Fully Funded Scholarships 2026-2027 by World Bank Open
In a major development for international students seeking fully funded graduate study abroad, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP 2026) has officially released its application dates—igniting global excitement among development professionals who dream of earning a master’s degree at top universities across the U.S., Europe, Japan, Africa, and Oceania.
With two competitive application rounds and only shortlisted, admitted candidates allowed to apply, the race begins now for students in developing countries who want to secure one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships starting in September 2026.
The JJ/WBGSP is designed for exceptional individuals committed to driving development in their home countries. It exclusively funds master’s programs related to development policy, economic management, public administration, taxation, infrastructure planning, and other critical areas shaping national progress. Only 44 elite master’s programs across 24 universities qualify, meaning students must strategically apply early to be considered for nomination.
The 2026 cycle features two application windows. The first window for the JJ/WBGSP 2026 Scholarship will run from January 15, 2026 to February 27, 2026, while the second application window will remain open from March 30, 2026 to May 29, 2026. Importantly, students cannot apply directly; they must first earn unconditional admission (excluding funding) to a participating master’s program and then be shortlisted by the university to receive the exclusive scholarship application link.
The JJ/WBGSP continues to offer one of the most comprehensive financial packages in the world. Selected scholars receive full tuition coverage, a generous monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare with an additional travel allowance, basic medical insurance, and support for all study-related living costs for up to two years. For ambitious students with limited access to financial resources, this scholarship remains a rare life-changing opportunity.
Eligibility is carefully structured to ensure the program benefits future leaders from developing countries. Applicants must hold nationality of a World Bank member developing country, possess a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years prior to applying, and have a minimum of three years of paid, full-time development-related professional work. They must also demonstrate strong commitment to contributing to their home country’s development after graduation. Strict exclusions apply, including individuals with dual citizenship in developed countries and staff of the World Bank Group or their close relatives.
Once applications open, each candidate’s submission undergoes rigorous evaluation by two independent assessors. The scoring emphasizes professional experience, recommendation strength, commitment to national development, and academic background. Final selections prioritize geographic diversity, gender balance, and candidates facing hardship or limited financial access.
With the official dates now released, global applicants are encouraged to begin preparing immediately. Securing early admission to a participating program is the only path forward. For development professionals ready to elevate their impact and pursue a fully funded master’s degree abroad in 2026, the JJ/WBGSP 2026 Scholarship is the opportunity of a lifetime—one that demands early action and strategic preparation.