Want to Study at Top Universities Abroad for Free? Apply for the World Bank–Japan Scholarship
For talented professionals from developing countries, studying at top international universities often feels out of reach due to high tuition fees and living costs. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) changes that reality by offering a fully funded opportunity to pursue a master’s degree abroad. Designed to support future leaders in development, this prestigious scholarship enables mid-career professionals to gain advanced education and return home equipped to contribute meaningfully to their countries’ growth.
Backed by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, the program has helped thousands of professionals over the years build expertise in fields critical to economic and social development.
What Is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?
The JJ/WBGSP is a highly competitive international scholarship initiative aimed at strengthening human capital in developing countries. It targets professionals who are already working in development-related roles and who demonstrate a clear commitment to using their education to improve conditions in their home countries.
The scholarship supports fully funded master’s degree studies at selected universities across the world. These institutions are recognized for their academic excellence and their focus on development-oriented disciplines. The program is carefully structured to align academic learning with real-world policy, governance, and development challenges.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The scholarship is specifically designed for mid-career professionals from eligible developing countries. Applicants must meet several important eligibility criteria to be considered:
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Be a citizen of a developing country that is a member of the World Bank
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Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification obtained at least three years before applying
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Have a minimum of three years of full-time, paid professional experience in development-related work
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Be employed in a development-focused role at the time of application
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Not hold citizenship of any developed country
In addition, applicants must first secure unconditional admission (except for financial requirements) to one of the participating master’s programs before applying for the scholarship. Without admission to an approved program, a scholarship application cannot be submitted.
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Fully Funded Benefits for Selected Scholars
One of the most attractive features of the JJ/WBGSP is that it is completely funded, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies without financial stress. The scholarship typically covers:
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Full tuition fees for the master’s program
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A monthly living allowance to support housing, food, books, and daily expenses
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Basic medical insurance during the study period
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Round-trip economy airfare between the home country and the host university
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A travel allowance to help with relocation expenses
This comprehensive support ensures that scholars can pursue their education in a stable and secure environment, regardless of their financial background.
Fields of Study and Participating Universities
The program supports master’s degrees in areas that directly contribute to development and public policy. Common fields of study include:
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Economic policy and management
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Public finance and taxation
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Infrastructure planning and project management
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Governance and public administration
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Development economics
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Environmental policy and sustainable development
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Human resource development and social policy
These disciplines are carefully chosen to prepare graduates for leadership roles in government, public institutions, non-profits, and development organizations.
Scholars can study at 24 leading universities across different regions of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Each participating university offers specialized programs aligned with the program’s development objectives.
Application Timeline and Windows
The JJ/WBGSP follows a structured application process with two application windows each year to accommodate different academic calendars:
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The first window generally opens in January and closes in February
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The second window typically runs from March to May
Applicants must first apply directly to a participating master’s program. Only those who receive unconditional admission and are nominated by the university are invited to apply for the scholarship.
Early preparation is crucial, as securing university admission can take several months.
How Candidates Are Selected
The selection process is highly competitive and merit-based. Applications are evaluated based on multiple factors, including:
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Professional experience and career progression
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Commitment to development work in the home country
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Academic background and relevance of the chosen field of study
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Quality of recommendation letters
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Overall potential to contribute to national and regional development
In addition to individual merit, the selection committee considers geographic diversity, gender balance, financial need, and personal circumstances to ensure fair and inclusive representation.
Commitment After Graduation
A defining feature of the World Bank–Japan Scholarship is its strong emphasis on giving back. Scholars are required to return to their home countries after completing their studies and apply their newly acquired skills to development-related work.
This requirement ensures that the program’s investment translates into long-term benefits for communities, institutions, and national development initiatives. Graduates often go on to take leadership roles in government agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, and policy think tanks.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
The JJ/WBGSP offers several advantages that set it apart from many other international scholarships:
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It is fully funded, removing financial barriers to global education
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It focuses on professionals with real-world experience, not just academic excellence
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It connects scholars to a global network of development leaders
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It aligns education with practical impact and national development goals
For many recipients, the scholarship is not just an academic opportunity but a transformative experience that accelerates both personal growth and professional impact.
Final Thoughts
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program represents a rare opportunity for committed development professionals to study at top global universities without financial burden. By combining academic excellence with a clear development mission, the program helps build future leaders who can drive positive change in their home countries.
For those who meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about contributing to development, this scholarship offers a powerful pathway to global education and long-term impact. With careful preparation, strong professional credentials, and a clear vision for the future, aspiring applicants can turn the dream of studying abroad into a reality—completely free.