Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

World Bank, funded by the Government of Japan · Checked September 26, 2026

JJ/WBGSP funds mid-career development professionals from eligible developing countries, including Pakistan, to take a participating Master's programme at 24 universities in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan. Scholars commit to returning home to support their country's development.

Deadline: 26 February 2027 152 days left
2027 cycle: Window 1 runs 18 January to 26 February 2027, and Window 2 runs 29 March to 21 May 2027, depending on the participating programme.
Add the deadline to my calendar (with a reminder 2 weeks before)

Funding	Fully funded
Level	Master's
Study in	Multiple
Subjects	Development-related fields (e.g. economic policy, tax policy, infrastructure management) in 44 participating Master's programmes

What it covers

Tuition for the graduate programme
Basic medical insurance through the university
Monthly subsistence allowance (amount varies by host country)
Economy round-trip airfare
US$600 travel allowance for each trip
Coverage for programme duration or two years, whichever is less

Who can apply

A national of an eligible developing country. Pakistan is on the 2027 list. Holders of dual citizenship of a developed country are not eligible.
A bachelor's degree earned at least 3 years before the deadline.
At least 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work since the bachelor's, within the last 6 years, and currently employed in such work. Exceptions apply to fragile and conflict states.
Unconditional admission (except for funding) to one of the 44 participating Master's programmes outside your country of citizenship and residence, by the deadline.
Good health. World Bank staff and their close relatives, and past JJ/WBGSP awardees who declined or did not graduate, are excluded.

How to apply

Choose a participating Master's programme for your window (Window 1 or 2) and apply to it for admission.
Get unconditional admission and be shortlisted by the university as an eligible JJ/WBGSP applicant.
Use the application link the World Bank sends to shortlisted candidates.
Submit it during your window with your admission letter and professional recommendations.
Applications are scored on work experience, recommendations and commitment to your home country (30% each) and education (10%).

Documents you usually need

JJ/WBGSP online application (link sent after university shortlisting)
Unconditional admission letter from a participating programme
Proof of bachelor's degree
Employment history/proof of development-related work
Professional recommendations
Documents on any other scholarship held

Official page

Scholarship rules and deadlines change every cycle. This page summarises the official information; always confirm on the official page before applying. Official applications are free.

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