The Erasmus University Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) has opened applications for the 2026 intake. This prestigious opportunity is sponsored by the World Bank and the Government of Japan, targeting professionals with relevant experience who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in the development field. At Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the scholarship specifically funds the MA in Development Studies programme at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). The program is fully funded, covering tuition, travel, and a comprehensive monthly allowance. Recipients are required to return to their home country to contribute to its economic and social development. The deadline for academic admission to qualify for the scholarship is March 1, 2026.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS) |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Degree Level | Master’s Scholarships (Postgraduate) |
| Field of Study | MA in Development Studies |
| Funding | Full Scholarship (Tuition, Stipend, Travel, Insurance) |
| Eligible Countries | World Bank Member Developing Countries |
| Key Criteria | 3 years post-bachelor’s work experience, Acceptance to MA program, No dual citizenship |
| Application Deadline | March 1, 2026 (for academic admission) |
2026 Erasmus University Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Details
The JJ/WBGSP is a global program that awards scholarships to individuals from World Bank member countries, enabling them to undertake graduate studies at renowned universities. The selection process is highly competitive, focusing on professionals who demonstrate a clear commitment to development work and a potential to influence policy and practice in their home countries.
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The scholarship at Erasmus University is specifically tied to the ISS MA in Development Studies, a highly relevant program for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in economic and social development issues. The program covers many of the costs associated with studying abroad, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent high-potential candidates from pursuing this crucial education.
Benefits and Specific Fellowship Award Tiers
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship provides a comprehensive financial package, covering both academic fees and the full cost of living and travel.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Tuition, Airfare, and Monthly Allowance)
This tier ensures the core academic and living expenses are fully supported for the duration of the scholarship.
- Value: Tuition fees are fully covered for the MA in Development Studies program at Erasmus University.
- Criteria: Awarded to all accepted scholars for the academic program.
- Value: A monthly allowance is provided to cover living expenses (stipend).
- Criteria: Provided to cover daily costs for the scholar while studying in the Netherlands.
Tier 2: Mobility and Insurance Support
This category covers the essential logistical costs associated with international relocation and health security.
- Airfare (round-trip) is provided for travel between the home country and the Netherlands.
- Health insurance is covered for the scholar’s duration of study.
- Travel allowance (in addition to airfare) is provided to support relocation logistics.
Tier 3: Program Access and Professional Networking
These benefits stem from the prestige of the scholarship and the quality of the host institutions.
- Access to a Master’s degree in the development field at a renowned university in the Netherlands.
- Opportunity to join the global network of World Bank and Japanese government scholars.
- Development of specialized skills to contribute to the economic and social development of the home country upon return.
Eligibility Requirements for Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2026
This scholarship has strict criteria related to the applicant’s nationality, professional experience, and application status for the academic program.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least three years prior to the application deadline.
- Must be employed in a full-time, paid, development-related position at the time of applying.
- Must have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience post-bachelor’s degree, acquired within the last six years (part-time work may also count, as specified in the FAQs).
- Study Status: Must be in good health.
- Visa Status: Must be a national of a World Bank member developing country and must not hold dual citizenship with a developed country.
- Program Admission: Must have an acceptance letter for the ISS MA in Development Studies programme by the application deadline.
How to Apply for Erasmus University Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires two distinct but parallel steps: securing academic admission first, and then applying for the scholarship.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the strict eligibility criteria, particularly those concerning nationality, work experience, and degree acquisition date.
- Apply for Academic Admission: Apply for and secure an unconditional admission to the MA in Development Studies program via the university’s application page before March 1, 2026. This admission is mandatory to qualify for the scholarship.
- Await ISS Instructions: Await further instructions from the ISS Admissions Office after applying for academic admission.
- Complete Scholarship Application: Complete and submit the JJ/WBGSP scholarship application online. Remember: applicants can only apply for one master’s program when applying for this scholarship; submitting multiple scholarship applications will result in disqualification.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which specific Master’s program is covered by the JJ/WBGSP at Erasmus University?
The scholarship specifically covers the MA in Development Studies program offered by the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) at Erasmus University.
2. Is the scholarship available to all international students?
No, the scholarship is exclusively available to professionals who are nationals of a World Bank member developing country and who do not hold dual citizenship with a developed country.
3. What is the minimum amount of professional experience required for this scholarship?
Applicants must have at least three years of paid, development-related work experience acquired after obtaining their bachelor’s degree and within the last six years.
4. Is securing academic admission to the MA program mandatory before applying for the scholarship?
Yes, to qualify for the scholarship, applicants must secure an unconditional acceptance letter for the MA in Development Studies program by the application deadline of March 1, 2026.
5. What are the key expenses covered by the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, health insurance, a monthly allowance for living expenses, and a travel allowance.
6. What is the latest date an applicant could have obtained their bachelor’s degree to be eligible?
The bachelor’s degree must have been obtained at least three years prior to the application deadline (March 1, 2026), meaning roughly before March 1, 2023.
7. What is the consequence of submitting multiple applications for the JJ/WBGSP scholarship?
Submitting multiple scholarship applications (i.e., applying for more than one Master’s program under this scheme) will result in disqualification.
8. What is the condition regarding the scholar’s actions after completing the program?
Recipients are required to return to their home country to contribute to its economic and social development.
9. What specific document must be obtained from the ISS Admissions Office during the process?
Applicants must wait for further instructions from the ISS Admissions Office after applying for the academic admission before submitting the final scholarship application.
10. Does the scholarship cover the costs of the required English proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS)?
The provided details do not explicitly state whether IELTS is required or covered, but since “No IELTS Required” is not listed in the summary, candidates should verify the language requirements with the MA program, though the scholarship benefits listed do not specify covering test fees.
