Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program for Japanese
World Bank Group
Deadline: Apr 18, 2026
To provide scholarships for up to two-years to a limited number of Japanese mid-career professionals who are dedicated to the alleviation of poverty and enhanced shared prosperity in developing countries, and who have been admitted to or are currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in development-related fields at universities outside of Japan. Qualifications: Applicants must be a national of a World Bank member developing country on this list; not hold dual citizenship of any developed country; be in good health; hold a bachelor's (or equivalent) degree earned at least 3 years prior to the Application Deadline date; be employed in development-related work in a paid full- time position at the time of submitting the scholarship application; have at least 3 years of paid development-related employment since earning a bachelor's degree (or equivalent university degree) and acquired within the past 6 years from the date of the application deadline; individuals who have previously been offered a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but declined it, or have previously received a JJ/WBGSP scholarship but did not graduate, are not eligible; must be citizens of certain developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries' development efforts who are applying to a master's degree program in a development-related topic. Selection criteria: Two qualified assessors independently review each eligible application and score the application on a scale of 1 to 10, taking into account four main factors and the degree of cohesion among them: quality of professional experience (30% weight); quality of professional recommendations (30% weight); quality of commitment to home country (30% weight); quality of education background (10% weight). How to apply: Applicants must submit online application form; should include two professional recommendation letters; do not include a transcript or upload a transcript as a substitute for a diploma; c.v. using the format provided in annex 4 and written in English; unconditional (except for financing) letter of admission. Focus: General studies/Field of study not specified.