Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The World Bank

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

National of a World Bank member developing country on the eligible list (no developed-country dual citizenship) with a bachelor's degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline and at least 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work since the degree (within the past 6 years). You must be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to a participating master's programme outside your country of citizenship and residence. 44 programmes at 24 universities take part.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Scholarships for mid-career professionals in developing countries to study at partner universities in development-related fields.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. National of a World Bank member developing country on the eligible list (no developed-country dual citizenship) with a bachelor's degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline and at least 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work since the degree (within the past 6 years). You must be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to a participating master's programme outside your country of citizenship and residence. 44 programmes at 24 universities take part.
2. Note the deadline. Two windows a year: 18 Jan – 26 Feb 2027 and 29 Mar – 21 May 2027 (you must first be admitted to a participating programme and shortlisted by the university, which then sends you the form link) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Application form, admission letter, work-experience evidence.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Participating university and World Bank review

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

National of a World Bank member developing country on the eligible list (no developed-country dual citizenship) with a bachelor's degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline and at least 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work since the degree (within the past 6 years). You must be unconditionally admitted (except for funding) to a participating master's programme outside your country of citizenship and residence. 44 programmes at 24 universities take part.

What does Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program cover?

Tuition, economy airfare plus a USD 600 travel allowance per trip, basic medical insurance through the university and a monthly subsistence allowance that varies by host country, for the programme length or two years, whichever is less. Visa costs, family expenses, research and internships are not covered.

When is the deadline for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

Two windows a year: 18 Jan – 26 Feb 2027 and 29 Mar – 21 May 2027 (you must first be admitted to a participating programme and shortlisted by the university, which then sends you the form link) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

Host countries: Japan.

What documents do I need for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

Application form, admission letter, work-experience evidence.

How are applicants selected for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?

Participating university and World Bank review

How much work is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program application?

High: application + admission