Got a 2:2 Degree Class? Erasmus University Rotterdam MSc Global Urban Change Can Lead to World Bank Scholarship Funding in 2027

Overview

Graduates holding a Second Class Lower degree have the opportunity to pursue fully funded master's studies in Europe through the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program. This funding is linked to the MSc Global Urban Change programme at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The academic programme focuses on global urban transformations, sustainable cities, spatial change, governance, policy, and the social and economic dimensions of urbanisation.

Who can apply

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship is intended for nationals of eligible developing countries, including candidates from African countries, who want to undertake graduate-level studies and return to contribute to development in their home countries. Applicants must check the World Bank list of eligible countries and programme requirements. For university admission, Erasmus University Rotterdam accepts applicants with a Second Class Lower degree or an equivalent qualification of 3.0/4.0. Additionally, candidates generally need at least three years of recent development-related paid work experience obtained after completing a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

What you get

Successful scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support for their master's studies. The funding covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, return economy-class air travel between the home country and the host university, a travel allowance, and health insurance.

Requirements

Applicants must complete two separate processes for university admission and scholarship selection. Candidates must first follow the application process for the eligible master's programme at Erasmus University Rotterdam and satisfy its academic requirements. Admission to the master's programme does not automatically result in a World Bank scholarship, and meeting the scholarship eligibility criteria does not replace the requirement to obtain university admission. Applicants must also satisfy the separate requirements of the World Bank scholarship programme, including the professional experience rule.

Key dates

University applications for the relevant master's programme are currently open. The 2027 World Bank scholarship application window runs from 29 March to 2027-05-21. Applicants should also monitor Erasmus University Rotterdam for the programme-specific admission deadline.