Are you a professional from a developing country dreaming of advancing your career in development studies? The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers a fully funded master’s program at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in the Netherlands.
This scholarship is a golden opportunity to gain world-class education and return home to make a real impact on your country’s social and economic development.
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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host University | Erasmus University |
| Ranking | #140 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Eligible Nationalities | Citizen of a World Bank Member Developing Country |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Scholarship Duration | 1 to 1.5 Years |
| Deadline | Mentioned Below |
What the JJ/WBGSP Scholarship Covers
The scholarship takes care of most of your expenses, making it a worry-free experience:
- Tuition fees fully covered
- Airfare to and from your home country
- Monthly living allowance for accommodation and food
- Health insurance included
- Additional travel allowance
Also Check: Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarship at ITH Salzburg 2026
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must meet these requirements:
- Be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country
- Hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least 3 years ago
- Have 3+ years of paid, development-related work experience
- Currently be employed in a full-time, development-focused job
- Have an unconditional acceptance letter for the MA in Development Studies at ISS
Note: Dual citizenship with a developed country disqualifies applicants. The Mundus MAPP program is also not eligible.
Also Check: KTH Royal Institute of Technology Scholarship 2026 in Sweden
Key Deadlines You Must Know
- ISS academic application deadline: 1 March 2026
- JJ/WBGSP scholarship application (for nominated candidates): 15 May 2026
- Results announced: July 2026
Tip: Only 30 candidates can be nominated by ISS, so early application and preparation are essential!
Also Check: Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2026/27 | Study Master’s in the UK
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Check eligibility carefully
- Apply for MA admission at ISS before 1 March 2026
- Wait for nomination by ISS if you meet the criteria
- Submit your scholarship application online (email or postal submissions are not accepted)
- Ensure you apply to only one master’s program
Following this process increases your chances of success significantly.
Why This Scholarship Is a Game-Changer
- Fully funded: No tuition or living cost worries
- Prestigious: Open doors to global networks and career opportunities
- Impact-driven: Focused on professionals committed to developing their home countries
- Global exposure: Study in the Netherlands and gain international insights
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying abroad while making a difference, this is your chance.
