Full funding · Study in Multiple countries
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Tuition, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, health insurance and a travel allowance
- Funder
- World Bank and the Government of Japan
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Coverage
- Full
About this scholarship
Funded entirely by the Government of Japan, this programme has supported more than 7,000 mid-career professionals from developing countries since 1987.
It funds master's study only at a fixed list of around 40 participating programmes in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan — you must be applying to one of those.
🗓️ Deadline
Two application windows a year, generally in the spring and the autumn
Award cycles shift year to year. Confirm the current deadline on the official site before you plan around it.
Eligibility
- National of a World Bank member developing country
- At least three years of recent development-related professional experience
- Admitted to one of the listed participating master's programmes
- A bachelor's degree earned at least three years before applying
- Not a dual citizen of a developed country and not employed by the World Bank Group
How to apply
- Check the participating programmes list for the current application window
- Apply to at least one listed programme and secure admission
- Prepare evidence of your development-related work experience
- Submit the JJ/WBGSP application within the open window
- Read the current year's application guidelines — the rules change between cycles
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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: your questions, answered
What does the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program cover?
Tuition, a monthly living stipend, return airfare, health insurance and a travel allowance. Funded entirely by the Government of Japan, this programme has supported more than 7,000 mid-career professionals from developing countries since 1987.
Who is eligible for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program?
Core requirements are: National of a World Bank member developing country; At least three years of recent development-related professional experience; Admitted to one of the listed participating master's programmes; A bachelor's degree earned at least three years before applying; Not a dual citizen of a developed country and not employed by the World Bank Group. Eligibility rules are set by the funder and can change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
When is the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program deadline?
Two application windows a year, generally in the spring and the autumn. Because award cycles shift year to year, always check the official programme website for the current date.
What does the placement service cost?
A flat SGD 50, billed as two monthly instalments of SGD 25. That covers everything: counselling, university matching, application support and guidance right up to your offer. There are no hidden extras, no agent fees and no commission on your tuition, because our counselling is funded by our university partners, the SGD 50 only covers administration. Separately, you pay the university’s own tuition or semester fees directly to the university after you accept your offer.
What exactly do you help with?
Everything from start to finish: understanding your options, shortlisting the right programme, preparing your application and personal statement, submitting to the university, and guiding you through the offer, enrolment and visa paperwork, all with a dedicated counsellor.
Which universities can you place me into?
We place students into a range of UK and international universities, and we shortlist the best-fit options for your grades, budget and goals rather than pushing a single school. On some pages we run dedicated SGD 50 placement drives for a specific partner university, and we are always adding more partners. Tell us your goals and your counsellor will map out your options.