World Bank-Government of Japan - World Bank Joint Japan Graduate Scholarship Programme

What the World Bank Joint Japan scholarship covers

You will be offered a fully funded Master’s programme abroad. The scholarship covers all your tuition fees as well as your basic health insurance through the university. You will also receive a monthly living allowance to cover rent, food and books. The amount depends on the country in which you are studying. You will also receive a return economy-class flight between your home country and your university, as well as a flat-rate travel allowance of 600 USD per journey (approx. 550 EUR). The funding covers the duration of your Master’s programme or 2 years, whichever is shorter. It is jointly provided by the World Bank and the Japanese Government for people from developing countries who are working in the field of development cooperation. Visa fees, costs for family members, additional courses, research costs and a computer are not covered.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of an eligible developing country that is a member of the World Bank (around 90 are listed for 2027). You must not hold the nationality of an industrialised country at the same time.
• Degree: You already hold a bachelor’s degree, which you obtained at least 3 years before the application deadline.
• Work experience: You have at least 3 years’ paid full-time employment in a development-related field, gained over the last 6 years, and you are currently working in such a role.
• Field of study: Your Master’s degree must be related to development, for example in the fields of economic policy, governance, health, education, climate, water, energy, agriculture or urban development.
• Admission: You are guaranteed a place on one of the approximately 44 partner Master’s programmes at 24 universities in the USA, Europe, Africa, Oceania or Japan (regardless of funding).
• Where you study: The higher education institution must be located outside your country of nationality and outside your place of residence.
• Not already studying: You have not yet started any of these partner programmes and have never claimed or returned this grant before.
• No World Bank ties: You are neither an employee of the World Bank Group nor a close relative of one.

How to apply

Firstly, you must apply for one of the partner Master’s programmes yourself. The university will then shortlist suitable candidates and send them the link to the application form. You must submit an online application accompanied by two academic letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your work. The application deadline for programmes in the 1 window is 26 February 2027, whilst the deadline for programmes in the 2 window is 21 May 2027. Two independent assessors evaluate each application. In doing so, they place the greatest emphasis on your professional experience, your references and your commitment to your home country.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a globally renowned scholarship with a limited number of partner places, so competition is fierce. The high entry requirements ensure a rigorous selection process: applicants must have three years’ relevant professional experience and, above all, unconditional offer of a place on one of these specific degree programmes. If you clearly fit the profile for development work, can demonstrate a convincing offer of a place and show genuine commitment to your home country, your prospects are good. These criteria are more important than academic grades alone.