The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded master’s scholarships for students from developing nations. Offered through a partnership between the Japanese Government and the World Bank, it funds one or two-year master’s programmes in development-related fields at 44 participating universities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Japan. Nepal is an eligible country.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) |
| Host Countries | USA, UK, Europe, Japan, Africa (44 universities) |
| Study Level | Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Window 2 Deadline | 29 May 2026 |
| Eligible Country | Nepal ✓ |
| Official Website | worldbank.org |
What Does JJ/WBGSP Cover?
- Full tuition: All university fees paid directly
- Monthly living stipend: Sufficient to cover accommodation and living costs in the host country
- Round-trip airfare: Economy class from Nepal to the university and return
- Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of study
- Travel allowance: Additional support for programme-related travel
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen of an eligible developing country (Nepal qualifies)
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in development work
- Bachelor’s degree completed
- Must already hold unconditional admission to one of the 44 participating master’s programmes before applying to JJ/WBGSP
- Currently employed — applicants must have a position to return to, or a credible plan to contribute to development in Nepal
- Not be a current World Bank Group or IMF employee
Eligible Fields of Study
JJ/WBGSP focuses on development-related disciplines, including:
- Economic policy and financial management
- Public administration and governance
- Agriculture and rural development
- Infrastructure management and engineering
- Environmental science and climate change
- Public health and health systems
- Education policy
- Urban development and planning
A full list of the 44 participating universities and programmes is available on the World Bank scholarships page.
How to Apply
- First: secure admission. Apply to and receive unconditional admission from one of the 44 JJ/WBGSP-affiliated universities.
- Then apply to JJ/WBGSP via the World Bank online portal during Window 2 (before 29 May 2026)
- Submit: admission letter, academic transcripts, statement of purpose, 2 reference letters, and CV
- Selection is merit-based; results are announced within 8–10 weeks
Participating Universities (Selected)
- Harvard Kennedy School (USA)
- Columbia University SIPA (USA)
- London School of Economics (UK)
- Graduate Institute Geneva (Switzerland)
- University of Tokyo (Japan)
- African School of Economics
- Sciences Po Paris (France)
Tips for Nepali Applicants
- The admission letter is non-negotiable. You cannot apply to JJ/WBGSP without it. Start your university applications at least 6–8 months before the scholarship deadline.
- Development experience is key. Applicants who have worked with NGOs, government ministries, or international organisations in Nepal have a strong competitive advantage.
- Your Statement of Purpose must be development-focused. Explain specifically how your degree will help Nepal’s development challenges — be concrete and use data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the scholarship competitive?
- Very. JJ/WBGSP receives thousands of applications globally and funds a limited number of scholars. Admission to a top-ranked programme and strong development credentials are essential.
- Can I apply if I am self-financing my degree?
- No. The scholarship requires that your only source of funding for the programme is JJ/WBGSP. You cannot combine it with other full scholarships.
- Is there a return obligation?
- JJ/WBGSP expects scholars to return to their home country and contribute to development. This is assessed during selection but is not legally enforced.
If you work in Nepal’s development sector and want a master’s degree at one of the world’s top universities, JJ/WBGSP is one of the most prestigious routes available. Window 2 closed 29 May 2026 — monitor the World Bank scholarships page for Window 3 or the next annual cycle.