Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2027: Application Dates Announced

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2027 application dates have been announced for developing-country nationals. Scholarship applications are not yet open. Start by applying for admission to a participating master’s program.

Organization: World Bank
Study level: Master’s degree
Destinations: Participating universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan
Window 1: 18 January–26 February 2027
Window 2: 29 March–21 May 2027

What the scholarship covers

Funding includes tuition, basic university medical insurance, a monthly living allowance, economy return flights and a US$600 travel allowance for each trip. Support lasts for the graduate program or two years, whichever is shorter, and is subject to available funding.

Visa and residence-permit fees, family support, computers and certain research, training and additional travel expenses are excluded.

Who can apply?

• Nationals of a country on the 2027 eligible-country list, without dual citizenship of a developed country.
• Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was awarded at least three years before the scholarship deadline.
• Applicants in paid, full-time development-related employment, generally with at least three years of qualifying paid work after graduation within the preceding six years. Special provisions apply to listed fragile and conflict-affected countries.
• Applicants admitted unconditionally, except for financing, to a participating program outside both their country of citizenship and residence.

Applicants must be in good health. World Bank Group staff, Executive Directors, alternates and specified close relatives are ineligible. Other restrictions apply, including to current participating-program students and certain previous scholarship recipients or awardees. Read the guidelines for your window before applying. Scholars commit to returning home after their studies.

2027 application windows

• Window 1: 18 January–26 February 2027. Check the Window 1 program list. The published guidelines give the closing date without a time.
• Window 2: 29 March–21 May 2027. Check the Window 2 program list. Its guidelines specify 12:00 noon EST on 21 May; confirm the portal’s time-zone instructions when it opens.

University admission deadlines are separate and may be earlier.

How to prepare and apply

1. Choose a participating master’s program and meet its admission deadline.
2. Secure admission and contact the university about its JJ/WBGSP shortlisting process. The scholarship application link is provided only to eligible candidates shortlisted by participating programs.
3. Prepare your admission letter, degree diploma, employment evidence, CV and two professional recommendations.
4. During the relevant window, submit one complete scholarship application using a computer. Do not start an application before the call opens.

Japanese nationals follow a separate application route.

View 2027 scholarship details and guidelines ↗