2026 Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program For Africans. The Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a fully funded opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue development-related Master’s degrees across selected universities worldwide.
This guide breaks everything down clearly—what you need, what you get, and exactly how to apply.
Overview
- Host: Government of Japan & World Bank
- Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
- Study Locations: USA, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of developing countries
- Deadline: May 29, 2026
- Application Windows:
- Round 1: Jan 15 – Feb 27, 2026
- Round 2: Mar 30 – May 29, 2026
What the Scholarship Covers
If selected, you receive full financial support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance (covers accommodation, food, books, etc.)
- Round-trip economy airfare (plus $500 travel allowance per trip)
- Basic medical insurance through the university
Duration: Covers the length of your program or a maximum of 2 years
Eligible Programs
The scholarship supports 52 development-focused Master’s programs across partner universities.
Common fields include:
- Economic policy management
- Public finance and tax policy
- Infrastructure management
- Development studies
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country
- Not hold citizenship of a developed country (no dual citizenship)
- Be in good health
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree obtained at least 3 years before the deadline
- Have at least 3 years of recent, paid, development-related work experience
- Be currently employed full-time in a development-related role
Important: Your work experience must be after your Bachelor’s degree and within the last 6 years.
Important Condition
After completing your studies, you are expected to:
- Return to your home country
- Apply your knowledge to support social and economic development
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Program
- Visit the official JJ/WBGSP program list
- Select a participating Master’s program that matches your field
Step 2: Apply to the University First
- Submit your application directly to the university offering the program
- Secure admission (or meet admission requirements) before applying for the scholarship
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Typically, you will need:
- Academic certificates (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of work experience (minimum 3 years)
- CV/Resume
- Professional references
- Valid ID/passport
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application
- Go to the official JJ/WBGSP application portal
- Fill in your details carefully
- Upload all required documents
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
- Ensure everything is complete
- Submit your application before May 29, 2026
Key Tips for Applicants
- Apply early—don’t wait till the deadline
- Ensure your work experience clearly relates to development
- Choose programs that align with your career goals
- Double-check all documents before submission
At a Glance
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Programs: 52 participating Master’s courses
- Work Experience Required: Minimum 3 years
- Deadline: May 29, 2026
- Obligation: Return to your home country after study
Final Note
This is a highly competitive scholarship, so your application must be:
- Clear
- Complete
- Strongly aligned with development goals
If you meet the requirements and follow the steps properly, you stand a solid chance.
