Apply for the 2026 World Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP) — a prestigious opportunity for young leaders to join the World Bank, IFC, or MIGA. Open to highly qualified candidates with a master’s or doctoral degree.

Keep reading to learn  more about the eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply for this World Bank Young Professionals Program

Also check:2025 Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme

Quick Summary of 2026 World Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP)

Company/Host	WBG
Category	Grants/Internships
Title	2026 World Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP)
Location	Washington D.C., USA (Headquarters) or Country Offices
Benefits	Competitive Salary | Benefits & Packages | Employment
Location:	ECOWAS Institutions, West Africa
End Date:	September 30, 2025

About the World Bank Young Professionals Program

The Young Professionals Program (YPP) of the World Bank is the most prestigious entry-level recruitment effort for young professionals who are highly qualified and come from all over the world.  

Young People’s Program (YPP) is a program that is jointly administered by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). 

The program’s objective is to cultivate future global leaders who are dedicated to eliminating poverty, enhancing shared prosperity, and addressing global challenges through the implementation of innovative development solutions.

Successful applicants will be offered positions as Young Professionals (YPs) at one of the World Bank Group institutions. 

These positions are full-time staff members with a contract that is renewable for a period of five years. YPs will get extensive training, opportunities for professional development, and exposure to the world.

Eligibility Requirements

• A master’s degree is required, as well as two to six years of professional job experience.
• Nationality in a World Bank Group member nation, as evidenced by your officially issued passport or equivalent document. 
• Before September 1, 2026, you must have completed a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, as well as a higher qualification in that field.  If you are seeking a PhD, full-time doctoral research studies in a relevant field at a recognized university may count toward the required job experience. The degree must be substantially complete, with all written work submitted by September 1, 2026. 
• Excellent spoken and written English skills (fluency in other languages may be favorable to your application). 
• You are not a World Bank Group staff member (this includes staff with term, open, ST, and ET appointments), and you are not barred from applying or joining the program by the employment eligibility policy at the time of application to the Young Professionals Program.  
• If you are a JPA or a former Bank intern, you can apply this year (interns’ appointments must terminate on or before September 30, 2025).

What You’ll Do

As a young professional, you will:

•  Manage and assist difficult development initiatives.
•  Provide policy analysis and advising services.
•  collaborate with global experts and stakeholders.
•  Travel abroad for project work and field visits.
•  Contribute to significant changes across sectors and regions.

Compensation and Benefits

• A salary that is competitive and tax-free (based on the WBG pay scale)
•  Insurance for health, life, and accidents
•  Pension plan and retirement plan
•  Help in moving and getting around
•  Paid holidays and vacation days every year
•  Reimbursement for education and language training (if appropriate)

Contract Start Date and Terms.

• The Young Professionals Program does not offer deferred admission, and you must be ready to begin full-time employment with the World Bank Group on September 1, 2026. 
• If you are accepted into the Young Professionals Program, your offer will include a 2-year term contract as a mid-career staff member (GF level), which could be followed by a 5-year renewable contract based on performance. 
• You may also be eligible for a G-type visa for yourself and your dependents. 
• You may be based in Washington, DC or one of the World Bank Group’s country offices throughout the world, and you must be willing to relocate accordingly.

 Application Process

• The application site will be open from September 1, 2025 until September 30, 2025 at 11:59 UTC (late applications will not be considered). 
• Please have the following ready to upload when you submit your application: 
• Your CV/resume (preferably one page but no more than two pages) 
• The passport photo page helps establish your birth date and primary nationality.
• Transcript(s) or enrollment letter(s) confirming your postgraduate educational degrees and (anticipated) completion dates 
•  Make sure your work program choice is fully supported in your application by your demonstrated abilities, education, and experience. 
• Successful candidates are likely to be invited to interviews and assessments between December 2025 and January 2026. 
• We expect to notify the selected individuals in late January 2026.

Required Documents

Applicants for this program must submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Academic Transcripts (unofficial accepted at the time of application)
3. Short Essays on motivation, development challenges, and institutional alignment
4. Proof of Citizenship
5. Ph.D. Dissertation Abstract (if applicable)

Why Join the World Bank YPP?

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven workforce
• Collaborate with global leaders in development, finance, and innovation
• Make a real impact on poverty reduction and sustainable development
• Build a long-term career with unparalleled learning opportunities

How to Apply for 2026 World Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP)

Applications must be submitted online via the official World Bank YPP portal: