Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
World Bank
- Where you study
- Varies · Participating master's programmes in the USA, Europe, Japan and Africa
- Study level
- Master's
Window 1: 18 January to 26 February 2027. Window 2: 29 March to 21 May 2027 (different participating programmes in each window).
Why: Somalia is a World Bank member developing country, which is the nationality rule; confirm Somalia in the eligible-country list of the official application guidelines before applying.
Nationals of World Bank member developing countries with a bachelor's degree earned at least three years before the deadline, at least three years of paid development-related work, employed at the time of application and holding an unconditional admission offer to a participating programme. Not for dual citizens of a developed country.
In short
The World Bank’s JJ/WBGSP funds Master's study in development-related programmes at participating universities in several regions. It is fully funded, and Somali applicants are likely eligible, but should confirm Somalia is on the official eligible-country list.
How competitive
Highly competitive
Very many applicants for a limited number of awards each year.
English requirement
The university decides
Fields of study
Development-related master's programmes at participating universities
What it covers
It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, economy-class travel to and from the host university, a US$600 travel allowance per trip, 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 World Bank member developing countries applying for a participating Master's programme. Applicants need a bachelor's degree earned at least three years before the deadline, three years of paid development-related work, current employment, and an unconditional admission offer.
- Be a national of a World Bank member developing country.
- Do not hold dual citizenship of 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 to 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 participating university decides its admission requirements, and you need an unconditional 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
- 1Read the official application guidelines and confirm Somalia is on the eligible-country list.
- 2Choose a participating development-related Master's programme and check its admission requirements.
- 3Apply to the programme and obtain an unconditional admission offer.
- 4Prepare the application form, two professional recommendations, proof of employment, and admission letter.
- 5Submit online during the application window for your participating programme.
- 6Check the published selection criteria and wait for the decision.
Prepare well
- Start early so you have time to secure your university offer and prepare your application.
- Ask your professional recommenders early and give them time to prepare their letters.
- Keep clear proof of your paid development-related work and current employment.
- Check the correct application window because participating programmes differ between windows.
Important notes
- Somali applicants should confirm Somalia appears on the official eligible-country list before applying.
- Window 1 runs from 18 January to 26 February 2027; Window 2 runs from 29 March to 21 May 2027.
- Family members are not covered by the scholarship.
- The award is highly competitive and requires admission to a participating programme.
Official source
ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.
Official page last checked 27 September 2026
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.