Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

In short

The World Bank’s JJ/WBGSP funds Master's study in development-related programmes at participating universities in the USA, Europe, Japan and Africa. It is fully funded. Somali applicants are likely eligible, but must confirm Somalia is on the official eligible-country list.

What it covers

It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, economy-class travel, and basic medical insurance. Family members are not covered.

• Tuition feesIncluded
• Living allowanceIncluded
• TravelIncluded
• Health insuranceIncluded
• Visa costsNot stated
• AccommodationNot stated
• FamilyNot included

Economy-class air travel between your home country and the host university at the start and end of the programme plus a US$600 travel allowance per trip, tuition, basic medical insurance and a monthly subsistence allowance. Family members are not covered.

Only what the official source states. "Not stated" means we could not confirm it, not that it is excluded.

Who can apply

It is for nationals of eligible developing countries who meet the degree and work requirements and have an unconditional admission offer to a participating programme. Somali applicants should confirm their eligibility on the official page.

• Be a national of an eligible World Bank member developing country.
• Do not hold dual citizenship in a developed country.
• Have a bachelor's degree earned at least three years before the deadline.
• Have at least three years of paid development-related work after your bachelor's degree.
• Be employed when you apply.
• Hold an unconditional offer from a participating master's programme.

Academic requirement

A bachelor's degree earned at least three years before the application deadline, and an unconditional admission offer to a participating master's programme.

Work experience

At least three years of paid development-related employment after the bachelor's degree, and employed when you apply.

Selection

Applications are scored against the published criteria; the award requires admission to a participating programme.

English requirement

The university decides

JJ/WBGSP does not set an English test requirement. The university decides its English admission requirements, and you need an unconditional admission offer.

The participating university's admission decides; JJ/WBGSP requires the unconditional admission offer.

Never assume IELTS is needed. Only the official page and the university you apply to decide.

Documents you will need

• Application form
• Recommendation (reference) letters
• Proof of work experience
• Admission offer from a university

Online application, two professional recommendations, proof of employment and the admission letter from the participating programme.

How to apply

1. 1Check the official eligible-country list and confirm that Somalia qualifies.
2. 2Review the participating programmes and choose one that fits your study plans.
3. 3Apply to the participating programme and obtain an unconditional admission offer.
4. 4Prepare the application form, two professional recommendations, proof of employment, and admission letter.
5. 5Submit the online application during the correct window for your programme.
6. 6For Window 1, apply from 18 January to 26 February 2027.
7. 7For Window 2, apply from 29 March to 21 May 2027.

Important notes

• Window 1 and Window 2 have different participating programmes.
• The award is highly competitive, with many applicants and a limited number of awards.
• Family members are not covered by the funding.

Official source

ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.

The explanation was written by AI from the verified facts and the official page, then checked by fixed rules: any amount, date, score or document the source does not state is removed.