As of April 27, 2026, the scholarship cycle for economists is now in a peak phase for the 2026/27 academic year. The “Gold Standard” Fully Funded Fellowships for 2027/28 are starting to open their portals for planning. Today, most of the high-level programmes involve economists in Development, Sustainability and Globalisation.
Following are the flagship funding opportunities that are either currently open or gearing up for the next cycle:
1. World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) 2026
This is the premier fully funded career track for development professionals (including economists) from World Bank member countries.
- The Award is fully funded (tuition, monthly stipend for living expenses, round-trip economy airfare and medical insurance).
- • • Status: Application window 2 is open now.
- • • Closing date: 29 May 2026
- • • Must possess a bachelor’s degree received at least three years ago and three years of paid experience in development-related work.
- • • Focus: Applicants must be applying for a Master’s programme in a development-related discipline at a participating university.
2. DAAD: International and Development Economics (MIDE) 2027
The DAAD scholarship is offered to professionals from developing countries, particularly economists interested in Germany, through the MIDE programme at HTW Berlin.
- • • • The Prize: Monthly stipend of €934, travel allowance and health insurance.
- • • Current Status: Applications opening soon for April 2027 intake
- Scholarship Application Due: August 31, 2026.
- • • – First-cycle university degree with a minimum of 15 ECTS credits in Economics and at least two years’ work experience after graduation.
- Application: From July 1, 2026 via the online portal of the HTW Berlin.
3. Erasmus Mundus: Economics of Globalisation and European Integration (EGEI)
A prestigious multi-country Master’s programme for economists, with a specialisation in international trade and globalisation.
- The Award: Total tuition waiver, monthly allowance of €1,000, contribution to travel and installation costs (up to a total of €7,000).
- 2027 Intake Status: The portals for the 2027/28 intake will open in late 2026.
- • • Note: 15 scholarships were awarded for the 2026/27 cycle. Please submit your Motivation Letter (25% weight) and University Career documentation (40% weight) in advance.
4. Chevening Scholarships in UK for 2027/28
The UK Government’s flagship leadership programme. Many economists do an MA in Economics, Finance or Applied Development Economics and use it as a stepping stone.
- The award covers full tuition, a monthly stipend for living costs and return flights.
- We expect the Cycle Planning Portal to open on August 5, 2026.
- At least two years’ working experience and a strong desire to return home and lead economic development.
- Tip: Start looking for three courses at UK universities now. You will need to have an unconditional offer from one by July 2027.
5. PhD | Gates Cambridge: This is fore Scholarship 2027
For graduate study in Economics at the University of Cambridge.
- The Award: Full tuition, maintenance allowance of approx. £20,000 and travel. The total over this 1 year can be greater than £70,000.
- 2027 Planning Status: Applications usually open in September 2026.
- Deadline: December 2026 (for entry 2027)
- Requirement: A strong academic background and a clear research story that addresses a specific global problem.
6. The 2026 Top Economist Playbook
If you want to win a competitive economics scholarship this year, you need to put “Quantitative Impact” first:
- “Offer First” Rule: For World Bank and many DAAD programmes, your scholarship application is not valid without an unconditional offer from the university. Get your admission files in order in the next 30 days.
- Quantify Your Career: In 2026, generalities are tossed out. Don’t say, “I’m an economist. Say, “I did a fiscal analysis that found a 5% budget inefficiency” or “I managed a $2M portfolio of development aid.
- SDG Alignment: Align your research/career goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) or Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
- Standardised tests: Take the GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS by October 2026 for top European and US programmes. For many merit-based scholarships for the class of 2027, these are often the first filter.
7. Key Deadlines Schedule (May/August 2026)
- The date for the World Bank JJ/WBGSP (Window 2) is May 29, 2026.
- • • DAAD MIDE (scholarship): 31 August 2026.
- • • The 2027 Cycle of Chevening begins on 5 August 2026.
- Gates Cambridge 2027 Opens Sept 2026.
- Erasmus Mundus EGEI: Open late 2026