Applications are now open for the WBG Pioneers 2026 cohort: World Bank Group’s premier internship program (paid hourly salary)

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Closing Date: 17 February 2026

Applications are now open for the WBG Pioneers 2026 cohort: World Bank Group’s premier internship program (paid hourly salary)

Join the World Bank Group’s premier internship program! The World Bank Group Pioneers is officially open for applications!

WBG Pioneers is the World Bank Group’s premier internship program. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, engage in impactful projects, and contribute to meaningful global development work.

Applications for the WBG Pioneers 2026 will be accepted online from January 19th 2026 through February 17th 2026. Apply now and take the next bold step in your

About The WBG Pioneers Program

World Bank Group Pioneers is the World Bank Group’s premier internship program, offering undergraduate and postgraduate students structured learning and practical experience. As a participant, you will engage in impactful projects, contribute to meaningful work, and gain direct exposure to the mission and operations of the World Bank Group.

Why Apply for the WBG Pioneers internship?

If you are looking to gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful global development work, the WBG Pioneers offers a unique opportunity. World Bank welcome candidates 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).

As an intern, you will 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. You will 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, you will receive an hourly salary. Interns are responsible for their own accommodations. Driven by business needs, internship opportunities are based in Washington, D.C., and World Bank Group country offices.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the WBG Pioneers internship, you should meet the following criteria. If you are applying for the Undergraduate Track, you should be a final-year undergraduate student. For the Postgraduate Track, you should be a graduate student currently pursuing a master’s degree or a Ph.D. In both tracks, you may have 0 to 6 years of professional experience. Strong computing and other technical skills will also strengthen your application.

World Bank values diversity and encourage all qualified individuals with diverse professional and academic backgrounds to apply. World Bank aim to attract the best talent in the world.

What is the application process?

You will be asked to upload the following documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Statement of Interest, and Proof of Enrollment/Education Transcript. For the Undergraduate Track, your transcript should clearly indicate that you are a final year bachelor’s student. For the Postgraduate Track, your transcript should clearly indicate that you are pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Apply here for: Undergraduate Track (Bachelor’s)

Apply here for Postgraduate Track (Master’s / Ph.D.)

Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make changes or updates. You will receive an email confirmation with your application number.

When will I know if I have been selected?

You will be notified by March 2026 if you 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.