The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) 2026 offers talented graduate students from eligible developing countries the chance to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in development-related fields while relieving financial strain. This prestigious programme, supported by the Government of Japan and the World Bank, includes scholarships for programmes hosted or associated with Erasmus University Rotterdam, such as those at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) in the Netherlands.

About the World Bank Graduate Scholarship

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme (JJ/WBGSP) was launched to support individuals with strong academic records, relevant professional experience, and a commitment to contribute to social and economic development in their home countries. It funds studies in selected graduate programmes in the Netherlands and other participating countries that align with development-oriented themes such as urban management, policy, social sciences, and related disciplines.

This scholarship is competitive and only available for those admitted to a participating master’s program, for example, the MA in Development Studies at ISS or MSc in Urban Management and Development at IHS, and who meet the joint eligibility criteria.

Why Choose The World Bank Graduate Scholarship?

This scholarship allows you to pursue a world-class postgraduate education without financial barriers and prepares you to make lasting contributions in development and policy fields. You will:

  • Study at an internationally recognised Dutch research university and associated institutes.
  • Receive full financial support, including tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance.
  • Gain knowledge and skills to solve complex challenges in public policy, urban development, economics, and related sectors.
  • Expand your professional network with peers and global leaders in development.

World Bank Graduate Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Netherlands
  • Host Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam / ISS / IHS (participating graduate units)
  • Scholarship Name: Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
  • Study Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
  • Coverage:
    • Full tuition fees
    • Monthly stipend for living expenses
    • Round-trip airfare between the home country and the Netherlands
    • Health insurance
    • Travel allowance
  • Application Window: Varies by nationality and round (e.g., Window 1 & Window 2 in 2026)
  • Programme Start: Autumn 2026 (typical academic year for participating programmes)
  • Eligible Applicants: Citizens of World Bank member developing countries with relevant work experience and admission into a participating master’s programme abroad

Scholarship Benefits

  • Cover your full tuition fees at the host institute for the duration of your degree.
  • Provide a monthly living allowance to support your day-to-day costs.
  • Fund round-trip international airfare to and from your home country.
  • Cover health insurance during your studies.
  • Offer a travel allowance to ease relocation and mobility costs.

Important: You typically must attend and complete the participating master’s programme to retain the scholarship. Award details and amounts may vary depending on the host country and specific programme.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

  • Be a national of a World Bank member developing country and not hold dual citizenship with a developed country.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) completed at least three years before the application deadline.
  • Have relevant professional experience (often full-time employment of 3+ years in a development-related field).
  • Demonstrate good health (as required by the programme).
  • Secure unconditional admission (or equivalent offer) to one of the JJ/WBGSP participating graduate programmes (such as a development-focused master’s).
  • Commit to returning to your home country after graduation to apply your skills in development practice.

Required Documents

While exact requirements vary by programme and cohort, you generally prepare:

  • Official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
  • Proof of admission to a participating master’s programme.
  • CV or résumé highlighting your work history and achievements.
  • Professional references that attest to your development-related experience.
  • Statement of purpose outlining your goals and contribution plan.
  • Any additional documents required by the World Bank application portal.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Identify a participating program, such as the MA in Development Studies or the MSc in Urban Management at ISS/IHS.
  2. Apply for admission and receive an unconditional offer before the scholarship deadline.
  3. Once admitted, complete the JJ/WBGSP application via the World Bank online system during the appropriate application window.
  4. Upload all required documents and meet eligibility checks.
  5. Submit your application by the published round deadlines (often between March and May).
  6. Await selection results and, if successful, receive your scholarship offer.
  7. Accept your award and prepare for study in the Netherlands (visa, travel, accommodation).