JJ/WBGSP 2027: World Bank Graduate Scholarship for Master's Degrees

The JJ/WBGSP is a World Bank graduate scholarship for master's study in economics and in public policy and governance. It is meant for people who already work in development, and it pays the main costs of the degree for those selected.

Who can apply

Eligibility follows a fixed list of countries. Most African countries are on the 2027 list, but not all of them, so check your own nationality on the official list before you invest time in an application.

You need at least 3 years of paid, development-related work experience. Admission comes first: the link to the scholarship application form is only sent to candidates admitted unconditionally to one of the partner master's programmes and shortlisted by that university. The programme must also be outside your country of citizenship and your country of residence.

What the scholarship covers

A JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance and a travel allowance. Ask your admitting university about living costs in its city, so you know how far the monthly stipend will stretch.

Deadline

This listing follows Application Window 1, which opens on 18 January 2027 and closes on 26 February 2027. The window is not open yet, so use the coming months to secure your place on a partner programme.

Before you apply

Confirm that your chosen master's programme is one of the partner programmes, and apply for admission well ahead of the window so that your offer arrives in time. Gather proof of your professional experience and your academic records early. Scholars commit to returning to their home country after the degree, so be ready to explain how you will use it there.