The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers scholarships to professionals with relevant experience seeking a master’s degree in the development field. The program covers many costs associated with studying abroad.
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When is the Application Deadline:
- ISS Academic Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
- JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 May 2026 (only for nominated candidates)
- Expected Outcome: July 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is a fully funded international scholarship designed for experienced development professionals seeking a master’s degree in development-related fields.
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The award aims to build future leaders who will return to their home countries to drive economic growth, social impact, and policy development. It supports high-quality academic training while reinforcing a strong commitment to development service.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, the program supports the MA in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Development Studies (MA) at ISS
This is the only eligible program for this call.
(Note: The Mundus MAPP program is not eligible.)
Type:
- Fully Funded International Master’s Scholarship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country
- Not hold dual citizenship with any developed country
- Be in good health
- Hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years before the application deadline
- Be employed in a full-time, paid, development-related position at the time of applying
- Have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience acquired within the last six years
- Hold an admission letter for the ISS MA in Development Studies
- Meet all specific call-year requirements published by the World Bank
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection considers:
- Eligibility compliance
- Academic qualifications
- Development-related work experience
- Potential to contribute to national development
- Strength of ISS nomination (only 30 candidates can be nominated)
- Quality and completeness of required documents
- Commitment to return to and work in the home country
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Citizens of World Bank member developing countries only
(Developed-country dual citizens are not eligible.)
Where will the Award be Taken?
- International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
How Many Awards?
- ISS may nominate up to 30 candidates
- Final award numbers depend on World Bank selection, typically highly competitive
What is the Benefit of the Award?
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Airfare (round trip)
- Health insurance
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel allowance
- Full financial support throughout the master’s degree
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration of the full MA program at ISS (usually 1 year)
How to Apply:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all academic, professional, and citizenship requirements.
Step 2: Apply for Academic Admission (Deadline: 1 March 2026)
Apply for the MA in Development Studies at ISS and secure unconditional admission.
Step 3: ISS Nomination Phase
ISS will nominate candidates from eligible countries and contact them to confirm interest in being shortlisted.
Only nominated students can proceed.
Step 4: Submit the JJ/WBGSP Online Scholarship Application
- All documents must be uploaded via the official JJ/WBGSP portal.
- Email or postal submissions are NOT accepted.
- Applicants may only apply for one master’s program.
- Multiple applications lead to immediate disqualification.
