The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for early-career professionals in international development. Designed for highly qualified individuals with a passion for ending poverty and building shared prosperity on a livable planet, the program opens doors to careers across the World Bank Group’s five institutions: the – IBRD and IDA (the World Bank), IFC, MIGA, and ICSID.

With operations in over 130 countries and staff from more than 170 nationalities, the World Bank Group is a truly global platform for young professionals who want to drive systemic change.

Why Apply to the Fully Funded WBG YPP?

• Opportunity to work on global development challenges such as poverty reduction, climate change, education, social protection, and inclusive economic growth

• A two-year leadership development program with professional training, mentoring, and rotational assignments

• A fully funded opportunity, covering salary, relocation, health insurance, pension, and family support benefits

• Career growth within the World Bank Group: after the initial two-year term, successful participants may transition to a five-year renewable contract (GF level)

• Work in Washington, D.C. or World Bank Group offices worldwide, with global mobility support

WBG YPP Work Program Tracks

Work Programs

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum master’s degree with 2 – 6 years professional working experience.
• Nationality of a World Bank Group member country as demonstrated by your officially issued passport or equivalent document.
• Completion of a masters-level degree or equivalent in a relevant field, or a higher qualification in a relevant field, before September 1, 2026. If you are pursuing a doctorate, full-time doctoral research studies in a relevant field at an accredited institution may count towards the required work experience, and the degree must be substantially complete with all the written work submitted before September 1, 2026.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English language (fluency in other languages might be advantageous to your application).
• You are not a World Bank Group staff member nor are you precluded to apply or join the program by the employment eligibility policy from the time of application to the Young Professionals Program.
• You do not hold an ET or ST contract in the Bank.
• You may apply this year if you are a JPA or a former Bank intern (interns should have their appointment end date on or before September 30, 2025).

Recruitment Timeline

• Application Period: September 1 – September 30, 2025 (11:59 PM UTC)

• Assessments & Interviews: December 2025 – January 2026

• Final Selections Announced: Late January 2026

• Program Start Date: September 1, 2026 (no deferrals permitted)

Application Process

• The application portal opens on September 1, 2025 and closes on September 30, 2025 at 11:59 UTC (late applications will not be considered).
• Please have the following ready to upload at the time of your application:
  • Your CV/resume (ideally 1 page and no longer than 2 pages)
  • Passport photo page to help confirm your birth date and primary nationality
  • Transcript(s) or enrollment letter(s) to confirm your post-graduate educational degrees and (expected) completion dates
• Be sure your work program selection is clearly supported in your application by your demonstrated skills, education, and experience.
• Successful candidates are expected to be invited to interviews and assessments in December 2025 through January 2026.
• We plan to inform the selected candidates in late-January 2026.

Comprehensive Benefits

The WBG YPP is fully funded and provides an attractive benefits package, including:

• Annual Leave: 26 vacation days per year

• Sick Leave: 15 days annually

• Parental Leave: 100 days for primary caregivers and 50 days for secondary caregivers

• Relocation & Mobility Support: Assistance for internationally recruited staff and their families

• Insurance Coverage: Health, life, disability, and worker’s compensation

• Pension Plan: Contributions from both the staff and the World Bank Group

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements, telecommuting, reduced schedules, and job sharing options

• Health & Wellness Services: On-site clinics, health promotion programs, fitness centers, and lactation rooms

• Childcare Support: Access to childcare facilities at certain locations, including Washington, D.C.

Application Materials

Prepare the following documents before submitting your application:

• CV/Resume (1–2 pages)

• Passport bio page (to verify date of birth and nationality)

• Graduate degree transcripts or enrollment letters confirming completion by September 1, 2026

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Useful Links 

• Eligibility Requirements
• Contract Start Date and Terms
• Application Process
• FAQs

Final Thoughts

The World Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2025 offers a fully funded pathway into international development for emerging leaders. With global assignments, professional development, and comprehensive benefits, it is an unparalleled opportunity for early- to mid-career professionals ready to make an impact.

Applications are open September 1–30, 2025. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this program could be your gateway to a rewarding career at the World Bank Group.