Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship applications are now open for the 2026 intake, offering a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue a master’s degree at leading universities worldwide. This scholarship supports study at selected institutions across the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan, covering a wide range of development-focused academic fields. In total, 41 eligible master’s programs are offered by 24 participating universities under this round.
To be considered for the Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program, applicants must first secure an unconditional admission offer from one of the participating master’s programs. Only candidates who meet this requirement will receive access to the official JJ/WBGSP application form. The program does not charge any application fee, making it accessible to qualified candidates globally. Below, you will find complete details about eligible universities and programs, financial benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
Benefits
Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Covers:
- Round-trip Economy Class Airfare
- Additional Airfare Allowance of $600
- Full Tuition Fees
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance
- Monthly Stipend
- Accommodation
- Food
- Books
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a developing country.
- Citizenship: Cannot hold dual citizenship of any developed country.
- Health: Must be in good health.
- Education: Must possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) obtained at least three years before the application deadline.
- Have received unconditional admission to a participating program by the scholarship application deadline.
- Professional Experience: Must have at least 3 years of full-time, paid development-related employment within the past 6 years. Part-time work may be considered.
Participating Universities and Eligible Programs
Applicants must apply to one of the Eligible Master’s Programs at one of these Universities.
- United States
- Yale University: Master’s in Systemic Risk (School of Management)
- Columbia University: MPA (Economic Policy or Global Leadership)
- Johns Hopkins University: Master of Public Health (Bloomberg)
- Brandeis University: MA in Global Sustainability / Global Health / MPP (Heller School)
- Williams College: MA in Policy Economics (CDE)
- UC Berkeley: Master of Development Practice (Goldman School)
- Japan
- University of Tokyo: MPP (International Program – EPFD or PMIR streams)
- University of Tsukuba: Master’s in Economic and Public Policy
- Europe
- KIT / Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: MS in Public Health and Health Equity
How to Apply?
- First, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements, including being a citizen of an eligible developing country and having relevant professional experience in a development-related field.
- Apply directly to one or more Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship participating master’s programs offered by approved universities in different regions of the world.
- You must receive an unconditional offer of admission from a participating master’s program. Without this admission letter, you cannot apply for the scholarship.
- Once you are unconditionally admitted, the scholarship application form will be shared only with eligible candidates through the participating university or program.
- Complete the scholarship application carefully during Round 1 within the announced application window for your selected program.
- Upload all required documents, including your unconditional admission letter and any academic or professional records requested in the application form.
- Submit the application before the deadline and wait for the final selection results. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with further instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship focuses on candidates with unconditional admission to approved master’s programs. Only selected universities and courses qualify, applications follow a fixed window, and the scholarship form is shared exclusively with eligible admitted candidates.
What is Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship is an application window for selected master’s programs where candidates must already hold unconditional admission. Only applicants admitted to approved programs during this round are invited to submit the scholarship application for consideration.
Who can apply under Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship is open to candidates who have secured unconditional admission to one of the participating master’s programs. Only those admitted through the listed universities and programs linked to this round are considered eligible to proceed.
Is admission required before applying for Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Yes, Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship requires applicants to first obtain unconditional admission to an eligible master’s program. Without confirmed admission, candidates will not receive access to the scholarship application form during this round.
How many universities participate in Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship includes a fixed list of participating universities and master’s programs. Only programs officially approved for this application window are eligible, and applicants must match their admission to this exact list.
Are all master’s programs eligible in Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
No, Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship only covers specific master’s programs approved for this window. Applicants must carefully check whether their admitted program appears in the official participating program list for Round 1.
How is the scholarship application form shared in Round 1?
In Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship, the application form is not publicly available. It is shared only with candidates who have already been unconditionally admitted to an approved program under this application window.
Can applicants choose multiple programs for Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Applicants may apply to participating master’s programs, but Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship consideration depends on confirmed admission to an eligible program. Each admission must match the programs approved for this round.
Does Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship have a fixed application period?
Yes, Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship operates within a specific application window. Only applications submitted within this defined period and linked to eligible programs are reviewed for scholarship selection.
What happens after submitting an application in Round 1?
After submitting the scholarship application in Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship, applications go through a selection process. Only candidates meeting all program and eligibility conditions are considered for final scholarship awards.
Is there an application fee for Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship?
Round 1 of Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship does not require a separate scholarship application fee. Applicants only need to complete the process as instructed after receiving confirmation of unconditional admission to an eligible program.
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