GENERAL

World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Courses & Application Process

LS
Lakshmi Singh • 3 Mins read • 5 Feb 26
World Bank–Japan Graduate ScholarshipsWorld Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships

The World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026 application has started. The scholarship is for students who belong to developing nations. The scholarship covers tuition, living costs, medical insurance, and travel expenses. The eligibility to apply for JJ/WBGSP must be checked by the participating institute. 44 courses are under the purview of this grant. Students whoa re enrolled in these courses are eligible to apply. 

Applicants must show commitments of returning home after the completion of the scholarship programme. 

Along with Japan, USA is also working toward strengthening its outreach in India.


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What Is the World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarship Program (WBGSP)?

The WBGSP is also known as JJ/WBGSP. It is an international scholarship and is funded by the Government of Japan.  The World Bank administers it.

The scholarship has 44 participating master’s courses. These courses are offered by 24 universities:

  • United States
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • Oceania
  • Japan

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WBGSP centres around the development in the following areas:

  • Economic policy management
  • Tax policy
  • Infrastructure management
  • Public policy and development studies


If you are enrolled in one of these programmers than you are eligible to apply for the World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026.

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Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Explained

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for JJ/WBGSP?

Requirement

Simple Explanation

Nationality

Citizen of a World Bank–member developing country

Dual Citizenship

No dual citizenship with a developed country

Education

Bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years ago

Work Experience

Minimum 3 years of paid, full-time development-related work (in last 6 years)

Current Job

Currently working in a development-related role

Admission

Unconditional admission to a participating master’s program 

World Bank Link

Not a World Bank Group staff member or close relative

Previous Scholarship

Must not have declined or failed to complete WBGSP

Special Cases

Limited exceptions for conflict-affected countries


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Application Timeline: Two Windows for 2026

The WBGSP 2026 application process is divided into two rounds.

Application Window

Dates

Window 1

January 15-February 27, 2026

Window 2

March 30-May 29, 2026


Candidates can not directly access the link of application. It is shared only with candidates who:

  • Are admitted to a participating programme
  • Are shortlisted by the university (as eligible WBGSP applicants)


Selection Process: How Candidates Are Chosen

Two assessors review applications under the World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria

Weightage

Professional experience

30%

Professional recommendations

30%

Commitment to home country development

30%

Educational background

10%


Final selection depends:

  • Geographic balance
  • Gender representation
  • Financial condition
  • Overall diversity

If candidates get shortlisted,  the JJ/WBGSP Steering Committee approves them.


What Does the WBGSP Scholarship Cover?

The WBGSP offers financial support in:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Basic medical insurance 
  • Monthly living allowance 
  • Round-trip airfare
  • USD 600 travel allowance per trip

Duration of WBJGSP

The duration depends on the length of the programme. 

  • Its valid for the full duration of the programme or 
  • up to two years, whichever is shorter.


What Is Not Covered Under the Scholarship

Students must declare their additional funding. The scholarship does not cover:

  • Visa 
  • Residence permit fees
  • Family or dependent expenses
  • Language training
  • Research costs, internships, field trips
  • Laptops or educational equipment
  • Additional travel 


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Why the World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026 Matter

If a candidate hails from a developing country, the World Bank–Japan Graduate Scholarships 2026 offer them beyond the financial aid. They get:

  • access to world-class education
  • global exposure
  • platform to drive meaningful change

The knowledge can be transformative for developing countries. Candidates should track the admission timelines of participating universities.