The World Bank Group Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) 2026 is a flagship leadership development program for highly qualified young professionals interested in international development and global development challenges.
The program provides an opportunity to begin a career with the World Bank Group while gaining professional experience across the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
Selected participants take part in a structured two-year development program that combines professional assignments, technical training, leadership development, coaching, mentorship, and international work experience.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Bank Group |
| Program | Young Professionals Program (YPP) |
| Program Type | Leadership Development / Career Program |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Career Tracks | Operations and Specialized Functions |
| Rotations | 3 rotations of approximately 8 months each |
| Country Office Experience | At least 1 rotation |
| Location | Washington, DC and other locations as required |
| Eligible Applicants | International applicants meeting the requirements |
| Applications Open | 1 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026, 11:59 PM UTC |
| Program Start | September 2027 |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
About the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program
The Young Professionals Program is designed for talented professionals who want to build a career in international development and contribute to addressing complex development challenges around the world.
Participants receive exposure to different areas of the World Bank Group's work while developing their technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional networks.
The program offers opportunities to work across World Bank Group institutions, including the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA.
What Does the Program Offer?
The two-year leadership development program includes:
- Three rotations, each lasting approximately eight months
- At least one rotation in a country office
- Technical and leadership training
- Coaching and mentorship
- Opportunities to work with senior leaders
- Exposure to different areas of global development
- Professional experience across World Bank Group institutions
- Development of technical and leadership skills
- International work experience
The program has two main career tracks:
Operations
The Operations track focuses on work connected to development operations and the World Bank Group's efforts to support countries in addressing development challenges.
Specialized Functions
The Specialized Functions track provides opportunities in specialist areas that support the World Bank Group's global development work.
Who Should Apply?
The program is intended for highly qualified professionals who have relevant graduate-level education, professional experience, and a strong interest in international development.
It may be particularly relevant to professionals seeking a long-term international career in development, economics, finance, public policy, infrastructure, social development, private sector development, or other areas relevant to the World Bank Group.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Hold a graduate-level degree relevant to the position
- Have between 2 and 6 years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate strong English language skills
- Meet the World Bank Group's employment eligibility requirements
- Be willing to work in Washington, DC and/or other locations as required
There is no age limit for the Young Professionals Program.
Applicants should also carefully review the specific eligibility and position requirements provided by the World Bank Group before submitting an application.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to provide supporting information and documents as part of the application, including:
- CV or resume
- Passport photo page
- Academic documentation
- Two written statements, each of up to 400 words
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted is accurate and that their documents clearly demonstrate their education, professional experience, skills, and suitability for the program.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program:
- Visit the official World Bank Group Young Professionals Program webpage.
- Review the current program information and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your CV, academic documentation, passport photo page, and written statements.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents and statements.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications for the World Bank Group Young Professionals Program 2026 opened on 1 September 2026.
The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC.
The program is scheduled to begin in September 2027.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a qualified young professional interested in international development and looking for a structured pathway into a global development career, review the official World Bank Group information carefully and prepare your application before the deadline.
APPLY NOW
