The World Bank Group (WBG) has announced the launch of applications for its flagship WBG Pioneers Internship Programme 2026, inviting eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the globe to apply. The online application window is open until February 17, 2026, and interested candidates can submit their applications through the official World Bank Group website (worldbank.org).
The WBG Pioneers Internship is designed to offer a structured learning experience combined with hands-on professional exposure. The programme aims to provide meaningful professional experience to young talent interested in development-oriented work and institutional operations.
Through this internship, participants will have the opportunity to work across a wide range of operations and support functions. Key focus areas include economics, investment and portfolio management, human development—covering public health, education, nutrition, and population—along with social sciences such as anthropology and sociology. Opportunities are also available in agriculture, environment, engineering, urban planning, natural resource management, and private sector development, in addition to corporate support roles like accounting, communications, human resources, information technology, and finance.
Interns will actively contribute to ongoing projects across critical sectors of the World Bank Group, including health, education, economics, environment, agriculture, urban development, transport, digital development, energy, private sector growth, and internal corporate operations.
Eligibility Criteria
For the Undergraduate Track, applicants must be final-year undergraduate students at the time of application. For the Postgraduate Track, candidates should be currently enrolled in a master’s degree or PhD programme. Applicants under both tracks may have zero to six years of professional experience, and those with strong computing and technical skills will be given preference. The programme encourages applications from individuals with diverse academic disciplines and professional backgrounds, reflecting the World Bank Group’s commitment to inclusivity and global representation.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit their applications online along with the following documents:
For undergraduate candidates, the transcript must clearly indicate final-year bachelor’s status, while postgraduate applicants must provide documentation confirming enrolment in a master’s or PhD programme. Once the application is submitted, no edits or updates will be allowed. Candidates will receive an email confirmation with an application number after successful submission.
Selection Process
Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be informed by March 2026, and the final selection list is also expected to be released within the same month. The WBG Pioneers Internship 2026 cohort will commence in April 2026, with the programme running until September 2026. Interns may join at different points within this period, depending on organisational needs.
Selected candidates will receive an hourly stipend for the duration of the internship. However, interns are required to make their own arrangements for accommodation. Depending on operational requirements, internship positions may be based at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, DC, or at various country offices worldwide.
Find the direct application link here.