Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship 2027: Dates, Eligibility & What It Pays
By 
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) pays for a development-related master's degree for working professionals from developing countries. The World Bank has confirmed two 2027 rounds: Window 1 from 18 January to 26 February 2027, and Window 2 from 29 March to 21 May 2027. Most applicants misunderstand one rule. You cannot simply apply on the World Bank website. The application link is only sent to people who are already admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to one of 44 participating master's programmes and shortlisted by that university. That means the real work starts now, with university applications.
Overview
JJ/WBGSP is funded by the Government of Japan and run by the World Bank. Subject to available funding, it supports 44 participating master's programmes at 24 universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan. Fields include economic policy management, tax policy, public health, water, climate and infrastructure. Each programme belongs to one window. Window 1 includes programmes such as Columbia SIPA's MPA in Economic Policy Management, Johns Hopkins' Master of Public Health and Yale's Master in Systemic Risk. Window 2 includes ANU Crawford, Erasmus University's IHS and ISS, IHE Delft and Keio University. Check the official window lists, because your window depends only on your programme. The programme must be outside your country of citizenship and residence. After graduating, scholars commit to return home and use their skills for their country's development. For a related World Bank career route, see our World Bank Young Professionals Program 2027 guide.
Eligibility Requirements
- National of a World Bank member developing country on the official JJ/WBGSP eligible-country list
- No dual citizenship of any developed country
- In good health
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) earned at least 3 years before the application deadline
- Currently employed full-time, paid, in development-related work when you apply
- At least 3 years of paid development-related work since your bachelor's, gained within the 6 years before the deadline (part-time rules are in the official FAQ)
- Nationals of countries on the Fragile and Conflict States list (Annex 3 of the guidelines) get flexibility on the work rule
- Admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to a participating programme outside your country of citizenship and residence, by the deadline
- Shortlisted as an eligible applicant by that university
- Not World Bank Group staff, Executive Director or alternate, or a close relative of one
- Not previously offered a JJ/WBGSP scholarship and declined it, or awarded one without graduating
Benefits
- Full tuition for the master's programme
- Basic medical insurance obtained through the university
- Economy-class air travel from home to the university at the start and back home at the end
- A US$600 travel allowance for each of those two trips
- A monthly subsistence allowance for housing, food and books; the amount depends on the host country
- Covers the length of the programme or two years, whichever is shorter
Application Process
- 1Read the 2027 Application Guidelines and FAQ for your window on the World Bank site
- 2Pick a participating programme and note whether it is in Window 1 or Window 2
- 3Apply to that university now; many programme deadlines fall before the scholarship windows
- 4Ask the university how it shortlists JJ/WBGSP candidates and confirm you will be considered
- 5Gather employment certificates covering every job you will count toward the 3-year rule
- 6Once admitted and shortlisted, wait for the application link from the World Bank
- 7Submit before 12:00 noon Washington, DC time on 26 February 2027 (Window 1) or 21 May 2027 (Window 2)
- 8If you hold any other scholarship, send its documents to the JJ/WBGSP Secretariat; this award only tops up, never duplicates
Required Documents
- Unconditional admission letter (except for funding) from a participating programme; it must be uploaded before you submit
- Passport or proof of nationality
- Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
- Employment certificates proving paid development-related experience
- Recommendation letters as listed in the guidelines
- Answers to the scholarship essay questions
- Documents for any other scholarship or fellowship you hold
Deadline
Window 1: 18 January to 26 February 2027 (12:00 noon Washington, DC). Window 2: 29 March to 21 May 2027 (12:00 noon Washington, DC). Your window depends on your master's programme. University admission deadlines come earlier.
Visit Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for JJ/WBGSP without university admission?
No. The application link is only sent to people admitted unconditionally (except for funding) to a participating programme and shortlisted by that university.
What does the JJ/WBGSP scholarship pay for?
Tuition, basic medical insurance, round-trip economy airfare, a US$600 travel allowance per trip, and a monthly living allowance, for up to two years.
What is not covered?
Visa and residence-permit fees, family members, extra courses or language training, research, field trips, workshops, internships, extra travel, and computers or equipment.
How is work experience counted?
You need at least 3 years of paid development-related work after your bachelor's, gained within the last 6 years, and you must be employed full-time when you apply.
Which window should I apply in?
It depends only on your programme. Each participating programme is assigned to Window 1 or Window 2 on the official lists.
Conclusion
Treat JJ/WBGSP as a two-stage race. Stage one is university admission and shortlisting, which you should start this month. Stage two is the scholarship form, which only opens for you once stage one succeeds. Before you apply, budget for what it does not cover, especially visa fees and any family costs. Use only the official World Bank pages for the guidelines; the programme never charges a fee.