Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2027

Overview

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) funds mid-career professionals from World Bank member countries to study development-related Masters degrees at partner universities in Japan, the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Africa. The programme has two annual windows; Window 2 closes 29 May 2027 for January 2028 enrolment. Around 75 scholarships per cycle. Open to applicants from across Africa.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees at the chosen partner university.
• Monthly living allowance set against host country’s cost of living.
• Round-trip economy airfare to and from the host country.
• Health insurance.
• USD 500 travel allowance.
• Up to 24 months of Masters study coverage.

Eligibility

• Citizen of a World Bank member developing country (most African countries qualify).
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years before the application deadline.
• Three years of recent full-time professional experience in development work in your home country (NGOs, government, multilateral organisations, private sector engaged with development).
• Hold an unconditional admission letter from one of the 80+ JJ/WBGSP partner Masters programmes by the scholarship deadline.
• Cannot currently live or work in a developed country.
• Commitment to return to your home country (or another developing country) after the Masters.

How to apply

1. Open the JJ/WBGSP page at the source link to see the list of partner universities and eligible programmes.
2. Apply for admission to one or more JJ/WBGSP partner Masters programmes first. You need an unconditional admission letter before submitting the scholarship application.
3. Once you have admission, complete the JJ/WBGSP online scholarship application: personal information, work history, country impact statement, references.
4. Submit before 29 May 2027.
5. Decisions are typically announced in October or November 2027 for January 2028 entry.