As of April 27, 2026, the scholarship cycle for economists is entering a peak phase for the 2026/27 academic year, while the “Gold Standard” fully funded fellowships for 2027/28 are opening their portals for planning. Now, most top-tier programmes have economists working on Development, Sustainability and Globalisation.
Below are the flagship funding opportunities that are currently open or gearing up for the next cycle:
1. World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) 2026
This is the premier fully funded path for development professionals (including economists) from World Bank member countries.
- The Award: Fully funded (tuition, monthly living stipend, round-trip economy airfare and medical insurance).
- • Status: Application Window 2 is now open.
- • The deadline is May 29, 2026.
- • Must have a bachelor’s degree awarded at least three years ago and at least three years of paid experience in development-related work.
- Focus: Applicants must be applying ftoa participating Master’s programme in a development-related discipline.
2. DAAD: International and Development Economics (MIDE) 2027
The DAAD scholarship is available to professionals from developing countries, especially economists with an interest in Germany, through the MIDE programme at HTW Berlin.
- • • The Award: Monthly stipend of €934, travel allowance and health insurance.
- • Current Status: Applications for April 2027 intake opening soon
- Scholarship Deadline: August 31, 2026.
- • – At least two years of professional experience after graduation and a first university degree with at least 15 ECTS credits in Economics.
- Portal: Applications are accepted from July 1, 2026 via the HTW Berlin online portal.
3. Erasmus Mundus: Economics of Globalisation and European Integration (EGEI)
A prestigious multi-country Master’s programme for economists, specialising in international trade and globalisation.
- The Award: Full tuition waiver, monthly allowance of €1,000, and contribution to travel and installation costs (maximum of €7,000 in total).
- 2027 Intake Status: Portals for the 2027/28 intake will open in late 2026.
- Note: 15 scholarships were awarded for the 2026/27 cycle. Submit your Motivation Letter (25% weight) and University Career documentation (40% weight) in advance.
4. Scholarships for Chevening in the UK for 2027/28
The UK Government’s premier leadership programme. Many economists do MAs in Economics, Finance or Applied Development Economics and use the programme as a stepping stone.
- The Award includes full tuition, a monthly living stipend, and return flights.
- 2027 Cycle Planning Portal opening expected on August 5, 2026.
- A minimum of two years’ work experience and a firm intention to return home and lead economic development.
- Tip: Start identifying three UK university programmes now. You will need an unconditional offer from one by July 2027.
5. PhD | Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027
For advanced research in economics at the University of Cambridge.
- The Award: Full cost of tuition, maintenance allowance of approx. £20,000, and travel. In any one year the total value can amount to over £70,000.
- 2027 Planning Status: Applications typically open September 2026.
- Deadline: December 2026 (for 2027 admission)
- Requirement: Strong academic background and a clear research storyline that addresses a specific global problem.
6. Economists’ Key Strategy for 2026
If you want to win a competitive economics scholarship this year, you must put “Quantitative Impact” first:
- “Offer First” Rule: If you are applying for the World Bank and many DAAD programmes, your scholarship application is invalid unless you have an unconditional offer from the university. Use the next 30 days to get your admission files in order.
- Quantify Your Career In 2026, generalities are ignored. 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: Ensure your research/career goals align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) or Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
- Standardised Tests: Full GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS test scores are required by October 2026 for top European and US programmes. These are often the first filter for many 2027 merit-based scholarships.
7. A list of important deadlines (May/August 2026)
- May 29, 2026, is the date for World Bank JJ/WBGSP (Window 2).
- DAAD MIDE (with Scholarship): 31 August, 2026.
- The Chevening 2027 Cycle starts on August 5, 2026.
- Gates Cambridge 2027 Opens in September 2026.
- Erasmus Mundus EGEI: Opens in late 2026.