World Bank Explorer Scholarship 2026
The World Bank Group has launched applications for its 2026 Explorers Program, offering young professionals a paid two-year appointment with employee benefits, professional mentorship, and hands-on development project experience.
About the Program
This program offers considerably more than a typical summer internship. Successful applicants receive two-year, full-time Extended Term Consultant contracts with placement in World Bank Group country offices. Participants may work with the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, or Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, depending on selected positions.
Placements operate outside headquarters locations, giving participants direct exposure to development operations where projects are being planned, financed, or implemented. Consequently, this program particularly attracts young professionals seeking international experience in development economics, investment, digital transformation, agriculture, environmental policy, or public-sector reform.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected Explorers receive comprehensive support beyond a recognizable name on their résumés:
- Paid two-year World Bank Group appointment
- Salary funded through donor-supported Trust Funds
- Health insurance and leave benefits
- Mentorship from Task Team Leaders or managers
- Hands-on assignments connected to active operations
- Customized onboarding and cohort-based professional development
- International work experience in country offices
Compensation and contractual arrangements may vary according to role and duty station. However, the official program confirms both salary and benefits receive full funding.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the 2026 round must satisfy core conditions:
- Be UAE nationals
- Hold at least bachelor’s degrees
- Demonstrate English fluency
- Show strong interest in international development
- Possess analytical, writing, and communication skills
- Manage multiple assignments and deadlines effectively
- Work well in diverse international teams
- Remain willing to relocate and stay internationally mobile
- Show initiative, curiosity, innovation, and professional urgency
No universal age limit, mandatory graduation year, or fixed experience years apply. However, individual vacancies may include additional academic or professional requirements.
Selected candidates work on real World Bank Group assignments rather than classroom exercises. Participants may contribute to economic analysis, development-project planning, investment assessments, financial research, digital-transformation initiatives, agricultural operations, water-sector projects, environmental risk analysis, conservation programs, data collection, and government coordination.
How to Apply
Application Deadline
The final submission date for the World Bank Group Explorers Program 2026 is 31 July 2026. Successful candidates should join the annual program cycle around September 2026.
