World Bank Group launches pioneers internship program for students

Applications are invited for the World Bank Group Pioneers internship program, offering undergraduate and postgraduate students structured learning and practical experience.

Participants will engage in impactful projects, contribute to meaningful work, and gain direct exposure to the mission and operations of the World Bank Group. The program offers a unique opportunity for those looking to gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful global development work.

Those with interests in operations and support functions across a wide range of areas, including economics, investment, investment portfolio management, human development (public health, education, nutrition, and population), social sciences (anthropology, sociology), agriculture, environment, engineering, urban planning, natural resources management, private sector development, and corporate support (accounting, communications, human resources, information technology, and finance) are encouraged to apply.

Interns can actively contribute to ongoing projects and initiatives across different areas of the World Bank Group, such as health, education, economics, environment, agriculture, urban development, transport, digital, energy, private sector development, and corporate support functions and also gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and work closely with colleagues, learning how the organization supports global development goals.

In addition to valuable professional development, interns will receive an hourly salary. Interns are responsible for their own accommodations. Details of the Internships available with details are given at https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/WBG-Pioneers

Internship opportunities are based in Washington, D.C., and World Bank Group country offices. Internships can range between 4 weeks and 6 months.

There are two tracks of application- Undergraduate Track and Postgraduate Track,

Eligibility: For Undergraduate Track, applicant should be a final-year Undergraduate student. For the Postgraduate Track, applicant should be a Graduate student currently pursuing a Master’s degree or a Ph.D.

In both tracks, those with no experience to maximum of 6 years of professional experience can apply. Strong computing and other technical skills will also strengthen one’s application.

Once application is submitted applicant will not be able to make changes or updates. He/she will receive an email confirmation with application number.

Applicant will be notified by March 2026 if applicant will be invited for an interview. Selections will be made in March 2026. WBG Pioneers 2026 cohort will start in April 2026. The internship period is from April to September, with interns starting anytime within this period.

Application can be submitted online at https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/WBG-Pioneers

The documents to be uploaded as part of the application is given at the website. They include Curriculum Vitae (CV), Statement of Interest, and Proof of Enrolment/Education Transcript. For the Undergraduate Track, transcript should clearly indicate that applicant is a final year Bachelor’s student. For the Postgraduate Track, the transcript should clearly indicate that applicant is pursuing a Master’s degree or Ph.D. All including international students who have proper visa and authorization to work in the duty station are eligible to apply.

Applications will be accepted online till February 17th, 2026.