Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme

Scholarship overview

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to nationals of eligible developing countries with relevant professional experience and a history of supporting their countries’ development efforts who are applying to a master' degree program in a development-related topic. 

Applicants should also hold a bachelors degree (or equivalent) for at least 3 years prior to applying.

Subject to available funding, JJ/WBGSP offers scholarships for 41 Participating Master’s Programs in 24 universities in the US, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Japan in key areas of development, including economic policy management, tax policy, and infrastructure management.

Please note that if you are not admitted to one of these 41 Participating Master’s Programs, you are not eligible to apply for a JJ/WBGSP Scholarship in 2026.

We are delighted that our MSc Economics and MSc Development Economics (with Finance as an exit pathway) are on the list of their participating programs. 

Eligible programmes

How to apply

Step 1

Apply for your programme. To apply for a postgraduate course, please see Taught Masters applications.

Step 2

Submit your expression of interest by 12 noon UK local time on 25 March 2026 via the online application form.

Step 3

The first stage of shortlisting is completed by SOAS University of London. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will then be sent the link to apply via the JJ/WBGSP website. 

Please note that the link to the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application form will only be communicated to you by the SOAS Scholarships Office provided you are shortlisted by the university in March.

You can find full guidance on how to apply for this scholarship on the JJ/WBGSP website.

Use of AI

Applicants should not use generative AI tools to write their scholarship application statements. You may, however, use AI tools to check grammar and spelling or to help you plan the structure of your statements. For further guidance on appropriate AI use, please refer to the following SOAS webpage: SOAS issues guidance to students on the use of AI.

Contact

For more information about how to apply to study at SOAS and updates on your applicant, please contact mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk.

For other queries on how to apply, please contact SOAS at scholarships@soas.ac.uk.

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