Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2026: Apply Now

Imagine that you have already arranged for your tuition, airfare, health insurance, and living stipend when you pack your bags for graduate school overseas. It sounds fantastic, doesn't it? That's precisely what the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides.

This scholarship isn't your typical one. To help students from developing nations (yes, India is on the list) who wish to pursue master's degrees in development-related fields, the World Bank and Japan have partnered. The scholarship partners with 43 master’s programs across 24 universities in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan.

Key Information

• Level of Study: Masters
• Institution: World Bank and Japan Government
• Country: USA, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan
• Duration: 2 years
• Official link

Important Dates to Remember

Two application windows are open for 2026:

• Window 1: January 15 - February 27, 2026
• Window 2: March 30 - May 29, 2026

What Do You Get?

Here’s where it gets exciting, the scholarship package is seriously generous:

• Tuition fees fully covered
• Round-trip airfare + $600 travel allowance
• Monthly stipend for living expenses (rent, food, books, etc.)
• Basic health insurance

Are You Eligible?

Alright, here’s the fine print (but simplified for you):

• Must be from a World Bank member developing country.
• No dual citizenship with a developed country.
• A bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before applying.
• At least 3 years of paid, development-related work experience.
• Must already have admission to one of the 43 participating master’s programs outside your home country.
• Good health, because grad school stress is enough on its own.
• Oh, and no World Bank employees or their close relatives (so if your dad’s on the Board, tough luck).

How Do They Pick Scholars?

It’s competitive (no sugarcoating this), but they look at:

• Quality of your professional experience (30%)
• Your recommendation letters (30%)
• Your commitment to your home country (30%)
• Your academic record (10%)

How to Apply?

• Apply for admission to one or more JJ/WBGSP Partner Master’s Programs.
• Do not submit the scholarship application until you have uploaded an unconditional admission letter from a participating program.
• Only shortlisted candidates will receive the link to the official online application form from the participating programs.
• Submit one complete application electronically through the JJ/WBGSP portal before the deadline.

What’s Not Covered?

Just so you don’t get a shock later, JJ/WBGSP won’t pay for:

• Visa costs
• Family expenses (no, they’re not paying for your cousin’s trip to Paris)
• Extra courses, field trips, or laptops
• Residency permit fees

So, budget for these little extras yourself.

Why Should You Care?

Because this scholarship is a game-changer for both life and career. In addition to earning a master's degree overseas, you become a part of a global community of academics who are influencing laws, constructing infrastructure, and genuinely altering the course of history. And yes, once you’re done with your studies, you will need to return home and use your newly acquired skills.

Final Word

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program may be your ticket to success if you're a young professional in India who wants to study overseas AND is driven to have a significant impact back home.

Opportunities like this don't come around very often, so update your LinkedIn profile, polish your resume, and prepare your applications.