Fully Funded Erasmus University Rotterdam Scholarships 2026 – Joint Japan World Bank Program

For aspiring international development professionals, 2026 brings one of the most prestigious opportunities available: the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP). This fully funded scholarship supports talented candidates from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree abroad, covering tuition, airfare, living stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance. It’s not just financial aid—it’s a career-defining pathway to global leadership.

   

Building Future Development Leaders

The JJ/WBGSP was created to nurture the next generation of experts driving economic and social growth worldwide. Unlike traditional scholarships, it specifically targets professionals already working in development-related fields. Scholars gain world-class academic training and are required to return home after completing their degree, ensuring the knowledge and skills acquired directly benefit their countries.

This model strengthens national institutions, supports community development, and influences policy frameworks, making the program a powerful tool for long-term impact.

Eligible Program: MA in Development Studies at ISS

For the 2026 intake, applicants must secure admission to the MA in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), part of Erasmus University Rotterdam.

• The program is taught entirely in English.
• It attracts students from across continents, creating a diverse learning environment.
• It is one of the select master’s programs recognized by the JJ/WBGSP.

Note: The Mundus MAPP programme is not eligible under this scholarship.

Learn more about the program here: ISS – Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship.

Strict Eligibility Requirements for 2026

The JJ/WBGSP maintains firm eligibility criteria to ensure scholars have both experience and potential for impact. Applicants must:

• Be nationals of a World Bank member developing country.
• Not hold dual citizenship with any developed nation.
• Be employed full-time in a paid, development-related role.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before the application deadline.
• Possess at least three years of relevant professional experience within the past six years.
• Secure an official admission letter from ISS before nomination.

These requirements ensure that selected candidates are already contributing to development and can maximize the scholarship’s impact.

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Application Deadlines for 2026

Timing is critical. For the 2026 cycle:

• Academic application deadline (ISS): 1 March 2026
• JJ/WBGSP scholarship application deadline: 15 May 2026
• Final results announced: July 2026

ISS can nominate only 30 candidates, so applicants should prepare documents early and meet all requirements well before deadlines.

How the Application Process Works

1. Review eligibility criteria carefully to confirm you qualify.
2. Submit an academic application to ISS by 1 March 2026 to secure admission to the MA program.
3. Receive admission confirmation from ISS. Eligible applicants will be contacted to confirm interest in nomination.
4. Upload documents to the JJ/WBGSP portal. No email or postal submissions are accepted.
5. Avoid disqualification by applying to only one master’s program. Multiple applications lead to automatic rejection.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The JJ/WBGSP is more than financial support—it’s a launchpad for future leaders. Scholars gain:

• Access to internationally respected academic training.
• A global network of peers and mentors.
• Recognition as part of a prestigious program.
• The chance to directly influence development in their home countries.

For professionals committed to making a difference, this scholarship is a rare opportunity to combine academic excellence with real-world impact.

FAQs

What expenses does the scholarship cover? Tuition, airfare, living stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance are fully covered.

Can I apply if I hold dual citizenship? No. Applicants must not hold dual citizenship with any developed nation.

Is work experience required? Yes. At least three years of relevant professional experience within the past six years is mandatory.

Which program is eligible at Erasmus University Rotterdam? Only the MA in Development Studies at ISS is eligible.

When will results be announced? Final scholarship selection results are expected by July 2026.

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