefits
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that provides financial assistance for the duration of the approved graduate programme or a maximum of two years, whichever is shorter.
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition fees: Coverage of tuition costs for the participating master’s programme.
- Monthly living allowance: A stipend to support accommodation, food, books and other living expenses. The amount depends on the host country.
- International airfare: Economy-class return air travel between the scholar’s home country and the host university.
- Travel allowance: US$600 for each of the two international trips.
- Medical insurance: Basic medical insurance arranged through the host university.
The scholarship does not cover visa application fees, family expenses, computers, additional travel, research-related expenses or language training outside the approved degree programme.
Application Dates for 2027
The application process for developing-country nationals is divided into two windows to accommodate different university academic calendars.
Window 1
- Opens: 18 January 2027
- Closes: 26 February 2027
Window 2
- Opens: 29 March 2027
- Closes: 21 May 2027
Applicants should check the participating university’s admission deadlines because they must secure unconditional admission, except for funding, before submitting their scholarship applications.
The scholarship application link is only provided to candidates who have been admitted to a participating master’s programme and shortlisted by the university as eligible scholarship applicants.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to nationals of eligible developing countries who have relevant professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to supporting development in their home countries.
The general eligibility requirements include:
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country included on the official JJ/WBGSP eligible countries list.
- Not hold dual citizenship of a developed country.
- Be in good health.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification obtained at least three years before the scholarship application deadline.
- Be employed in a paid, full-time development-related position when submitting the application.
- Have at least three years of paid development-related employment acquired within the six years preceding the application deadline.
- Have unconditional admission, except for funding, to an approved participating master’s programme outside the applicant’s country of citizenship and residence.
- Not be an Executive Director, alternate or staff member of the World Bank Group, or a qualifying close relative of such an individual.
Applicants who previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not graduate, or who were offered a scholarship and declined it, are not eligible to apply again.
Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced. Applicants should consult the official 2027 guidelines for the complete conditions and any applicable exceptions.
How Are Scholarship Applications Selected?
The World Bank uses a competitive assessment process to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds, professional experience and the potential to contribute to development after completing their studies.
Each eligible application is independently assessed by two qualified reviewers.
Applications are evaluated using four main criteria:
- Quality of professional experience: 30%.
- Quality of professional recommendations: 30%.
- Commitment to the applicant’s home country: 30%.
- Quality of educational background: 10%.
The selection process also considers geographical and gender representation, unusual personal circumstances and applicants’ access to financial resources for postgraduate education.
Finalists are presented to the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee for approval. Successful candidates are notified following the approval process.
How to Apply for the World Bank Scholarship 2027
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Check whether their country appears on the official list of eligible developing countries.
- Review the 44 participating master’s programmes and identify a suitable course.
- Contact the university to confirm its admission requirements and scholarship nomination process.
- Apply for admission to the selected master’s programme.
- Secure unconditional admission, except for funding, before the relevant scholarship deadline.
- Contact the university to establish whether they have been shortlisted as eligible JJ/WBGSP candidates.
- Obtain the scholarship application link and submit the required documents before the deadline.
Applicants should prepare their academic records, employment information and professional recommendations in advance.
Final Thoughts
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2027 is an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals from developing countries who want to advance their education and contribute to national development.
With tuition, living expenses, international travel and medical insurance covered, the programme offers substantial financial support for eligible postgraduate students.
However, applicants should remember that admission to an approved participating master’s programme is a prerequisite. Start researching eligible universities early, review the application guidelines carefully and contact your preferred university to understand its nomination process.
